Yes, you guessed it! The Zimbabwean government has stated that schools will once again commence on the 15th of March 2021. You guessed it again! Amidst of businesses being allowed to resume, bars and nightclubs remain closed calling to mind the words from the popular song “Tangai bhawa”. But why wouldn’t everyone, especially parents, be happy with the reopening of schools?
Zimbabwe is counted as a country with one of the highest literacy rates in Africa. That in itself, arguably, reflects on the way the majority of the population values education. So why are most citizens sulking at this decision? Let’s dive into the reasoning behind those sentiments.
For starters, the already high unemployment rate in addition to the retention of many more people as a result of the lockdown measures, meant that a devastating number of Zimbabweans had and still have no income. Schools reopening has added an extra expense to their empty pockets. Where will they get the money for school fees? Where will they get the money for school uniforms? Where will they get money for the lunch their kids will be expected to carry?
Alright, maybe we can argue that since lockdown measures have been relaxed, people are now able to find ways to make the needed money and pay the fees. But, is it that easy to solve this problem? Well, to answer that question, consider the story of a little boy we will refer to as Nhamo who attends a primary school in Mufakose.
The announcement is made that schools will reopen. Nhamo’s parents are quick to act, mom borrows money so she can buy some stock for her “musika” and dad goes back to his job as a plumber. They raise the needed fees and Nhamo is able to go back to school. Or so they think.
Nhamo returns home on the first day of school to announce that he was told to only come back to school when he has paid school fees even from the previous terms he wasn’t in school due to the lockdown restrictions. Nhamo’s parents hadn’t been working then and now that they can work, they can only afford to live hand to mouth. It is almost impossible for them to raise that money.
The story of Nhamo is the story of Chipo, Patie, Tatenda and many other boys and girls in the country. No wonder many Zimbabwean parents are quivering at the idea of schools reopening at such a time.
However, there is the other part of the population that is able to handle the expenses that come with schools reopening. They have different worries. Will our children be safe from Covid19?
This concern was addressed by the government. Following a Cabinet meeting, information minister Monica Mutsvangwa stated that,
“There shall be rotational; school attendances in classes where learners cannot exercise social distancing. On days when children are not at school, learners would be engaged through strategies such as open distance learning and e-learning.”
Other measures such as checking of temperature and sanitizing are expected to be followed in school premises to mitigate the spread of the disease.
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