Schools reopened in Zimbabwe on Monday after being shut for over six months since the coronavirus outbreak began, reported Africa News.
The Zimbabwe government had shut schools in March to prevent the spread of the pandemic, which has infected 7,816 people and resulted in 228 deaths. Since the outbreak started and physical classes were closed during the lockdowns, some schools introduced online lessons to ensure that students continue to learn from home.
Primary and secondary school children wore masks and applied sanitizer before entering classrooms on Monday. But, teachers were nowhere to be found as two unions went on strike on Monday over pay, working conditions and COVID-19 protective equipment.
Raymond Majongwe, secretary-general of the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, said teachers would return back to work as soon as the government agreed to their demands.
“They did not turn up for duty and its early days yet to come up with a conclusive position in terms of attendance but the most important point is that teachers are not happy, teachers can’t survive, teachers couldn’t come to work,” said Majongwe.
He said teachers in Zimbabwe’s government schools earn less than $50 a month and are demanding that they be paid at least $500 a month. Notably, pay has been eroded after Zimbabwe switched from the US dollar to using its local currency two years ago.
The government has decided to start locally-run Zimbabwe School Examination Council public examinations from December 1. A phased reopening of classes for all learners will be completed by November.
The reopening of schools comes at a time when most sectors of the economy have fully resumed operations following a relaxation of COVID-19 preventative measures.
Last week, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa assured parents and children that the government has taken adequate measures to ensure the safety of the children returning to schools.
