News / Press Release
Rural teachers union to host Mash East Indaba
09 Jun 2017 at 16:15hrs | Views
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) will tomorrow, 10 June 2017, host a Toda Kudyawo/ S'funa ukudla Teachers Forum in Marondera, Mashonaland East.
Top on the agenda of the indaba is to discuss the challenges faced by teachers in rural areas in the forced implementation of the 'Dokora curriculum' (also read as new curriculum). In provinces already visited and in a study conducted by ARTUZ, teachers in rural areas have concluded that the curriculum fails to address gaps raised in the Ndziramasanga Commission (1999) and is incompatible with Zimbabwe's developmental demands and objectives.
Further, the curriculum also lacks budgetary support while simultaneously raising the cost of education even at elementary stages such as Early Child Development (ECD) and primary level. A case in point is the US$6.00 examination registration fee for grade seven pupils which has increased the dropout rates at that eve by 30%.
Also key on the agenda is the continued politicization of schools and violence against teachers. His comes on the wake of teachers and pupils having been forced to attend Mugabe's Campaign Rally at Rudhaka Stadium, Marondera on 2 June 2017. Reports gathered by ARTUZ show that schools buses and properties were also abused by party thugs in the organizing of the ZANU PF political jamboree.
In Manicaland, ZANU PF youth militias also issued threats against teachers, with one Mubuso Chinguno threatening teachers with violence if they ever lay down tools. All these are credible threats given that teachers have been on the receiving end of politically motivated violence in rural areas. Thus ARTUZ leadership will engage members on how the union would respond to victimization and violence.
ARTUZ members will also discuss the union's broad policy alternatives which centre on the Education Equalization Fund and the 100% to salary rural attraction and retention allowance.
This forum also come after ARTUZ was recently awarded recognition with its President, Obert Masaraure, receiving honours in the Education, Science and Technology category of Alpha Media Holding's 100 Great Zimbabweans for 2017. Hence members will also the opportunity to reflect on this milestone.
Top on the agenda of the indaba is to discuss the challenges faced by teachers in rural areas in the forced implementation of the 'Dokora curriculum' (also read as new curriculum). In provinces already visited and in a study conducted by ARTUZ, teachers in rural areas have concluded that the curriculum fails to address gaps raised in the Ndziramasanga Commission (1999) and is incompatible with Zimbabwe's developmental demands and objectives.
Further, the curriculum also lacks budgetary support while simultaneously raising the cost of education even at elementary stages such as Early Child Development (ECD) and primary level. A case in point is the US$6.00 examination registration fee for grade seven pupils which has increased the dropout rates at that eve by 30%.
In Manicaland, ZANU PF youth militias also issued threats against teachers, with one Mubuso Chinguno threatening teachers with violence if they ever lay down tools. All these are credible threats given that teachers have been on the receiving end of politically motivated violence in rural areas. Thus ARTUZ leadership will engage members on how the union would respond to victimization and violence.
ARTUZ members will also discuss the union's broad policy alternatives which centre on the Education Equalization Fund and the 100% to salary rural attraction and retention allowance.
This forum also come after ARTUZ was recently awarded recognition with its President, Obert Masaraure, receiving honours in the Education, Science and Technology category of Alpha Media Holding's 100 Great Zimbabweans for 2017. Hence members will also the opportunity to reflect on this milestone.
Source - ARTUZ
