Binga to recruit local teachers

Efforts to bridge the long-standing education gap in remote parts of Binga District have come under parliamentary scrutiny, as government outlines steps to improve access to schooling in one of Zimbabwe's most geographically challenging regions.

Binga South Member of Parliament Fanuel Cumanzala challenged government in the National Assembly to explain how it intends to address the severe shortage of accessible schools in the district, where many learners still travel long distances to attend classes.

Responding to the concerns, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo said the government had adopted a deliberate strategy of establishing satellite schools to bring education closer to communities.

He said the district currently serves 58 032 learners, with 46 229 in primary education and 11 803 in secondary education, spread across difficult terrain that continues to hinder access to learning.

"To combat the exhausting distances learners travel, the government has pursued a deliberate policy of establishing satellite schools in almost every community," Moyo said.

According to the minister, Binga currently has 60 registered primary schools supported by 68 satellite schools, while 21 secondary schools are backed by 29 satellite institutions.

He added that 40 satellite schools have now met minimum infrastructure standards required for full registration, including classrooms, water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, as well as access to portable water.

The government also highlighted support programmes aimed at vulnerable learners in the district.

Through the BEAM Programme, around 7 000 learners in Binga are receiving assistance with school fees and related costs.

In addition, 372 girls are benefiting from a partnership with Camfed, which provides comprehensive support including fees, learning materials and sanitary wear.

Despite these interventions, Minister Moyo acknowledged persistent challenges in staffing rural schools, noting that many teachers request transfers back to their home areas, leaving vacancies in remote districts.

He said government is now prioritising local recruitment, targeting teachers from within communities to improve retention and stability in rural schools.

"Teachers serving in their home communities demonstrate greater stability and longer tenure," he said.

Local communities in Binga have also been praised for contributing to school infrastructure development, including building staff houses and providing water sources to support teachers and learners.

While officials say progress is being made, stakeholders argue that the true measure of success will be reflected in whether children in remote communities can access schools without having to travel extreme distances each day.