News / National
22,000 signatures for govt to invest in education sector
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More than 22,000 people have signed a petition calling for the Zimbabwean government to invest more in the education sector, following a nationwide advocacy campaign led by the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz). The petition comes after a week-long protest by teachers, parents, and community-based organizations when schools opened for the first term earlier this month.
Artuz confirmed that a total of 22,567 individuals had appended their signatures to the petition, which seeks greater investment in education to address critical issues affecting schools across the country.
In a statement, the union expressed its satisfaction with the response to the petition and outlined the steps taken to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges in the education system. "Seventy-two teach-outs were conducted, showcasing innovative solutions and grassroots efforts to sustain learning under challenging circumstances," Artuz said. The union expressed its hope that the petitions, along with the concerns raised during Education Week, would lead to concrete action by the government.
The petition highlights significant issues within Zimbabwe's education system, including inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and a lack of essential learning materials. In particular, the union emphasized the plight of communities such as Chiredzi, where students and teachers are forced to cross flooded rivers due to the absence of safe infrastructure.
Artuz called on a wide range of stakeholders—government officials, educators, parents, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders—to collaborate on finding sustainable solutions to the sector's challenges.
"We urge the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to acknowledge the reality on the ground and champion increased financial support for education. Let us continue to advocate, innovate, and collaborate for the betterment of our children's futures," the statement continued.
In addition to infrastructure and staffing shortages, Artuz also raised concerns about the underfunding of the education sector and the lack of resources for the implementation of the new Heritage-Based Curriculum. According to the union, teachers remain largely untrained for this curriculum, which has not been adequately supported with financial resources or updated syllabi. The disparity between policy intentions and on-the-ground implementation has caused significant challenges, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
"As we close Education Week, we remain steadfast in our commitment to building an education system that leaves no child behind. Quality education is not a privilege but a right, and it must be prioritised in Zimbabwe's national development agenda," Artuz concluded.
The union confirmed that the petition would be formally submitted to the government at an upcoming date, marking an important step in the ongoing advocacy for a better-funded, more effective education system in Zimbabwe.
Artuz confirmed that a total of 22,567 individuals had appended their signatures to the petition, which seeks greater investment in education to address critical issues affecting schools across the country.
In a statement, the union expressed its satisfaction with the response to the petition and outlined the steps taken to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges in the education system. "Seventy-two teach-outs were conducted, showcasing innovative solutions and grassroots efforts to sustain learning under challenging circumstances," Artuz said. The union expressed its hope that the petitions, along with the concerns raised during Education Week, would lead to concrete action by the government.
The petition highlights significant issues within Zimbabwe's education system, including inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and a lack of essential learning materials. In particular, the union emphasized the plight of communities such as Chiredzi, where students and teachers are forced to cross flooded rivers due to the absence of safe infrastructure.
"We urge the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to acknowledge the reality on the ground and champion increased financial support for education. Let us continue to advocate, innovate, and collaborate for the betterment of our children's futures," the statement continued.
In addition to infrastructure and staffing shortages, Artuz also raised concerns about the underfunding of the education sector and the lack of resources for the implementation of the new Heritage-Based Curriculum. According to the union, teachers remain largely untrained for this curriculum, which has not been adequately supported with financial resources or updated syllabi. The disparity between policy intentions and on-the-ground implementation has caused significant challenges, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
"As we close Education Week, we remain steadfast in our commitment to building an education system that leaves no child behind. Quality education is not a privilege but a right, and it must be prioritised in Zimbabwe's national development agenda," Artuz concluded.
The union confirmed that the petition would be formally submitted to the government at an upcoming date, marking an important step in the ongoing advocacy for a better-funded, more effective education system in Zimbabwe.
Source - newsday
