Ministry of Education officials are investigating some teachers at Baring Primary School in Mutare who are reportedly demanding cash for weekend extra lessons from pupils.
Some of the teachers are reportedly providing the extra lessons at their homes and other venues without observing COVID-19 precautionary measures such as masking up, washing of hands, hand sanitising and social distancing.
Speaking to NewsDay, a parent who refused to be named for fear that his child would be victimised condemned teachers who offer extra lessons on weekends without observing COVID-19 precautionary measures. He said:
We are worried because our children are being forced to attend extra lessons on weekends and they pay a dollar per child.
It is unfortunate that these lessons are being done without observing COVID-19 precautionary measures.
Our children are now vulnerable to COVID-19 and also their safety when coming home should also be considered.
Manicaland provincial education director Edward Shumba said it was illegal for teachers to demand payment from schoolchildren.
School head Wilberforce Nyambi said he had no control over what happens outside the school, especially during weekends. Said Nyambi:
I don’t have control over what happens over the weekend, I cannot police all teachers.