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The government has warned headmasters against turning away learners who will have fallen pregnant but want to continue with their education after giving birth.
This follows reports that some schools have been denying girls the chance to resume their education after giving birth arguing that they are a “bad influence” to other learners and “an embarrassment” to the school. 
Director of Communications and Advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Taungana Ndoro, said school heads who discriminate against learners who would have become mothers will be held accountable.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/school-heads-warned-against-discriminating-returning-mothers/">State media</a>, Ndoro said it is against government policy for school heads to deny female learners a chance to continue with their education after giving birth. Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
We don’t have reports yet but that is not to say it is not happening. The Ministry takes a strong stance against school heads who defy clear instructions and guidelines on this matter.
We will be taking disciplinary action against any administrators found to be turning away or discriminating against returning learners.
We are committed to enforcing our policies and holding school authorities accountable.
To the school authorities who defy Government orders and deny access to returning pregnant learners – this practice is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
You have a moral and legal obligation to provide these pupils with an education, regardless of their circumstances.
I strongly urge you to immediately review your enrolment policies, remove any discriminatory barriers, and ensure these pupils are welcomed back with open arms. Failure to comply will result in serious consequences.
</blockquote>
The Education Amendment Act of 2020 stipulates that girls in school who fall pregnant are now allowed to continue with their education after giving birth.
In the past, pregnant schoolgirls would be expelled from school and fail to complete their studies while boys who were sometimes responsible for the pregnancies were allowed to continue with formal education.
Official statistics indicate that the country had close to 6000 teenage pregnancies during the COVID-19 national lockdown and these girls dropped out of school and were unable to return to school.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Headmasters Warned Against Excluding Returning Mothers Who Wish To Continue Education

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has commended schools for embracing the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency for school fees payment after there was some resistance to the new currency during the first week of the current 2024 second term.
Director of Communications and Advocacy in the Ministry, Taungana Ndoro, told <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/schools-comply-with-ministerial-directive/">The Sunday News</a> that parents and guardians should be allowed to pay the whole amount in ZiG at the interbank rate on the day that the transaction is made. He said:
<blockquote>
The Government has always been clear that no school is allowed to refuse ZiG which is our local currency. All schools, Government and non-governmental are supposed to accept it if a parent comes and wants to pay with that currency.
If their fees are paid in United States dollars they should accept the ZiG currency at the interbank rate on the day that the transaction is made.
ZiG is a legal tender in the country and no school is allowed to charge school fees in USD only or to compel parents to pay 50 per cent USD and 50 per cent ZiG. No.
</blockquote>
Ndoro admitted that some schools have been resisting the government directive to accept ZiG and were only accepting USD payments. Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
Yes, there were several schools during the first week of opening schools that were refusing to take ZiG and were only taking USD and we issued a directive and had a massive publicity campaign regarding compliance.
What we have noticed is that the response has been very impressive. Parents can pay with ZiG. We have not had as many reports as when the schools opened.
</blockquote>
Ndoro also revealed that the Government and its developmental partners have started rolling out the schools’ feeding programme nationwide.
He said the initial target is to feed three million learners but the number of beneficiaries will likely increase as the year progresses.
Ndoro was speaking at Tjingababili Primary School in Mangwe District during a media tour focusing on the critical linkages between climate change, water, sanitation, hygiene and nutrition organised by UNICEF.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Schools Complied With Ministry Directive On ZiG Payments - Ndoro

School authorities allowing extra lessons to be conducted at their institutions during this April holiday risk disciplinary action being taken against them.
This was said by Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) communications and advocacy director, Taungana Ndoro, on Friday, April 12.
Posting on X, Ndoro said the ban on vacation school during this holiday is still in place, adding that school authorities should allow learners to rest. Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education emphasizes compliance with the directive regarding Vacation School during the April holiday.
Schools that violate this directive may face appropriate disciplinary measures. It is crucial to prioritize the well-being and independent learning of pupils during this break.
</blockquote>
The Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education, Chris Mhike, issued the directive banning vacation school classes towards the end of the 2024 First Term. He said:
<blockquote>
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education acknowledges the conduct of teaching and learning in all schools which went seamlessly during the first term of the year, fully embracing the 56 days set aside for that process.
The dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to educating and nurturing the young minds of our pupils have not gone unnoticed.
The creativity and passion brought about by all our teachers in the classrooms that made learning engaging, interactive and inspiring for our pupils is commended and the Ministry remains grateful.
The Ministry notes with appreciation the requests that have been received from some of its sectors to allow for the uptake of the Vacation School for examination classes of Grade 7, Ordinary and Advanced level during this April holiday.
Having consulted widely on the matter and taking cognisant of the fact that the school term had no disturbances at all to the teaching and learning programme, therefore, authority is NOT GRANTED that schools facilitate a Vacation School during the April school holidays for the Grade 7, Ordinary and Advanced level candidates, as well as for the non-examinations classes.
Pupils need this holiday break to rest and engage in independent learning where need be, including utilisation of the Zimbabwe Learning Passport amongst other alternative learning strategies.
We all look forward to the resumption of the second term set to begin on the 7th of May, 2024.
</blockquote>
However, a report by <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/schools-defy-govt-vacation-lessons-ban/">The Manica Post</a> on Friday indicated that several schools in Manicaland Province are conducting normal lessons in defiance of the government directive.
According to the report, vacation lessons are ongoing at schools such as Baring Primary School, Dangamvura Primary School, Murahwa Primary School and Rock of Ages.
<div class="in_article">
<div>
While some schools reportedly had Forms Four, Five and Six classes, others had the whole stream of learners in class for the usual day-to-day lessons.
Parents and guardians are being asked to pay US$1 per day per learner at primary school, and US$10 per subject for those in secondary schools.
Some of the private schools are charging as much as US$20 per subject for secondary school learners due to increased enrolment after some public schools heeded the Government directive.
An authority at a private school in Mutare who spoke to The Manica Post on condition of anonymity said they ignored the Government directive to prepare their learners for the forthcoming Cambridge examinations. 
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>
</div>
</div>

School Heads, Teachers Warned Over Holiday Lessons

The director of communications and advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Taungana Ndoro, said that the revised school curriculum will have six learning areas at primary level and five compulsory learning areas from Form 1 to Form 4.
Ndoro said for Forms 5 and 6, schoolchildren are to continue to study strictly three learning areas.
Last month, Cabinet approved a framework to revamp the education curriculum, whose thrust is on imparting digital skills and modern research techniques critical for the 21st century to learners.
The unpopular continuous assessment learning activities (CALAs) will be replaced with the new school-based projects of practical applications system.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/revised-curriculum-will-enhance-quality-education-delivery">The Sunday Mail</a>, Ndoro said the revised curriculum will reduce the burden on primary school learners while maintaining the quality and relevance of learning content. Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
It was rationalisation that identifies the following six learning areas at primary level: Indigenous language; English language; Mathematics; Science and Technology; Physical Education and Arts; and Social Sciences.
At secondary school level, there will be five compulsory learning areas for Forms One to Four: Mathematics; English language; Indigenous language and Literature; Combined Science; and Heritage Studies.
There will be three elective learning areas from the following categories: sciences; languages; humanities; commercials; technical and vocational; and physical education and arts.
The recommended number of learning areas for study for a Form One to Four learner is eight.
For Forms Five and Six, schoolchildren are to continue to study strictly three learning areas.
The learning experience is made more focused for our learners.
This curriculum framework has rationalised the infant and junior school curriculum from the previous eight subjects into six learning areas.
This rationalisation was achieved through the elimination of duplication and overlaps and shifting of other concepts to next-grade levels and to other learning areas.
The process of rationalisation will see a review of syllabuses to factor in the changes in the framework.
The net effect should not overload primary school learners with both content and language learning materials in the bags and at the same time maintain quality and relevance of learning content.
Each learning area is allocated learning hours to avoid overload.
The rationalisation identifies the following six learning areas, which constitute the curriculum at infant school level: Indigenous language; English language; Mathematics; Science and Technology; Physical Education and Arts; and Social Sciences.
At secondary school, we have also reduced a number of compulsory learning areas to five so that we allow learners to choose learning areas that align with their desires and strengths and to focus on only essential learning areas.
</blockquote>
Ndoro said the Government will provide teachers with resources and training to support the effective implementation of the heritage-based curriculum.
He also said the 2024 examination candidates for Grade Seven, Form Four and Form Six will continue with CALAs as before.
They are expected to complete the last two CALAs per learning area for 2024.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Revised Schools Curriculum To Reduce Burden On Primary School Learners - Ndoro

Lozikeyi Primary School, located in Bulawayo’s Nguboyenja suburb, is facing criticism for withholding the final Grade 7 results of a high-achieving student, Thandeka Ncube. Thandeka scored a perfect six points in this year’s Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) exams. Instead of celebrating her success, her family is now concerned that she may not be able to enrol in Form One (the next level of education) because the school is withholding her results.
Bulawayo’s deputy mayor, Edwin Ndlovu, shared Thandeka’s situation in a residents’ WhatsApp group, seeking donations to help settle outstanding tuition fees and support her enrollment in Form One. Residents expressed their frustration with the school’s leadership, including the School Development Committee (SDC), for their lack of consideration and indifference towards Thandeka’s predicament. Many believe that the school’s actions could hinder her academic journey and prevent her from reaching her full potential.
Taungana Ndoro, the Director of Communications and Advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education told <a href="https://cite.org.zw/lozikeyi-school-withholds-whizkids-grade-7-results-over-outstanding-fees/">CITE</a> that no school is permitted to withhold Grade 7 results for any reason and advised affected candidates to seek recourse at the District office. He is quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
No school is allowed to withhold Grade 7 results for whatever reason. The affected candidates should approach the District office immediately for recourse.
</blockquote>
Although the practice of withholding results over unpaid fees is against government policy, the government often fails to address the issue, forcing parents and guardians to enter into payment plans with schools to secure their children’s results. An anonymous law expert told CITE that if this fails, legal action against the school and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education may be pursued, although this can be a lengthy process that hampers the student’s academic pursuits.
Schools sometimes justify withholding exam results by claiming that the fees they collect are necessary for running the school smoothly. They believe that by holding back results, parents and guardians will be motivated to pay their outstanding fees. However, parents and guardians argue that the current economic situation makes it challenging for them to pay the fees on time.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Bulawayo School Criticised For Withholding High-achieving Student's Results Over Fees

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has introduced a programme to profile learners to enable their grooming and the nurturing of their skills progressively.
Under the programme, “Learning Support Services Client Profile Database”, profiles will be created for every learner.
A school in Bulawayo sent a letter to parents and guardians inviting them to participate in the exercise. The letter, which was seen by the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/education-ministry-profiles-learners/">Chronicle</a>, reads in part:
<blockquote>
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MOPSE) is rolling out a programme to screen and profile learners in schools.
In this regard, the Learning Support Services is developing a system to enable schools to create profiles for individual learners.
A set of screening and profiling tools has therefore been introduced for use in schools. You are invited to the school for the data collection on your child.
It is an assessment of developmental domains of functioning in young children.
It is for individual child and parent benefit through child-centered approaches, referrals and monitoring.
… Let us avoid sending just anyone from the family e.g. driver, house helper, or a distant relative as this may lead to the collection of inaccurate data.
The collected information of individual learners will be fed to the Education Management Information System database and will be updated throughout their infant, junior and Secondary education years hence the need to supply accurate data.
</blockquote>
Primary and Secondary Education Ministry communications and advocacy director Taungana Ndoro said:
<blockquote>
This is going to assist in the management of the child so that when a certain talent is identified in the learner, we develop that talent from an early age.
We want to groom and nurture the skills that they have from the primary and secondary levels.
There is a lot of information that we need from the parents and guardians and we will even need information like the number of siblings and a lot of other things.
So, it’s a huge tool. We will collect data until the data of the last pupil in our school has been collected.
</blockquote>
Ndoro urged parents and guardians to cooperate with education officials during the exercise.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Ministry Of Education Profiles Learners

Glen View 2 Primary School headmaster, Jabulani Mpande has been suspended with immediate effect over alleged criminal abuse of office.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/List_of_Primary_Schools_in_Zimbabwe_and_Contact_Numbers">List of Primary Schools in Zimbabwe and Contact Numbers</a></li>
</ul>
Mpande is accused of sexually abusing three ladies who were applying to enrol their children in the school, according to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200008308/govt-suspends-glen-view-2-school-head">NewsDay</a>.
In addition, he is charged with pressuring student teachers into having sex in exchange for his approval to operate a candy shop there.
Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Taungana_Ndoro">Taungana Ndoro</a>, said the Glen View 2 Primary School’s headmaster was suspended after parents petitioned the ministry. He said:
<blockquote>
Yes (he was suspended), to allow for investigations and a disciplinary hearing is to take place.
</blockquote>
In their petition which attracted over 700 signatories, parents accused Mpande of arranging to buy a top-of-the-range vehicle at an estimated cost of US$73 000 for his use when conducting school business.
Every parent was allegedly expected to pay US$30 towards that vehicle.
The headmaster was also accused of awarding tenders to relatives and friends and allegedly increased remedial fees from US$1 per week to US$4. The parents said:
<blockquote>
In light of the allegations, we ask your esteemed offices to institute investigations urgently. We can’t stay a day longer with Mpande as the headmaster. We trust your important office will do justice to the parents, community and country at large and help restore the school to its former glory.
</blockquote>
Mpande told NewsDay Weekender that he had no time to respond to the allegations.
Parents attempted to stop sending their kids to school last week, but they were unsuccessful.
Mpande was transferred from Chishawasha Primary School in Mashonaland East in 2007 after he was found guilty of indecently assaulting a Grade 6 pupil. The Labour Court dismissed his appeal to block the transfer. 
In 2018, Mpande was accused of abusing his students by cutting and dyeing their hair black.
He was also accused of stripping and beating up students for wearing jerseys with the wrong colours. Some parents at the school said they were not comfortable with him around their children.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Glen View 2 Primary School Headmaster Suspended With Immediate Effect

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has reiterated that school fees, be it tuition or boarding, to be paid by Lower Sixth classes should be less than the rest who started classes last month.
Lower Sixth classes start today, Monday 13 February, following the release of Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) O’Level results last week.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/lower-sixth-classes-begin-today/">The Herald</a>, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said Lower Sixth fees for this term will be paid on a pro-rata basis. He said:
<blockquote>
We do not expect any disruptions on reopening and in the learning process.
Schools must take note that since this group is coming in to join others who started on January 9, their fees will be charged on a pro-rata basis.
We don’t want our learners idling around aimlessly and falling victim to social ills like initiation into drug abuse.
In view of that realisation, we have decided that they resume their studies this Monday.
</blockquote>
Ndoro said the ministry’s position was that three subjects are enough for Advanced Level learners and in cases where some see the need then they could go for four.
He also reminded teachers that paid-for extra lessons were illegal but in cases where teachers feel the need for extra lessons, they should include the whole class and should be at no extra cost.

SCHOOL FEES: Form Five Learners Must Pay Less Than Other Classes - Ndoro

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MOPSE) has said this year’s Lower-Six learners will start their A-Level classes on Monday 13 February 2023 after the release of O-Level results early this week.
Authorities say the short gap between the release of the O-Level results and the start of A-Level is a move meant to maximise teaching time.
MOPSE spokesperson, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Taungana_Ndoro">Mr Taungana Ndoro</a> told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/lower-six-classes-set-to-start-monday/">The Herald</a>:
<blockquote>
We don’t want our learners idling around aimlessly and falling victim to social ills like an initiation into drug abuse. In view of that realisation, we have decided that they resume their studies this coming Monday.
You will also realise that in the past year or so our school calendar has been disrupted by COVID-19 mitigatory measures, particularly as it relates to face-to-face learning, so we are opting for an immediate class resumption so as to maximise learning.
We do not expect any disruptions on reopening and in the learning process. Schools must take note that since this group is coming in to join others who started on January 9, their fees will be charged on a pro-rata basis (in proportion).
</blockquote>
Ndoro reminded teachers that paid-for extra lessons are illegal and those found doing it will be charged with criminal abuse of office.
He said in cases where teachers feel the need for extended tutorials, they can have these but the extra time should include the whole class and should be at no extra cost.
Mr Ndoro said as parents and guardians scout for new schools for their children, they should ignore illegal schools as the quality of education at these institutions cannot be regulated or monitored.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Lower-Six Learners Will Start Their A-Level Classes On Monday 13 February 2023

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education says schools are allowed to manufacture and sell uniforms to learners.
Schools, however, should not force parents and guardians to buy uniforms from them if there are cheaper options. He said:
This was said by the director for Communication and Advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Taungana Ndoro, in an interview with <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/dont-force-parents-to-buy-uniforms-at-school/">State media.</a> Ndoro said:
<blockquote>
Schools are allowed to produce their own uniforms and sell them to the parents, it is very correct.
The uniforms have to be affordable and cheaper than the open market so that parents have access to them.
We also said the uniforms must meet the right quality, colour schemes and branding in order for them to be sold by schools.
What is wrong is then forcing the parents to buy strictly from the schools.
They must not be forced to buy where they do not want and where it is expensive.
</blockquote>
In January this year, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) wrote to the Goromonzi High School headmaster demanding that he allows two pupils into the school despite their failure to buy uniforms sold by the school.
The human rights lawyers were representing the father of two minors who were barred from attending lessons for not buying uniforms from the school even though they paid school fees in full.
The lawyers said Goromonzi High School was selling its uniforms at exorbitant prices, yet they were of similar quality to those sold by shops.

"Schools Are Allowed To Produce And Sell Uniforms"

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education says it has mechanisms in place to deal with drug and substance abuse in schools in order to create a safe learning environment for all learners.
This comes after Dominican Convent High School in Harare expelled eight learners who were allegedly found in possession of drugs stashed in their belongings during a recent school trip to Nyanga.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said that school heads are obliged to suspend a learner for 14 days where they reasonably suspect them of serious misconduct, pending investigation. He further explained:
<blockquote>
If the head is satisfied, after a fair hearing, that the learner is guilty of serious misconduct that merits expulsion after consultation with the district schools inspector, then the pupils will be expelled.
Where a head has decided to expel a learner, they should give the parents written notice of the date on which the expulsion is to take effect, and, in the notice, they should state the reason for the decision to expel the learner.
Upon being notified of the expulsion, parents may appeal in writing to the provincial education director within 14 days of receiving the notice.
While the appeal is being determined, the learner who has been expelled is permitted to attend school.
However, provided that if the head of the school believes, on reasonable grounds, the learner’s attendance may lead to indiscipline or may result in injury of another person or damage to property, the head can prevent the learner from attending school for no more than a month after the appeal has been launched.
</blockquote>
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the police are carrying out the investigations into the Dominican Convent matter. | <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/measures-to-tackle-drug-abuse-in-schools">The Sunday Mail</a>

Govt Says There Are Mechanisms To Tackle Drug Abuse In Schools

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education says it recognises Teachers for Economic Development (Teachers4ED) as a trade union organisation.
The Ministry’s spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said teachers are therefore free to attend Teachers4ED meetings during working hours. He said:
<blockquote>
As a Ministry, we recognise Teachers4ED as a union and as such members are allowed to participate in its activities as long as they undertake proper clearance procedures from their workstations.
</blockquote>
Ndoro was responding to questions raised after several teachers and school heads attended a ZANU PF orientation meeting organised for ED affiliates on Wednesday when they were supposed to be in class.
The meeting was held in Masvingo.
Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president, Takavafira Zhou, however, disagreed with Ndoro’s assertion.
Zhou said all unions have a constitution and are registered with the Ministry of Labour.
He argued that Teachers4ED cannot be a union because it does not represent the interests of teachers. Said Zhou:
<blockquote>
Teachers for ED is not a union. Unions are registered with the Ministry of Labour and remember this so-called union does not in any way stand for teachers’ plight.
</blockquote>
Masvingo Provincial Education Director (PED), Shylette Mhike concurred with Ndoro, adding people should not confuse the ED acronym with “Emmerson Dambudzo”.
She said ED stands for Economic Development.
The meeting that the teachers attended was an orientation event which was superintended over by Masvingo ZANU PF political commissar, Brian Munyoro.
There were 24 other ED affiliates including Health Ambassadors for ED, Pastors for ED, Cross Border Traders for ED, Mahwindi for ED at the meeting.
A teacher who declined to be named told The Mirror that teachers who are not members of Teachers4ED were being left out of workshops, training programmes and other Government programmes that have monetary benefits. Said the teacher:
<blockquote>
There is a lot of insecurity among teachers as a result of this association. Those who are not members of Teachers4ED are being sidelined in Government programmes.
The education system has been turned into a political landscape and it is those teachers with political instincts who will survive and this is a death blow to education.
</blockquote>
The wife of Masvingo Minister of State, Ezra Chadzamira, Euphrasia who is a teacher at Gaths Mine Primary in Mashava, was among the teachers who attended the meeting in Masvingo. | <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/teachers-for-ed-is-a-trade-union-min-of-education/">The Mirror</a>

Teachers Free To Attend Teachers4ED Meetings During Working Hours - Ndoro

The government is recruiting another 8 382 teachers to complement the existing staff.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said 7 000 names were sent to Treasury for its concurrence and to budget for their salaries and allowances before they were engaged.
He said 1 382 names were still with the Public Service Commission (PSC) for vetting and approval. Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
We have 1 382 attrition posts awaiting PSC approval, and they will be recruited once the processes are done.
We also have 7 000 posts sent to Treasury for concurrence so they will also be joining once the process is done.
Everyone is back at school and it’s business as usual across the country.
However, there are schools that need more staff and that is why the process of engaging more teachers is in place.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/8-300-more-teachers-hired/">The Herald</a>

Govt Hires 8 300 More Teachers

Five teachers at Ndangababi Primary School in Cross Dete, Hwange District, were expelled by parents and guardians after they were accused of being incompetent, disobeying orders, and disrespecting traditional and community authorities.
According to the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/community-chases-5-teachers-away/">Chronicle</a>, the dismissed teachers were only named as Messrs N T Ngwenya, Maphosa, Ndaguta, Ms Sigauke, and Ms Chisiwa.
Parents and guardians said that the teachers seldom ever taught since they spent much of their time on personal concerns, with Ms Chisiwa reportedly spending time at the Cross Dete Business Center selling second-hand clothes.
Parents also expressed concern and blamed the teachers for the school’s pass percentage, which fell sharply from 21% four years ago to 5% last year.
Parents, traditional elders, members of the Dete Residents Association, and representatives from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education all attended a meeting called by the school development committee last Friday.
The five instructors were given till Monday to depart the school after it was decided during the meeting that they should leave.
Officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education told the meeting that the affected teachers will be transferred to other schools.
11 teachers were initially targeted, but the other survivors survived the chop after they apologized in public and the community apparently decided to give them another chance after.
It is said that Mr G. Ngwenya, the school’s head, had trouble keeping them under control and that the school development committee (SDC) found it difficult to carry out its tasks.
Last year, parents submitted a petition to the government, which Chief Dingane-Nelukoba approved. The community chose to resolve the issue on its own after the government took too long to address it.
Two school heads have left the school in the past 10 years after a fallout with the teachers.
Due to parents withdrawing their children from Ndangababi Primary School, the institution’s enrollment fell from 627 last year to 512 this term.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Community Expels Teachers From A Local School

The government has introduced technical high schools in order to help learners acquire innovative industrial skills to be entrepreneurs rather than job seekers.
This was said by the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Tumisang Thabela. She said:
<blockquote>
The technical high schools will endeavour to help pupils acquire innovative industrial skills that will either fit them well into industry or enable them to be job creators as opposed to job seekers.
</blockquote>
She said Matabeleland North province had selected Hwange High School as its pilot to specialise in textile technology and design.
Thabela added that the government has since started converting classrooms into science laboratories to increase the uptake of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students. She said:
<blockquote>
The ministry — in line with equity development has started an initiative of converting ordinary classrooms into science laboratories. It will increase the uptake of STEM learning areas.
There is a need to raise those schools outside the national electricity grid to experience green energy in their schools for improved operations.
</blockquote>
Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro revealed that schools in other provinces have been identified for the programme. He said:
<blockquote>
In Bulawayo, Luveve High School will provide aviation studies, while Allan Wilson High School in Harare will provide metal technology and design.
Chipindura High School in Mashonaland Central will provide building technology, and Umzingwane High in Matabeleland South will cater for woodwork, to mention a few among other high schools.
</blockquote>
STEM stands for Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics and focuses on developing higher-level thinking skills by connecting classroom learning to the real world.
According to <a href="https://www.britannica.com/video/193418/overview-STEM-education">an online source</a>, STEM emphasizes collaboration, communication, research, problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity, skills that students need to be successful in today’s world regardless of specific interests or career goals. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200006261/govt-introduces-technical-high-schools">NewsDay</a>

Govt Introduces Technical High Schools

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education says most schools are complying with the laid down fees review and payment guidelines.
Following an outcry by parents and guardians, the Ministry last week sent investigation teams around the country to clamp down on schools that were reportedly charging fees exclusively in foreign currency.
The country’s monetary regulations allow a multi-currency system even though some government services, such as passports, are available exclusively in foreign currency.
Some schools had joined the bandwagon and were charging fees exclusively in foreign currency, with some using an exchange of ZWL$2 000: US$1.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson, Taungana Ndoro said schools have complied with the guidelines. He said:
<blockquote>
Regarding fees payment, most of the schools have complied with our guidelines.
Headmasters have also complied. They are not compelling parents to buy uniforms from schools’ approved suppliers. Guardians are being allowed to seek alternative suppliers.
</blockquote>
Heads of Government schools who increase school fees without following the guidelines will be deemed to have committed acts of misconduct and will be liable to disciplinary action, which may include dismissal, while private schools risk being deregistered for the same offence. | <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/schools-comply-with-govt-order-on-fees/">The Herald</a>

'Schools Comply With Govt Order On Fees, Uniforms'

The Government has urged parents to be responsible and pay school fees for their children.
This is despite the Government promising to roll out universal free basic education starting this year, a commitment that has not materialised.
School heads told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200006035/schools-defy-govt-on-fees-uniforms">NewsDay</a> that they were failing to effectively run schools because the number of parents who had not paid fees was very high.
Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said parents are obliged to pay school fees. He said:
<blockquote>
Parents were obliged to pay fees in full or make payment plans with school authorities where they have challenges.
There are situations whereby some parents have not paid their children’s fees for two consecutive terms and they still send their children to school when they have not engaged the authorities. School heads have raised those issues with us.
They know very well that they can’t turn away pupils over non-payment of fees, but they are left with no option when parents are reluctant to meet their obligation. We encourage parents to be responsible on the issue of paying fees.
The Primary and Secondary Education ministry does not tolerate a situation whereby pupils roam around the streets (after being) turned away from school.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe National Union of School Heads Munyaradzi Majoni said some parents are unwilling to pay school fees and this leaves school authorities with no option but to send their children home. He said:
<blockquote>
Schools are non-profit making institutions, therefore, they need every cent due from parents to be able to run smoothly.
If we let some pupils attend school, while enjoying the services that they did not pay for, then we discourage those parents and guardians who are consistent with paying fees for their children.
We understand that the economic environment is not favourable for every parent to afford school fees.
What is worrisome is that over the holidays, school heads opened their doors for parents who had challenges in paying fees to come and make payment plans, but few heeded the calls.
It shows a disappointing carelessness on the part of the parents. School authorities will be left with no option, but to turn away the children who have not paid their fees in full.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Teachers Association secretary-general Goodwill Taderera said:
<blockquote>
The issue of fees payment for teachers’ children has caused confusion in schools. Some teachers have already stopped paying fees for their children, while government has not met its promise.
It’s not certain whether this year government will pay the fees because it has been going back and forth throughout last year.
Government has also not yet paid the 2022 third term fees for pupils under [the Basic Education Assistance Module], yet the 2023 first term fees are required already.
</blockquote>

Govt Tells Parents To Be Responsible And Pay School Fees For Their Children

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has warned school heads they will be charged with an act of misconduct if they force parents and guardians to buy school uniforms from the schools’ preferred suppliers.
Some schools are reportedly exclusively supplying uniforms to their learners or forcing parents to buy them from their preferred suppliers who are presumably their associates.
The Ministry’s spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said uniforms can be bought anywhere other than the school. Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
If a head of a school defies the government and the permanent secretary’s directive, they would be charged with an act of misconduct.
Pursuant to the public pronouncement by the permanent secretary on 9 January 2018, I want to reiterate once more that parents/guardians are free to purchase uniforms wherever they find it cheaper in line with the specifications and colour codes of the school.
Therefore, the ministry’s position with regard to the purchase of uniforms remains unchanged.
</blockquote>
On Tuesday, <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/headmaster-threatened-with-lawsuit-over-school-uniforms/">the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) wrote to the Goromonzi High School headmaster</a> demanding that he admits two pupils who had not bought their uniforms from the school.
The headmaster had barred the two Form One siblings from attending lessons for buying uniforms from shops, even though they had fully paid their school fees.
ZLHR says the school is selling its uniforms at exorbitant prices.
According to ZLHR, the uniforms at the school are being sold at US$643 compared to US$325 being sold at various stores.
The human rights lawyers demanded that the school’s headmaster unconditionally allow the minor children to attend lessons and permit them to purchase uniforms from a retailer of their choice.
In the event that the Headmaster fails to comply with the demands, ZLHR said they will immediately petition the High Court on an urgent basis seeking an order to compel the school authorities to allow the minor children to pursue their education at Goromonzi High, with the headmaster bearing the cost of the litigation.

Govt Warns School Heads Over Uniforms

Parents and guardians say they have turned to informal traders for school wear and other school materials as prices in formal shops are going up.
The Sunday Mail conducted a snap survey in Bulawayo and observed that there has been a sudden increase in prices of exercise books, rulers, mathematical instruments, plastic covers as well as clothing items, shoes, trunks and uniforms.
Most shoppers who spoke to the state-run publication implored the Government to intervene and ensure that stationery and uniform shops do not wantonly increase prices ahead of schools opening.
The survey noted that:
<blockquote>
i). Girls’ uniforms range from US$22 to US$32 vendors were charging US$8 and US$15
ii). Boys’ from US$18 to US$33 vendors were charging US$10 and US$15
iii). A pair of girls’ school shoes costs between US$12 and US$18 
iv). A pair of shoes for boys were going for between US$10 and US$15
vi). A pack of 10 – 72-page exercise books costs between US$7 and US$10 in some retail shops while vendors were charging between US$5 and US$7.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has said learners who are coming from other countries will be absorbed into the system.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Taungana Ndoro said systems are in place to assess the level of learners from other countries so that they can be placed in appropriate levels or grades. He added:
<blockquote>
That has been going on for a long time. So, the affected children from South Africa are most welcome to our sector.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is likely to have an influx of returnees from South Africa following the June 2023 deadline for holders of Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP).
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Informal Traders Give Parents An Option As School Wear Prices Go Up

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has emphasised that parents and guardians remain banned from visiting learners at boarding schools as COVID-19 prevention protocols remain in place.
The ban was imposed in 2021 during which the Government also reduced intakes at boarding schools as a preventative measure to allow learners to learn and live in a safe environment where social distancing was possible. 
Speaking in a telephone interview with <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/parent-visiting-days-remain-banned-government/?_ga=2.146725303.2096150680.1673063471-787432666.1667110700">The Sunday News</a> yesterday the Ministry’s director of communications and advocacy, Mr Taungana Ndoro emphasised that the ban was still effective. He said: 
<blockquote>
COVID-19 protocols are still in place in our schools. We follow national COVID-19 guidelines.
</blockquote>
His remarks come as schools are set to open on Monday 09 January for the first term of 2023.
In 2021, schools were prohibited from taking additional learners outside the permissible numbers in a bid to contain the situation.
Cabinet last year opened schools in compliance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the Prevention and Management of COVID-19 as well as other Influenza-like illnesses. 
The SOPs are minimum terms of operation that are set to ensure schools operate in a safe environment without risking a spike in new infections.
Other measures:
<blockquote>
i). Handshakes, hugs and sharing of desks were prohibited and still remain prohibited in schools while classroom occupancy was reduced to 35 learners per classroom.
ii). Learners have been sanitising as they enter the premises of their schools and masking up to ensure there is no spread of the virus.
</blockquote>
Health officials in the country have been calling on people to remain vigilant as fresh cases of the pandemic continue to be recorded.
A new variant of the COVID-19 virus, XBB, which is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant has been detected in more than 80 countries with Botswana having detected cases towards the end of last year.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Govt Says Parents Remain Banned From Visiting Learners At Schools

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education says everything is in place for the commencement of the 2023 first term on 9 January.
Speaking to The Herald on Tuesday, ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said they are expecting more teachers from the Public Service Commission (PSC). Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
It’s all systems go ahead of schools opening on Monday, January 9. Our teachers and learners are ready and all is in place for a safe resumption of classes.
We are expecting to receive more teachers who will be employed by the Public Service Commission to complement the existing staff.
We do not expect any disturbances because we have now adjusted to the new normal.
The COVID-19 protocols put in place to curb the spread of the virus will still be in place so that we have got a safe learning environment in our schools.
Health workers have noted that the upgrade in hygiene and other standards, which includes better school water supplies to fight COVID-19, have also cut many other infections.
</blockquote>
Ndoro said schools were now opening on a Monday, a departure from the traditional Tuesdays, as a way of maximising learning time.
National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH) president Cynthia Khumalo implored parents to pay school fees for their children on time. She said:
<blockquote>
To parents and guardians, we urge them to pay fees on time so that children get the resources that are required or even to pay in installments, not just to send children to school without paying anything.
To the learners, we urge them to work hard to be successful in their studies. On our part, we will be ready to give our all for the benefit of learners.
</blockquote>
In 2022, the start of the first term was delayed by a month as the government tried to manage rising coronavirus infections. | <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/all-systems-go-ahead-of-schools-opening/">The Herald</a>

Teachers, Learners Ready For 2023 First Term - Ndoro

Zumba Primary School head and some teachers have reportedly fled from the institution located in <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Gokwe">Gokwe</a>, Midlands province after alleged goblins allegedly attacked them on several occasions. 
The school has been suffering recurrent attacks from the goblins for almost a year, <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200005598/teachers-head-flee-as-goblins-terrorise-school">NewsDay</a> Reported.
Five female pupils were allegedly attacked by the creatures before schools closed. A villager told NewsDay:
<blockquote>
Just before schools closed, the goblins attacked five or six girls on the same day.
 The headmaster ran away after the incident. Some teachers have also left the school. I don’t know if they are going to come back when schools open.
</blockquote>
Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Taungana_Ndoro">Taungana Ndoro</a> said there is nothing the ministry could do. He told NewsDay:
<blockquote>
We can’t comment on a witchcraft issue. The ministry can’t do anything about it. Talk to chiefs, they will assist you.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_National_Traditional_Healers_Association">Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association</a> president George Kandiero said there was a need for the place to be exorcised.
He said it was important to engage “someone who knows how to handle goblins.” 
Kandiero said either the owners of the school or the people who are allegedly being attacked must be the ones who initiate the exorcising process.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

School Head, Teachers Flee From School After Being "Attacked By Goblins"

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has reassured parents and guardians that there are adequate Form One places to absorb all pupils that wrote the Grade Seven public examinations this year.
This comes as parents and guardians across the country have started scrambling for Form One places for their children ahead of the 2023 First Term.
Those seeking boarding school places are applying online while parents that intend to enroll their children as day schoolers are physically visiting the schools.
Primary and Secondary Education Ministry communication and advocacy director Taungana Ndoro told State media that there is no shortage of Form One places in the country. He said:
<blockquote>
We don’t have a crisis in terms of Form One places. We have more than enough schools for Form One places, particularly day schools. No learner will fail to get a Form One place for 2023.
</blockquote>
He said parents and guardians were creating an artificial shortage of Form One places by bypassing schools in their neighbourhoods and targetting certain schools said to be producing good results. Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
For instance, you might have a parent living in Nketa suburb but wants his or her child enrolled at a school in Barham Green suburb which is said to be good.
The onus is on the parents to improve the standards of local schools so that at the end of the day the schools offer quality education.
</blockquote>
Ndoro noted that the country does not have enough boarding schools to absorb all learners seeking places. He said:
<blockquote>
Pupils with six to nine units do not struggle to get enrolled even at boarding schools but those with lower grades find it difficult as priority is given to those with good grades.
</blockquote>
He urged parents and guardians to be involved in the educational progression of their children from the Early Childhood Development (ECD) level until they reach high school. | <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/scramble-for-form-one-places-government-allays-fears-of-shortage-of-vacancies/">Chronicle</a>

There Is No Shortage Of Form One Places - Ndoro

The government has changed its position on allowing schools to charge fees exclusively in foreign currency.
Just over a week ago, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson, <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/public-schools-can-now-charge-fees-exclusively-in-foreign-currency/">Taungana Ndoro, told State media that schools are permitted to charge fees exclusively in foreign currency</a> as long as the majority of the parents and guardians of learners support the move.
He said the government will not block schools from charging exclusively in foreign currency if the majority of parents agree to the decision.
However, on Monday, <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/school-fees-forex-payment-clarified/">Ndoro was quoted as saying</a> the pegging of school fees in foreign currency is allowed but parents and guardians retain the right to pay fees in the currency of their choice at the prevailing official exchange rate. Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
All institutions providing primary and secondary education are reminded that they fall under the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Therefore, they are bound by the procedures to be followed when making school fees adjustments, that is to say, approval must be granted by the ministry before any adjustments are made.
On paying fees in foreign currency, the Government policy position is that fees must be paid in Zimbabwean dollars at the prevailing interbank rate.
However, if parents have free funds in foreign currency, they can pay but no school must force any parent to pay in foreign currency and if schools have pegged fees in foreign currency, parents must be allowed to pay in local currency at the prevailing interbank rate of the day the fees are paid.
</blockquote>
This is a clear departure from his previous comments when he said if parents who oppose the move are in the minority, they should take their children to other schools. He said then:
<blockquote>
If parents have a consensus we cannot stop them, if they agree as a majority that they want to pay for their children in foreign currency we will not block them.
Yes, we have the policy that says schools cannot charge exclusively in forex but remember we are dealing with a community of parents and if they collectively decide on something we will not stand in their way.
What we are emphasising is the need for a consensus as in a majority of the parents.
The ministry will come in when we discover that such a decision was imposed and a majority of the parents did not endorse it.
However, if the minority would have been against the decision and feel aggrieved by the decision or that they cannot afford the arrangement of paying exclusively in foreign currency, they have an option of making alternative arrangements like transferring their children to schools where they feel they can afford the fees.
</blockquote>

Govt Backtracks On Payment Of School Fees Exclusively In Foreign Currency

The government has given the green light to schools to charge fees exclusively in foreign currency as long as the majority of the parents and guardians of learners are in favour of the move.
This comes amid reports that some School Development Committees (SDCs) have pushed that school fees be paid exclusively in foreign currency from next term.
The SDCs argue that some parents deliberately delay paying fees, only paying after the money would have been eroded by inflation.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Taungana Ndoro, told State media that the government will not block schools from charging exclusively in foreign currency if the majority of parents agree to the decision.
Ndoro said parents who would oppose the move, if they are in the minority, should take their children to other schools. He said:
<blockquote>
If parents have a consensus we cannot stop them, if they agree as a majority that they want to pay for their children in foreign currency we will not block them.
Yes, we have the policy that says schools cannot charge exclusively in forex but remember we are dealing with a community of parents and if they collectively decide on something we will not stand in their way. 
What we are emphasising is the need for a consensus as in a majority of the parents.
The ministry will come in when we discover that such a decision was imposed and a majority of the parents did not endorse it.
However, if the minority would have been against the decision and feel aggrieved by the decision or that they cannot afford the arrangement of paying exclusively in foreign currency, they have an option of making alternative arrangements like transferring their children to schools where they feel they can afford the fees.
</blockquote>
Several schools countrywide, including Government and council-run institutions, have already advised parents that they will charge fees exclusively in United States dollars, without the option of paying in local currency.
However, other schools have directed parents and guardians to pay at least half of the fees in foreign currency. | <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/government-okays-forex-only-school-fees-move-subject-to-parents-consent/">The Sunday News</a>

Public Schools Can Now Charge Fees Exclusively In Foreign Currency

The<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/TeachersforED"> Teachers for Economic Development (ED)</a> union is reportedly forcing unemployed teachers to attend ZANU PF’s <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Herbert_Chitepo">Herbert Chitepo</a> School of Ideology for orientation so they could secure employment in the public sector.
Teachers for Economic Development code-named <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/TeachersforED">TeachersforED</a> is a shadowy union reportedly championing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s re-election bid.
Sources in the civil service said the TeachersforED group was targeting qualified, but jobless teachers for recruitment, according to NewsDay.
An anonymous source is quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
Teachers for Economic Development is now playing a key role in recruiting teachers across the provinces. They are targeting mostly qualified teachers without jobs and they are first told to attend the Chitepo School of Ideology.
They are targeting provinces and all provinces have responded to the recruitment drive.
</blockquote>
A TeachersforED official, who only identified himself as Masekesa, yesterday said there is nothing wrong with unemployed teachers going to the Chitepo School of Ideology. Added Masekesa:
<blockquote>
This is practised even in Japan and America.
</blockquote>
Primary and Secondary ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said he only spoke for teachers who are employed by the government. He is cited as saying:
<blockquote>
If there are those who are not employed with us, we don’t speak for them because they will be employed somewhere and if they are employed with us we will be able to speak for them. If the Teachers for Economic Development have some initiatives, it’s a noble idea.
</blockquote>
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) president Obert Masaraure said the initiative would divide teachers and condemned the politicisation of the civil service.
The Teachers for (ED) union is reportedly storming schools countrywide to mobilise support, disrupting learning at some institutions.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

"TeachersforED Now Playing A Key Role In Recruiting Teachers" - Report

The government has refuted claims by the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) that about 63 per cent of rural pupils dropped out of school in 2022.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said the union was exaggerating the number. He responded to the report:
<blockquote>
It’s just an allegation; a sensational one too.
</blockquote>
In its report titled: Beyond geographies of inequality: Public Education Financing in Post-COVID-19 Zimbabwe, ARTUZ said rural learners are behind their urban counterparts. Artuz researcher Tamuka Chirimambowa said:
<blockquote>
There are 63% of school dropouts in the rural areas and most of them are girls at secondary schools. The level of dropouts of girls which is continuously increasing is so disturbing. So when we look at this, it actually raises questions.
There is a lack of reading skills with 85% of schoolchildren lacking reading skills, while 86% lack numerous skills compared to the urban schoolchildren where only 19% lack reading skills and only 14% lack numerous skills.
There is rural-urban divide inequality. In terms of digital infrastructure, schools in the rural areas lag behind. They are technologically behind. Physically, they don’t even have infrastructure like labs and this actually raises more challenges for the students. 
There is a shortage of school teachers. There is a shortfall of 20 000 teachers and this affects more rural schools because there are some teachers who wouldn’t want to go teach where there are poor services and poor infrastructure. Inappropriate teacher-pupil ratio is also worsening teachers’ incapacitation.
</blockquote>
While Chrimambowa did not state the reason why pupils are dropping out of school, some reports observe that school fees and pregnancies are leading factors.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Govt Refutes Claims That 63% Of Rural Pupils Dropped Out Of School In 2022

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has criticised ZANU PF for alleged political indoctrination of learners amid reports that they are being forced to participate in the ruling party’s political events.
Earlier this week, hundreds of learners across the country missed lessons after they were reportedly forced to take part in anti-sanctions marches.
ARTUZ president Obert Masaraure said learners should be in class preparing for examinations and not being abused by politicians. Said Masaraure:
<blockquote>
The ruling party is disrupting learners when they are supposed to be preparing for examinations; this is the same government that is presiding over examination leaks and a serious education crisis.
It is sad to note that the learners being abused are the sons and daughters of working people.
The sons and daughters of the abusers are insulated in elite private schools and exotic learning centres.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) claimed that ZANU PF directed schools in Harare to mobilise pupils to take part in ant-sanctions marches on 25 October.
However, speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200002614/zanu-pf-politicising-education">NewsDay</a>, Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro denied that pupils were forced to march against sanctions. He said:
<blockquote>
We have not ordered anyone, but its common cause that civic education on the matter has taken root, and its beginning to strongly espouse Unesco`s definition that children should be educated to become clear-thinking and enlightened citizens who participate in their society’s decisions.
Therefore, as we embrace our curriculum, it follows that without coercion, schools are bent on voluntarily holding anti-sanction events and expressing the impact they have on their society.
</blockquote>

"ZANU PF Abusing Children Of The Poor"

Some corrupt senior government officials are reportedly demanding as much as US$300 in kickbacks from civil servants who wish to be transferred from their stations.
Female civil servants, mostly from the health and education sectors have fallen victim to the scam with education inspectors and medical officers demanding sexual favours as payment to speed up their transfers, NewsDay reported.
It is alleged that some requests for transfer took two years or more to be processed. 
Some teachers have written an open letter to the government complaining that demands for bribes have become rampant. Read part of the letter seen by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200002202/govt-bigwigs-cash-in-on-staff-transfers">NewsDay:</a>
<blockquote>
When a teacher wants to transfer from one province to another, one has to pay US$250 to US$300.
The amount is paid to education officials in order to facilitate the process. This has been going on for the past five or so years. This is happening countrywide. It appears the teachers have gotten used to the demands and have normalised the scam. Most teachers in Zimbabwe can testify to this. We are earning peanuts and from that little that we have, the superiors want to take part of it. 
</blockquote>
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general Raymond Majongwe told NewsDay that a complaint was recently lodged with the Primary and Secondary Education ministry.
Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said lateral transfers in the civil service should be done for free, adding that demanding payment was illegal.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Senior Govt Officials Demanding Money, Sex For Transfers

Thousands of teachers this Wednesday left classrooms to attend the launch of the Teachers for Economic Development (<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/TeachersforED">TeachersforED</a>), a shadowy union reportedly championing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s re-election bid.
The three-day event is being held at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) amid allegations that schools were made to donate US$10 towards the launch.
This payment is towards transport costs for the TeachersforED launch. 
Organisers of the Teachers for ED launch have reportedly ordered some schools to avail buses to ferry educators from different parts of the country to HICC, according to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200002216/teachers-frog-marched-to-ed-indaba">NewsDay</a>.
A memo dated October 17, 2022, written by Primary and Secondary Education ministry secretary Tumisang Thabela read:
<blockquote>
Through your Teachers for Economic Development local structures, authority is hereby granted that you release those who have been selected to attend the launch for Teachers for Economic Development.
Local schools have been identified for use by each province as they check into Harare. Provincial education directors must make sure that the examination process is scheduled with adequate invigilators and monitoring taking place as well.”
</blockquote>
Teachers attending the launch will be drawn from each of the 10 provinces and will be housed at selected schools in Harare such as Selbourne Routledge, Churchill, Roosevelt, Lewisam Primary, Prince Edward and Queen Elizabeth, among others.
Each of the selected schools will host at least 250 teachers.
Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Taungana_Ndoro">Taungana Ndoro</a> insisted that the teachers for ED programmes were beneficial to teachers. Ndoro said:
<blockquote>
As the Teachers for Economic Development officially launch their organisation this week they will mount exhibitions to showcase the entrepreneurship projects and legitimate businesses that have been set up by the teachers themselves as well as their students — both formal and non-formal.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) described the demand for sponsorship from schools by Teachers for ED as a politicisation of the education system adding that ZPP was working with the Zimbabwe Human rights Commission to address such issues.
The three-day event coincides with the writing of the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council Ordinary Level examinations.
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