KEY POINTS
- The recruitment of teachers has been decentralized to the district level.
- Educators demand a minimum salary of $1,260 per month.
- The government focuses on reviving teacher development programs.
The government has decentralized the recruitment of teachers to districts while encouraging qualified educators to register with the Public Service database, acknowledging the need for more educators.
Teacher recruitment moves to district level over growing demand
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo told attendees at the World Teachers’ Day commemorations in Gokwe last week that, as of December 2023, the government had counted 86,043 primary school teachers and 50,438 secondary school teachers, for a total of 136,481.
Moyo’s comments come as educators demand a minimum salary of $1,260 per month, citing heavy workloads and a deteriorating environment due to the sharp depreciation of the Zimbabwean dollar. The demands, made during the same event reflect rising prices of basic commodities, leaving many employees struggling.
“We acknowledge the need for more teachers to address the current high teacher-pupil ratio. To this end, we have decentralized recruitment to districts and encourage qualified educators to register with the Public Service database,” Moyo said.
He added that the government is committed to reviving the teacher capacity development program in partnership with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education to ensure teachers are well-prepared for emerging challenges. World Teachers’ Day, designated by UNESCO, has been celebrated on Oct. 5 since 1994 to recognize and appreciate teachers’ contributions globally.
Educators demand salary increases as economic conditions worsen
Newsday reported that Moyo said the ministry had made strides in improving educational quality through initiatives like school improvement grants, which have refurbished classrooms and enhanced teacher accommodations. “As we embrace this year’s theme, the ministry has undertaken transformative steps to empower our teaching workforce.
The heritage-based curriculum will align our education system with goods and services production through school-based projects, helping Zimbabwe move toward an upper-middle-class economy,” he said.
“This curriculum will not only enhance vocational and technical education but also make subjects like math, science, and heritage studies compulsory, grounding students in their culture and history,” he added.
Moyo emphasized that the government would continue to equip Zimbabwean children with the skills and knowledge necessary for the country’s development.
“Teachers are central to this endeavour, recognized not only for their role in education but also as key players in sustainable development. As we move forward, I urge all teachers to uphold the highest moral standards, guided by the principles of ubuntu/unhu/vumunhu,” Moyo said. “You are the torchbearers of our society, shaping the future of our nation. Together, we can achieve greatness for our students and our country.”
