Press Statement
As Education Week comes to an end, the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) extends its heartfelt gratitude to all teachers, learners, parents, and stakeholders who participated in this week-long journey of reflection, advocacy, and action.
Education Week has been a critical platform to raise awareness about the importance of quality education, celebrate the resilience of teachers and learners, and call for urgent reforms in Zimbabwe’s education sector. This year’s focus has shed light on systemic challenges that continue to hinder progress.
The government’s underfunding of education has emerged as a glaring issue, alongside its lack of seriousness in implementing the new Heritage-Based Curriculum. Teachers remain untrained for this curriculum, which has not been backed by adequate financial resources or the provision of updated syllabi. The gap between policy and implementation has left both teachers and students struggling, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Despite these challenges, Education Week has sparked significant progress:
22,567 individuals signed a petition advocating for increased investment in education.
72 teach-outs were conducted, showcasing innovative solutions and grassroots efforts to sustain learning under challenging circumstances.
These milestones reflect a growing collective commitment to advancing education in Zimbabwe. We are pleased to announce that the signed petitions will be submitted to the government on a day to be announced. This will mark a crucial step in holding policymakers accountable and amplifying our collective demands for a better education system.
Education Week has also spotlighted the urgent issues faced by schools and communities:
Infrastructure deficits, with schools lacking proper facilities, furniture, and learning materials.
Teacher shortages that leave classrooms overcrowded and undermine the quality of education.
Communities like those in Chiredzi, where students and teachers are forced to cross flooded rivers due to a lack of safe infrastructure, exposing the extent of government neglect.
As ARTUZ President aptly stated:
“The Ministry is desperately trying to conceal the education crisis from public scrutiny. Our duty is to confront the crisis, not to massage it. We gather facts from teachers on the ground who volunteer the information without fear of reprisals. On the other hand, the Ministry relies on coercion; most school heads give false information to please the government. We urge the Ministry to join us in demanding more financial support for education from the treasury.”
ARTUZ calls upon all stakeholders—government, educators, parents, NGOs, and community leaders—to work together to address these challenges. We urge the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to acknowledge the reality on the ground and champion increased financial support for education.
We extend our deepest thanks to the organizers, participants, and supporters who made Education Week a success. Your efforts have amplified the call for a brighter, more equitable future for education. Let us continue to advocate, innovate, and collaborate for the betterment of our children’s futures.
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. Together, we can overcome these challenges and create an environment where every teacher is supported, every student is empowered, and every school is a place of opportunity and hope.