The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has marked the conclusion of Education Week with a powerful call to action, shedding light on the ongoing challenges within the country’s education sector and the urgent need for reform. The week-long campaign, centered on raising awareness, celebrating educators and learners, and advocating for improvements, has not only mobilized thousands but also exposed critical shortcomings in government policies.
Education Week was a resounding success in rallying the public and stakeholders to focus on the state of education in Zimbabwe. Among its key achievements were the collection of 22,567 signatures for a petition demanding better funding for education and the hosting of 72 “teach-outs,” grassroots-led discussions aimed at amplifying teacher and learner voices.
Speaking at the conclusion of the campaign, ARTUZ President Obert Masaraure highlighted some responses from the government. “The government has hastened to run trainings for the Heritage-Based Curriculum, a key demand under the campaign. Schools have been promised more disbursements for the BEAM support in response to our demand for education grants,” he said.
Despite these commitments, ARTUZ emphasized that the broader education crisis persists, with the lack of hardship allowances for teachers remaining a significant issue. “There is still no response on hardship allowance, but the Union will continue pushing,” Masaraure added.
ARTUZ’s campaign brought to light glaring deficiencies in the education system, including severe underfunding, untrained teachers struggling to implement the new Heritage-Based Curriculum, and a lack of financial support for schools. Rural areas, such as Chiredzi South Constituency, were particularly highlighted, where students and teachers are forced to navigate flooded rivers and treacherous roads to access education.
Masaraure took aim at the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, accusing it of misrepresenting the true state of the sector. “The Ministry is desperately trying to conceal the education crisis from public scrutiny. Our duty is to confront the crisis, not to massage it,” he stated. “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.”
One of the campaign’s significant successes was the strengthening of alliances with student unions and civic organizations. “The Union has strengthened synergies with the students’ Union and other civic organizations during this campaign,” said Masaraure. These collaborations are expected to amplify advocacy efforts and increase pressure on the government to prioritize education funding.
As Education Week concludes, ARTUZ reaffirmed its commitment to driving change. The Union announced plans to submit the signed petitions to the government on a date to be announced, further signaling its determination to hold authorities accountable.
“The education crisis in Zimbabwe is not just a teacher’s problem; it is a national crisis that requires collective effort,” Masaraure said. ARTUZ called on the government, educators, parents, and NGOs to join forces in addressing the systemic challenges and building a brighter future for Zimbabwean learners.
Education Week has left a clear message: the fight for quality education in Zimbabwe is far from over. ARTUZ’s advocacy continues to shine a light on the urgent need for reform, ensuring that education remains at the forefront of the national agenda. As the Union pushes forward, it urges all stakeholders to keep the momentum alive and work toward a sustainable and equitable education system for all.