Harare – In a significant move aimed at improving the quality of education across Zimbabwe, the Government has initiated the recruitment of 4,000 teachers as part of a broader plan to employ 8,000 educators this year. This initiative, greenlit by the Treasury, is expected to address the teacher-learner ratio, enhance educational standards, and bridge the disparities between urban and rural schools.
Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister Angeline Gata expressed optimism about the recruitment drive, stating that at least 4,000 teachers would be brought on board during the first quarter of the year. The remaining 4,000 teachers are slated for recruitment in the second term.
Speaking at the official opening of a new five-room classroom block at Southerton Primary School in Harare, Deputy Minister Gata confirmed that the Ministry had already completed the necessary paperwork to facilitate the recruitment process with relevant government departments.
“Right, we are very, very grateful to Treasury and the Public Service Commission, who have given us the green light that during the first quarter of the year, we will be able to have 4 000 teachers as per plan,” she said.
The Deputy Minister explained the process, stating: “We submit our requirements to the Public Service Commission, indicating where we need teachers and for which subjects.” She further clarified that “The hiring and payment of these teachers will be managed by the Ministry of Public Service and the Minister of Finance, who will communicate accordingly.”
The recruitment drive is expected to significantly bolster the nation’s teaching workforce and improve pass rates, particularly in underserved rural areas. By increasing the number of qualified teachers, the Government aims to create a more conducive learning environment for students across the country.
Deputy Minister Gata also lauded the parents and the Southerton community for their crucial role in constructing the new classroom block at Southerton Primary School. She described the new facility as essential for providing a safe and secure learning environment for students.
“This development is crucial as schools expand, ensuring that children have adequate and safe spaces to learn,” she said. “It allows us to deliver the quality education we aim for and improves the overall environment and safety of our children.”
The five-room classroom block at Southerton Primary School was built using resources mobilised by parents and community members, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving local educational infrastructure.
School Development Committee (SDC) Chairperson Mr Brown Nyama expressed his satisfaction with the collaborative effort, stating: “It brings us joy as parents to hand over this building to the ministry, as it represents the passion and teamwork invested by parents. Students should view this investment as a pillar of inspiration.”
Mr Nyama emphasised that the value of the resources and efforts invested in the project should motivate students to work hard and improve academically. He also acknowledged the ongoing challenges facing the educational sector, such as the non-payment or late payment of school fees.
“The challenges facing the educational sector, such as non-payment or late payment of school fees, remain significant,” Mr Nyama said.
Despite these challenges, he reiterated the importance of community support in overcoming obstacles and complementing the Government’s efforts in school expansion. “We are committed to complementing the Government’s efforts in school expansion, in line with the Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo mantra,” Mr Nyama said, invoking the national philosophy that emphasises self-reliance and community ownership in development.
The combined efforts of the Government, through the teacher recruitment drive, and local communities, through initiatives like the construction of the new classroom block, represent a promising step towards enhancing the quality of education in Zimbabwe. Education commentators suggest that with continued commitment and collaboration, there is reason to be optimistic about the future of education in the country and the prospects for improved educational outcomes for all students.
