ECOZI joins the world to commemorate World Teacher’s Day 2021 under the theme Teachers at the heart of education recovery, in line with its mandate to support the attainment of SDG 4- to ‘ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’ in Zimbabwe.
World Teacher’s Day is a global observance where the services of teachers and their contributions to the education fraternity are acknowledged and their role and importance in society appreciated. The resurgence of COVID 19, the frequent closure of schools and their reopening have made us realise how important teachers are in improving the quality of learning in schools.
Regrettably and extremely concerning, the status of teachers which once was highly regarded has gradually plummeted to undesired levels. The theme: Teachers at the heart of the education recovery , would not have come at a more opportune time. The determination, resilience, tolerance and endurance by teachers in the face of many daunting challenges cannot be ignored at this time. In order to appropriate teacher’s welfare and conditions of service ECOZI, calls upon the relevant government sectors to engage in genuine policy and social dialogue with the teachers and their Teachers Unions with a view to arrive at lasting solutions. Teacher efficacy is the single most important determinant of a child’s learning success. If SDG 4 is to become a reality, attention needs to be anchored on investing in the teacher education process and on developing a quality teaching workforce. Strong education systems are driven in collaboration with strong Teachers Unions. It is common knowledge that what affects the teachers directly affects the learners too. When learners look at their teachers and realize how pathetic they look, they obviously do not see the value of education
ECOZI exhorts all teacher Unions to work together to strengthen their conversation and dialogue with government in addressing teacher welfare issues. Agenda 2063, the Africa we want and the Zimbabwe we aspire cannot be fully achieved if the welfare of teachers and conditions of services are not constantly reviewed and addressed. The learners will remain at the receiving end if such issues remain unresolved.
We welcome the new Minister in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) Hon. Evelyn Ndlovu and applaud the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe His Excellency Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa for the fitting and timely appointment. We hope that the new minister will be ready to quickly institute and engage the teacher membership with a view to address their persistent plight.
We continue to call for the various Education stakeholders in Zimbabwe, including the government, the Private sector, the international community, religious entities, CSOs, NGOs, philanthropists, and individuals to commit to pooling resources together for education in Zimbabwe. It is our collective duty to ensure that the education sector in Zimbabwe thrives and produces a skilled citizenry that is critical for the sustainable development of our country.
Happy Teachers Day Zimbabwe.
Lydia Madyirapanze
Chairperson
About ECOZI
ECOZI is a Private Voluntary Organization founded by teacher unions, NGOs and CSOs who are in education to create a network of CSOs to speak with one amplified voice on issues of education in Zimbabwe. ECOZI coordinates this network of civil society organisations working in the Education Sector through its 5 thematic Committees and its 9 Provincial Chapters. ECOZI is also a member of National, Regional and International Education Bodies including Education Coordination Group – Zimbabwe, ANCEFA and Global Campaign for Education. The Coalition is mainly involved with ensuring equal access to equitable, quality, relevant and inclusive Education for all in Zimbabwe.