By Sukuoluhle Ndlovu
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission has said that government must grant educators a risk allowance if schools are to re-open.
ZHRC has focused its attention on the assessment of the preparedness of the education sector to reopen schools during the Covid -19 pandemic.
This follows the decision by government to open schools.
“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in liason with thr Ministry of Finance and Economic Development should consider the allocation of risk allowances to educators and at the same time ensuing that schools have safe and secure working environments which enable schools to re open during the pandemic,” reads the statement by ZHRC.
“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in liason with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development should consider the allocation of risk allowances to educators and at the same time ensuing that schools have safe and secure working environments which enable schools to re open during the pandemic.”
ZHRC said learning institutions must be assessed.
“Government should conduct a needs assessment at needy schools such as those in the rural, farming and density communities so as to identify specific gaps and needs and other adequate support before opening of schools. There is need to avoid a blanket form of support intervention.
“Government should issue out a form of certification for compliance with the set of Covid-19 precautionary guidelines to schools that would have met the set standards for them to open. Government should also set out measures on how those schools that would have failed to meet the certification standards will be assisted for them to re-open together with others in line with the principles of non discrimination and equality.”
ZHRC said the opening of schools should be postponed until the government obtains the necessary resources to guarantee the rights to health and life of learners, teachers, ancilliary staff at schools as well as parents.
