Rural parents in drought-stricken Mashonaland West Province are facing yet another financial hurdle. The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) exposed the local schools’ heads demanding $1 from each student to contribute towards the National Association of Schools Inspectors and Directors (NASID) conferences.
ARTUZ strongly condemned this move, highlighting the immense economic and social pressure already faced by parents due to the severe drought. Many rural families rely on subsistence farming, and the dry conditions have devastated their cattle herds, threatening their livelihoods.
In a statement, the teachers union stated: “The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), strongly condemns the actions of School Heads in Mashonaland West province, who are demanding $1 from every learner for some National Association of Schools Inspectors and Directors, NASID conferences, particularly during a period when rural areas and Zimbabwe as a whole grapple with a severe drought.
This situation has brought immense economic and social pressure upon parents who are already barely surviving. The proposed $1 contribution per student for ‘civies day’ is particularly disapproved of, as it places an unnecessary strain on already struggling families.”
The union argues schools should prioritize providing quality education and a conducive learning environment, especially during these challenging times.
“Schools should prioritize providing quality education and creating a conducive learning environment, instead of diverting funds towards conferences that do not directly benefit students,” the statement reads. “The focus should be on supporting students’ academic development and well-being, especially during these challenging times.”
ARTUZ calls on the relevant authorities to address these issues and ensure transparency in how education funds are allocated and used. They urge a shift in focus towards the educational well-being of students and alleviating the financial burdens on parents.
“We urgently call upon the relevant authorities to address these issues and ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in the allocation and utilization of funds within the education sector,” reads the statement. “It is crucial to prioritize the educational well-being of our students and to alleviate the financial burdens imposed on parents who are already struggling to make ends meet.”
