ARTUZ Worry Over Lack Of Preparedness By ZIMSEC.
Ronald Chigwada
Examinations have continued in unsafe environments in schools as teachers and students are facing many challenges. Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union (ARTUZ) reiterated that this is a sign of lack of preparedness by Zimbabwe schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC).
Speaking to CORAH, Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union, deputy secretary general Munyaradzi Masiyiwa, said ZIMSEC decided to proceed with examinations regardless of challenges being faced by teachers and students. Masiyiwa accused ZIMSEC of lack of preparedness evidenced by missing pages on some examination papers coupled with invigilators who are not provided with protective clothing against COVID-19.
Masiyiwa added that there are inadequate invigilators in schools, “ … instead of having four invigilators you find only two present, the normal ratio is 20 candidates per invigilator but now it is not surprising to get two invigilators in a hall with 120 students which jeopardize the quality of examinations”.
ARTUZ president Obert Masaraure also noted that their members accross the country are afraid of contracting the deadly Corona virus, as such more than 50% are not reporting for duty.
Amongst other challenges, in urban areas teachers are facing commuting problems, the transport situation has also contributed to the teachers absenteeism. Where as in rural areas bad road networks are causing inconvenience as bridges are being taken away by floods and heavy rains.
Different teacher associations across the country and parents condemned writing of exams and had called on government and the country’s examination board to hold off until teachers and students were well prepared.
