By Takudzwa Tondoya
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has lamented the worsening conditions in the country’s education sector amid calls for urgent government intervention.
In an interview with 263chat, ARTUZ president Obert Masaraure called for a substantial salary adjustment in response to the rising cost of living and economic hardships facing educators.
“We are demanding a review of our salaries to a minimum of $1,260,” Masaraure said.
Beyond salaries, Masaraure urged the government to prioritise state-funded education to ensure no child is left behind.
“There are enough resources to cater to each and every learner to be in school. It is unacceptable to have 50,000 learners dropping out every year; it is unacceptable to have almost 3 million of our learners drop out of school because they can’t afford education,” he said.
Masaraure said his organisation is committed to ensuring every child has access to education.
In addition to financial concerns, Masaraure highlighted the poor state of infrastructure in schools and a shortage of essential teaching and learning materials.
“There must be improved budgetary support for our education. We have seen infrastructure decay in schools and how the curriculum is underfunded,” he said.
Masaraure also appealed to the government to open dialogue with educators in a bid to address these pressing issues.
“We are actually calling for an education conference to discuss these fundamental issues so that we can find solutions,” he said.
Last week, teachers under the Federation of Zimbabwe Educators Union (FOZEU) notified the government of their intention to embark on an indefinite strike starting this week, citing unresolved grievances and demanding improved working conditions and a salary increment.
