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By Marlvin Ngiza
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has assured parents and learners that quality education will be prioritised despite the challenges posed by the global Covid-19 pandemic .
Speaking after the postponement of the first term opening date for 2022 ,Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson, Taungana Ndoro said his ministry was committed to ensure that learners continue to access their education without any hustle.
He also clarified that the Ministry has intensified efforts aimed at guaranteeing continuous learning through virtual means with hard copy textbooks being adequately made available for rural learners who might be encountering challenges in as much as connectivity is concerned.
“Parents, guardians and learners need not panic because we have systems in place for the continuation of wholesome education for all Zimbabweans. This delay is not new, we therefore have adjusted to the new reality of using online and digital platforms for education to continue.
“We distribute printed hard copy learning materials where there is lack of digital technology due to infrastructure challenges. However, we are working together with Ministry of ICT and Ministry of Energy to provide the necessary backbone for connectivity,”said Ndoro.
The delayed resumption of lessons for non examination classes, he said, was a good move meant to provide safety for both learners and facilitators.
“The safety and health of learners and teachers and all Zimbabwean citizens is paramount as promulgated by His Excellency Cde Mnangagwa.”
Ndoro expressed satisfaction in the state of response to Covid-19 in rural areas in which he said urban-distant schools have reported fewer Covid-19 cases as compared to other schools in the previous term.
“Rural schools were better than other schools in terms of adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and this is clearly shown by the extremely low and almost negligible infections of Covid amongst our rural schools,” he said.
Meanwhile, face to face lessons for non examination classes were suspended indefinitely with only examination candidates reopened yesterday.