The ManicaPost
Post Reporter
THE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is putting in place all the necessary modalities to ensure that lost time is covered before examination classes sit for their November examinations.
Officiating at the launch of the schools’ radio programme in Chimanimani yesterday (Thursday), the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mrs Tumisang Thabela, said they will combine face-to-face tutorials and radio lessons to ensure that all students are well prepared for their final examinations.
“Cabinet has given us a task to ensure that the November examinations will go on. We don’t know exactly when, so we have to sit down and plan.
“All examination classes have to continue with their classes. We have to combine face-to-face tutorials with radio programmes to cover up for the lost time. We have lost five months on the school calendar, but the students will not lose their future.
“We are going through a very difficult period and a lot of detractors will discourage the opening of schools. However, parents and the Education Ministry must come up with solutions that are best for the children,” said Ms Tabela.
Schools were closed in March as the nation went into a lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Examination classes were expected to start on July 28, but opening was indefinitely suspended as the country started recording a spike in Covid-19 cases.
Ms Tabela said before schools are reopened, it is important for everyone to ensure that there is enough water and personal protective equipment.
“We should ensure that all schools have adequate water to promote good personal hygiene. This entails everyone to come together. Covid-19 has given us new ways of doing things and we will be following the World Health Organisation’s Covid-19 prevention guidelines.
“While Government is procuring PPE, the communities should also strive to avail some of what is required. Schools should also prioritise income generating projects to complement Government’s efforts,” she said.
Mrs Tabela went on to call for the continous promotion of indigenous languages.
“Due to legacy issues, black peope were made to feel inferior. Indigenous groups were marginalised. Our mandate is to push for the promotion of local languages.
“We thank the community radio stations because they have come on board in this regard. Manicaland, through Diamond FM, has done us proud. The station is very effective in pushing local languages. Let’s develop our lanuages through local community radio stations,” she said.
Mrs Tabela also said according to Government policy; ECD A, ECD B, Grade One and Grade Two students must be taught in their local languages.
