The ManicaPost
Samuel Kadungure
Senior Reporter
PARENTS and school heads have thrown their full weight behind the reopening of schools which will be staggered to allow learning institutions to meet standard health operating procedures to protect pupils and teachers from Covid-19 infections.
Most bodies have welcomed the reopening of schools which was announced by Government on Tuesday, saying the prolonged closure was causing a lot of anxiety and stress.
The reopening of schools begins with the examination classes — Grade Seven, Form Four and Upper Six – on March 15.
The rest of the classes will open on March 22 following the easing of lockdown regulations.
Schools are expected to strictly adhere to the dictates of the standard operating procedures for prevention of Covid-19, said the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson, Mr Taungana Ndoro on Wednesday.
Some of the public health measures to be adhered to include slashing classes, availing hand-washing stations at strategic points, provision of clean running water, disinfection of learning institutions and the establishment of temporary isolation holding bays for Covid-19 suspect cases.
The number of pupils in each class should be slashed to 35, with lessons being conducted outside to minimise contact.
Schools must also have huge stocks of cleaning supplies, personal protective equipment (PPEs) for all staff and learners and upgrade their ventilation systems.
Boarding schools need redesigning of dormitories and dining halls to promote physical distancing. The learning institutions are also being urged to adhere to a strict disinfection schedule for bathrooms and toilets thrice a day.
“We expect extreme adherence to these standard operating procedures and Covid-19 protocols.The ministry will announce the rest of the school calendar in due course,” said Mr Ndoro.
The National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH) has thrown its full weight behind the resumption of classes, while urgingthe Public Service Commission (PSC) to address welfare issues of teachers to avert disruption of learning.
“We support the reopening schools, despite a number of challenges. We hope the Government will declare infrastructure needs of schools a national disaster and give it the same attention it is giving to roads rehabilitation.
“It will work out well if all teachers come on March 10 for meetings, staff distribution or allocation. With the halving of classes, all teachers have to be at school and the national school calendar should be out for school planning.
“However, a notice of two weeks is rather short given that school coffers are empty, and they will need to mobilise Covid-19 supplies. Communication may be experienced, especially in rural settings. There is need for refresher courses and retooling of school personnel in line with new normal,” said Mr Maphosa.
The Zimbabwe School Development Associations/Committees (ZSDA/C) general secretary, Mr Everisto Jongwe, said there was no better time for schools to reopen.
“Our children need to go back to school. Since last year they have not had meaningful lessons, and as parents we are ready to make do with the little resources we have to ensure that they are back in school. It is disheartening though that the majority of parents had been locked at home and may have challenges in paying school fees,” said Mr Jongwe.
Mr Jongwe said some schools may be forced to introduce hot seating.
“The weather conditions may not be good for hot seating, but given the physical distancing requirements, it is the only way forward. We have and will continue to engage the Government in the general view of the schools safety for pupils and all employees,” he said.
The National Association for School Development Committees (NASDC) official, Mr Ranganai Mupakati, said the reopening of schools is appreciated.
“What is critical is to embrace the Covid-19 protocols to avoid infections in schools. Government ought to honestly engage parents and hear our concerns. Schools require health safety nets — assigning health workers at every school to ensure the precautions and protocols are adhered to.
‘‘Boarding schools are better off than day schools since learners will be at one place,” said Mr Mupakati.
The associations called on teachers to report for duty while their grievances are being looked into to avoid disadvantaging pupils.
