Schools in crisis as teachers flee rural violence

By Tererai Karimakwenda
April 30, 2008

An educational crisis has developed around the country with many schools suffering from a shortage of teachers, due to the current crackdown on suspected opposition supporters and officials. Our correspondent Simon Muchemwa said teachers are not returning to work because they are being hunted down and victimised for the role they played during the elections and because the ruling party considers them agents of the opposition.

The problem is most serious in the rural areas where the state-sponsored violence is more intense. Muchemwa said teachers in these remote areas are normally provided accommodation on the school grounds or near the school so that they do not have to travel to work. This makes them easy targets to find.

Our correspondent spoke to a teacher from Murehwa who said he was threatened with death before schools opened. He had worked as a polling officer for his constituency and was being blamed for ZANU-PF’s loss in the area.

The teacher told Muchemwa that his story is not unique. He said most of his colleagues in the profession are refusing to go back to rural schools until they are promised safety. This will not happen because the authorities who can guarantee that safety are the ones ordering the attacks.

Tens of thousands of teachers have left the country seeking better opportunities so they can support their families. Those who stayed have been working for extremely poor salaries and without adequate resources. Muchemwa said even these dedicated professionals are now looking for opportunities outside Zimbabwe.