Class Dismissed
October 9th, 2008 at 9:28 am | posted by Chris.ScottNews out of Zimbabwe today reveals that the full impact of failed governance and gross economic mismanagement in Zimbabwe is still emerging. An article featured on the Times Online reported that due to a rapidly crumbling education system and continuing conflict between teaching unions and Robert Mugabe’s government, Zimbabwe has decided to cancel the 2008 academic year. In the midst of a prolonged teaching union strike, violence erupted around June’s presidential election leaving 6 teachers dead and thousands assaulted by Zanu (PF) militia.
The deteriorating state of education is the latest update to a long list of development gains that have been thwarted by years of failed leadership under Mugabe. This news is particularly disheartening given that Zimbabwe once boasted one of Africa’s highest literacy rates.
Excerpts below, full piece here
Now the coup de grace to the education system is being delivered by hyperinflation. Teachers had their salaries doubled last week to the equivalent of £5.70 a month — barely enough for bus fares and bread for four days.
The handful of private and state schools where parents can pay large supplements to teachers’ salaries are the only ones operating. In most schools where teachers do turn up pupil attendance is dwindling.
Providing school food at a time of comprehensive agricultural failure is a struggle. Mr Majongwe said hundreds of rural schools had sent their boarders home because they could no longer feed them.
Mr Musoni, from Sengwe, is pathetically thin. “There is no food,” he said. “People are starving.” Students at Harare Polytechnic rioted last week after they were served sadza, the stiff maize porridge that is the national staple, without salt or cabbage.
-Chris Scott
October 9th, 2008 at 9:50 am
This is sad to hear. It’s a catch 22, because education will help the children succeed life, and bring more good & hope to their country.
October 9th, 2008 at 11:26 am
In a country that thrives on voilence and murdering innocent people, this constant state of chaos can only be overcome with more people who are willing to risk everything and step up to the plate for their people. We are over here in America, yes, I know some people feel that we are in our own little box, but for people to GO outside of the box, to rethink, replan and reevaluate and come up with realistic ideals and make an impact in other countries, to lend our time and money and knowledge that we all hold so dear….Yes, we must go and be the change…for the ones who have the money and resources..go and make the change, make your presence known over there in another country(another world) become part of an community who cannot understand the real meanings of your basic virtues -everything we have here people die for over there….This must stop! we need to Go and yes, if I could I would Go..I am not afraid or ashamed…I would be the first one to help make an actual real-life, feel my heartbeating, stand!
October 10th, 2008 at 2:56 am
Get on it there SC. Get over there and get it done!! I’m behind you following up on your empty rhetoric all the way. You lead, others will follow!!
Cheers mate!
October 10th, 2008 at 6:35 am
People like you Steve B. are the reasons why unity ceases to exsist. My words might appear “empty” to you but I would be 100% back on my words…how bout you, “mate”?
October 10th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Zimbabwe makes me sad
I’m pretty sure of all the insane stories I’ve heard on my travels to Southern Africa, most involve Zimbabwe.