By Own Correspondent

THE Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has commemorated the seven days long Education week on the back of calls by educators for the government to improve conditions of service in the fraternity.

Education Week has been a critical platform to raise awareness about the importance of quality education, celebrate the resilience of teachers and learners, and call for urgent reforms in Zimbabwe's education sector.

This year’s focus has shed light on systemic challenges that continue to hinder progress.

“Despite these challenges, Education Week has sparked significant progress: 22,567 individuals signed a petition advocating for increased investment in education. 72 teach-outs were conducted, showcasing innovative solutions and grassroots efforts to sustain learning under challenging circumstances. These milestones reflect a growing collective commitment to advancing education in Zimbabwe,” said Artuz in a statement.

The remote teachers grouping said the signed petitions will be submitted to the government on a day to be announced in a development which will mark a crucial step in holding policymakers accountable and amplifying our collective demands for a better education system.

The commemorations reflected on infrastructure deficits after establishing that schools are lacking proper facilities, furniture, and learning materials with teacher shortages leaving classrooms overcrowded and undermining the quality of education.

Communities like those in Chiredzi, where students and teachers are forced to cross flooded rivers due to a lack of safe infrastructure exposed the extent of government neglect.

The Ministry is desperately trying to conceal the education crisis from public scrutiny. Our duty is to confront the crisis, not to massage it. We gather facts from teachers on the ground who volunteer the information without fear of reprisals.

“On the other hand, the Ministry relies on coercion; most school heads give false information to please the government. We urge the Ministry to join us in demanding more financial support for education from the treasury," said Artuz in a statement.

The union called on all stakeholders s—government, educators, parents, NGOs, and community leaders—to work together to address these challenges and urged  the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to acknowledge the reality on the ground and champion increased financial support for education.

“As we close Education Week, we remain steadfast in our commitment to building an education system that leaves no child behind. Quality education is not a privilege but a right, and it must be prioritised in Zimbabwe’s national development agenda.

“Together, we can overcome these challenges and create an environment where every teacher is supported, every student is empowered, and every school is a place of opportunity and hope,” added ARTUZ.