Don’t blame teachers for low pass rates – union

The Educators Union of Zimbabwe (EUZ) says it is unfair to blame teachers in Matabeleland South Province for low pass rates, arguing that a wide range of factors, including the roles played by all stakeholders and the Government, must be scrutinised.

This comes after the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Albert Nguluvhe, recently called for the dismissal of non-performing teachers, saying they should be replaced by unemployed teachers returning from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks.

However, EUZ president Tafadzwa Munodawafa said accusing teachers of being responsible for poor learner performance is not the way forward, and called for a comprehensive education audit for Matabeleland South and the rest of the country.

“We caution against creating a narrative in which teachers become the scapegoats for poor educational outcomes,” said Munodawafa.

“A 0% pass rate in 11 schools should prompt a comprehensive provincial education audit to establish the underlying causes and identify schools that require urgent intervention.

“Government, education authorities, school leadership, teachers, parents and communities all have a role to play in improving learner outcomes.

“Rather than simply asking teachers to leave Matabeleland South, we should be asking: why are these schools failing?

“What support do these teachers and learners need? What interventions have already been implemented, and have they been effective?”

Matabeleland South Provincial Education Director Beatrice Manjere agreed that several other factors need to be examined to improve performance in schools.

She said teachers alone cannot be blamed for poor pass rates, adding that many other factors are at play.

More: Masvingo Mirror