The opening of schools in Zimbabwe has been put on hold as the government is working on an system that allows schools to operate whilst observing the social distancing and hygienic requirements based on the World Health Organisation standards.
Zimbabwe class sizes to be reduced
The government is intending to hire more teachers or enable teachers to teach different classes in a day in a bid to reduce the class sizes.
Disinfecting schools and protective equipment
The government is also planning to disinfect schools and to afford personal protective equipment for the teachers. The government is also set to procure sanitizers and masks for students if necessary.
The government is also looking at procuring furniture for schools that enables them to enforce social distancing.
When are Zimbabwe June examinations?
On another note, the writing of Zimbabwe School Examination Council (ZIMSEC) has been pushed back by a month following a resolution by the body’s board of directors. Registered students in Zimbabwe were due to write examination in June for their O level and A level.
ZIMSEC considered the position to push back June examinations due to the on going covid-19 lockdown despite the body being ready to conduct the examinations. Zimsec board Chair Professor Eddie Mwenje said, “We met on Friday and managed to check the level of preparedness by Zimsec and they have completed printing of the papers for the June examinations. We can say that they are ready to stage the examinations. What we have advised them to do is to push the starting date by two to four weeks.”
Mwenje emphasised there is not going to be an extension of the June exams registration. The body is targeting to start the examinations in Mid June through observing social distancing during the examination. The ZIMSEC decision will howver be subject to the government’s decision on whether to extend the current lockdown or not.
Schools closed on 24 March 2020 after the president announced a nationwide lockdown.