MDC celebrates World Teacher's Day

The MDC joins teachers in Zimbabwe in commemorating World Teachers’ Day 2009.

The day, which will be celebrated tomorrow, is a historic occasion as it pays tribute to teachers who play a pivotal role in the provision of education for a better future for the country. The celebrations come at time when hope has become an important asset because of the new political dispensation.

This year’s World Teachers’ Day also comes at a time when teachers are de-motivated owing to low salaries and lack of basic teaching equipment such as books and chalk. Teachers in particular and the civil service in general are the unsung heroes of our nation as they are working hard to shape not only future leaders but the future of this nation under very adverse conditions.

As teachers celebrate this year’s World Teachers’ Day, the MDC is concerned that some teachers in areas such as Mutasa in Manicaland province, Gutu and Bikita in Masvingo and Uzumba in Mashonaland East are receiving threats from Zanu PF activists.

There are disturbing reports that Zanu PF youth bases have been established at schools and the youths are disrupting lessons at a time when education had begun to recover following the formation of the inclusive government in February 2009.

We are equally concerned by the politicisation of teachers’ labour unions by certain politicians to the detriment of teachers and the education system in general. Zimbabweans must unite so that together, we provide for an efficient and qualitative education system that will set the foundation for a new Zimbabwe and a new beginning.

The MDC calls on the inclusive government to be unequivocally committed in establishing an education system that is holistic and assists in the creation of a culturally, socially, mentally, physically and economically prosperous and democratic society.

As a party, we believe in the provision of adequate financial, material and human resources to manage and administer the education system competently, transparently and accountably.

The MDC is a party of excellence. We believe that provision of better and quality education will assist in delivering real change to the people of Zimbabwe. The people deserve hope, dignity, freedom, security and prosperity.

Together to the end, marching to a new Zimbabwe.