Zimbabwe to Implement COVID-19 Prevention Measures To Protect Children From Mpox As Schools Third Term Begins

The government of Zimbabwe has said it will implement the measures it used during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect children from Mpox as the third term of the school year begins.

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Director of Communications, Taungana Ndoro, told The Sunday Mail as schools prepare to open for the third term this coming Tuesday, 8 September 2024.

Ndoro said schools across Zimbabwe must maintain strict hygiene and health protocols as they reopen to prevent the spread of mpox.

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Ndoro said:

“In light of health concerns, we are implementing awareness campaigns in collaboration with health authorities. Schools will receive guidelines on preventive measures to ensure the safety of pupils and staff.

“Covid-19 taught us how to implement SOPs (standard operating procedures) in the advent of communicable diseases; therefore, we stand ready to implement our SOPs, which we did not abandon entirely. These are the same SOPs we used for Covid-19 precautionary and preventive measures.

“SOPs (standard operating procedures) from the Covid-19 include hand-washing facilities in every classroom, regular disinfection of ablution blocks, and sanitization of students at entry and exit points. Classrooms will also prioritise physical distancing to minimize contact.”

Shielding Pupils From Drought In Schools

The Ministry will also support students through a government-led school feeding program will provide meals to primary schoolchildren, particularly in rural and urban under-resourced areas.

The program is aimed at mitigating the effects of the El Niño-induced drought and promoting proper nutrition among students. According to Ndoro, 27,000 tonnes of maize have been distributed to schools across the country.

“The meals provided will be balanced and nutritious, typically including staples such as maize porridge, beans, and vegetables, along with fruits, where possible.’

Exam Classes Announcement

Preparations for the 2024 national examinations are in advanced stages, with teachers receiving professional development training to better prepare them for the term ahead.

The workshops focused on effective teaching strategies and classroom management. Ndoro expressed optimism about improved pass rates, urging students to carefully read and understand exam questions before answering.

What Currency Should Schools Pay In?

The Ministry also addressed the currency issue. When Dr John Mushayavanhu introduced the ZiG in April, the rate was at 13.56. The informal sector rate is now at 1:26.

Ndoro said the government’s policy states that parents should not be forced to pay in foreign currency.

“It is crucial to note that schools should not compel parents to pay fees or levies exclusively in foreign currency, as Zimbabwe operates under a multi-currency regime. Parents have the freedom to pay in a currency of their choice,” he said.

Schools are required to accept payments in the local currency (ZIG) at the prevailing interbank rate if fees are pegged in foreign currency.

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