By Tinzwei Every weekend, we observe pupils departing for school. Extra lessons – they call them. Though it remains outlawed in Z...
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By Tinzwei
Every weekend, we observe
pupils departing for school. Extra lessons – they call them. Though it remains
outlawed in Zimbabwe, some educators override the embargo – illicitly.
And some enjoy a veto
to host them within school precincts. Their validation is partly that
incentives were abolished – rendering them lower unskilled staff – money-wise.
From a dollar, teachers have enticed parents to pay for added lessons adding to
the school fees. The custom gets bloodcurdling in secluded parts as students compensate
teachers in kind not limited to firewood, only. Livestock is permissible – I gathered.
At least they can pay. What about the rest. Who will educate their
children for the future? While the constitution spells that education is a right
– some sections have colluded to annihilate upcoming generations. A visit to
one school confirmed this summary. A teacher outlined that for $3 – she can
teach extra lessons for a week. Adding, “Those attending extra lessons stand a
better chance to pass their examinations since they get extra work compared to
the rest.”
This is factual – since
most students in top ten attend further lessons. It is normal for educators to exert
extra effort during extra lessons – while disregarding their foremost function.
Though minute – at least they are earning. Contrary, some workplaces employees resort
to moonlighting. And one authority observed that: “Learners need a break to renew their zeal and zest
for learning. It is instructive to note that extra or holiday lessons were
being organised purely for monetary reasons, not for circular considerations”.
Adding that,
“an analysis of school performance in public examinations showed that schools
that conducted extra lessons did not necessarily perform better than those that
did not conduct them. Holiday lessons disadvantaged children that needed a
break and parents should appreciate the importance of allowing their children
to have a break so that they can go back to school recharged. Parents should
use holidays to spend quality time with their children. The ability of parents
to pay for the lessons is not the issue. It is a deliberate attempt to deny
children a break for monetary reasons that are of concern…”
This is correctly
my disquiet – dear reader. And can anyone explain why a grade
one pupil is dragged for extra lessons. To learn patterns, I presume. For I
recall one educator, a math teacher who diligently taught us while others were
on strike. His ardour was amazing. In his register are doctors, lawyers and
mathematicians. His was a calling. If he had asked for extra payment – he could
be rich at our expense. By sending children to government institutions, parents
have said – they can’t afford exorbitant fees claimed at most colleges. So,
after that decision – they have to settle for mediocre practice.
And alas – even grade one pupils are out for further
lessons. Holidays are now consumed with more learning and homework. So, when
will the pupils find their deservedly rest? In death – I wish not. Who shall
care for the lost generation as vultures descend on meagre resources availed to
parents? Who shall safeguard our children’s intellect? Surely – teachers will
not feed on a calling tag but that should give them solace that they possess
the future in their hands – and ought to defend it entirely. Those failing to
attract students for additional tutorials are left bitter and will surely
regurgitate it onto our children.
Years back, we only
the preeminent could shepherd lacking students confined to examination classes.
And now, behold – every teacher has become a specialist tutor. And all students
are a special case even the most gifted ones – intellectually. Now, is it a
question of pure voracity to or a bid to achieve better results? – Tinzwei
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