Staff Writer

Stakeholders in the educational sector have applauded Government's directive for boarding schools not to close for the Easter Holidays, as a move to curb the spread of COVID-19.

 “School learners who are in boarding schools will not be permitted to travel back home. Equally no parents will travel to concerned schools for purpose of visit,” said President Mnangagwa in a statement.

Most parents concurred that this was a wise decision as it would not only contain the spread of the disease, but also reduce unnecessary logistical costs which would be incurred in travelling back and forth considering that the holiday is just four days long.

“They just opened schools hardly a fortnight ago, and it’s not necessary to have them back home for a few days. They could instead use that time for studying since they are already lagging behind,” said Mr Khali whose daughter is a boarder at Mabelreign Girls High.

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) added that students could use this time to study, given the new compressed syllabus introduced in schools, which is intended to assist them make up for the past year.

Furthermore, school heads also expressed relief at the decision saying that the move removed strain and logistical costs on the schools.

“It’s easier for parents to understand when such decisions are coming from Government unlike at school level. We already had parents inquiring on when to come collect their kids for the holiday. ” said Mr Ndoro, Makumbi High School headmaster.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa also discouraged the usual church gatherings during the Easter holidays as it is the norm by most religious sects when they celebrate this holiday.

“In keeping with Christian practices, Zimbabweans flock to different places of worship …the risk of disease transmission during the period is thus predictably high,” said the President.

Among other measures, unnecessary travelling was also discouraged, closure of bars and nightclubs during the holiday period, negative COVID-19 certificates are a requisite for travelers, while quarantine for those travelling from other countries is still being enforced, and congregating remains at 50.