Shamwari Yemwanasikana Statement On Radio Education Programs By MoPSE {Full Text}

The Girls Rights Movement (GRM) commends the government efforts of initiating Radio Education programs, an act which shows concern over learners’ welfare during these harsh times of combating COVID-19 in Zimbabwe.

Education is a basic need for every child in Zimbabwe hence as a nation we should have response mechanisms which address these situations during disasters such as the one we are currently facing.

Children’s rights are human rights hence we appreciate and welcome the government’s initiative which is currently in progress.

In as much as we applaud the government with their planning, our Girls Rights Movement members believe the effort is not inclusive to all children in Zimbabwe.

We have children living with disabilities who for instance cannot hear (deaf), how will they be able to understand those educational radio programs?

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We also have a bigger population of children living in dire poverty and they cannot afford to have radios at their homes.

We note that there will be donations of radios by UNICEF (2 500) which is a good initiative but we feel the number is insignificant to the rural populace not even to talk about the urban.

From a rural setup, we have children who will be working in people’s fields or doing other piece jobs as a way to fend/supplement for their families during this lockdown which will make them not participate in the program.

Are there any mechanisms that have been put in place to monitor children’s progress as well as their participation in the program?

If there are, they should be given for people to know so that as a nation we come up with solid solutions for our future benefit as children.

Apart from that, which criterion was used to choose the target beneficiaries that is grades 4 to 6? What will become of the rest of the learners?

We need information which gives a plan for all the learners in Zimbabwe, not bits and pieces.
This will enable us to come up with solutions which suit our context as a nation that is taking into cognizant the people and socio-economic challenges we face.

Is there a plan in place for the rest that is exam class learners, secondary and tertiary learners because time flies and quality of education is being compromised every day?

We believe our voice is our power hence silence is not a solution for us.

Education is key for us as the leaders of today and tomorrow hence for its success the government has to play a critical role in our lives.

There is a need for proper investment in education during disasters so that we may not lose a generation in the process.

Help us become the better version of ourselves by giving us an education plan which is thought critically and executed thoroughly.