LEGISLATORS have said Government must prioritise the recruitment of qualified teachers instead of constructing new schools as the country has a teacher shortage of 20
000.
Zimbabwe is facing a massive shortage of basic education facilities and requires an additional 2 056 primary and secondary schools to meet the growing demand spurred
by the emergence of communities in
resettlement farming areas since 2000.
Presenting its budget analysis, the portfolio committee on public service, labour and social welfare said the construction of more
schools will increase the demand for teachers at a time when there is a shortfall.

“While the Government is planning to increase the number of schools, the country is currently facing teacher shortages of around 20 000.The construction of more schools will further increase the demand for teachers. The Committee recommends that Government hires sufficient qualified teachers to fill all vacancies so that schools are manned by properly trained personnel to enhance effective education,” reads the report.Chronicle