By ALICE NACHILEMBE
National action for quality education (NAQEZ) in Zambia in central province has called on government to consider giving teachers a covid 19 risking allowance once schools open next month.
Provincial Secretary Justine Kabungo says they have noted with sorrow and grief the escalating number of teachers dying every day from covid 19 pandemic countrywide even before schools open.
Dr Kabungo said the number of teachers who have died from covid-19 within this week is alarming and worrying.
He said NAQEZ notes that government through the office of the secretary to cabinet directed that most government ministries and department officials should operate from home.
Dr Kabungo said but teachers will have to work with huge numbers of children and fellow teachers which in itself is a danger and risk which deserves an allowance as they are now front line workers too.
He said NAQEZ believes that as long as all grades will open on 1st February, 2021 the schools will not be able to adhere to one metre social distance due to shortage of desks and classroom spaces which are key in the fight and prevention of the spread of covid 19 pandemic.
Dr Kabungo said NAQEZ have observed that the second wave of coronavirus is more dangerous and deadly
He said as the schools draw close to the opening day request the government through the ministry of general education to quickly fund all schools both primary and secondary since no school can have money to procure safety equipment which will prevent the spread of covid 19.
