TEACHERS across Zimbabwe have received a significant boost through the Presidential Teachers Empowerment Fund, with US$500 000 unveiled this Saturday at the Teachers for ED Economic Empowerment Conference in Harare.
The revolving fund will see each of the country’s 10 provinces receiving US$50 000, aimed at supporting income-generating projects by educators.
Presidential Investment Advisor, Dr Paul Tungwarara, emphasised the central role of teachers in shaping the nation’s future.
“Today we are here to celebrate and empower teachers. The Presidential Empowerment Programme is an initiative to empower teachers. All of us were taught by teachers and it is that same teacher that opened our minds to the world of wonders. Teachers are the architects of our future, yet for too long the architecture has been overlooked. The Presidential government is investing in teachers through a revolving fund,” he said.
ZANU PF National Political Commissar Cde Munyaradzi Machacha said the fund is designed to provide seed money for teachers to enable them to initiate income-generating projects.
“You must put this fund to good use and ensure everyone benefits. We have set up a monitoring and evaluation committee to ensure the funds are disbursed to the right beneficiaries and used for their intended purposes,” Cde Machacha noted.
Teachers welcomed the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen their role in the mainstream economy.
“Our teachers under Teachers for ED have been attending lectures at the Chitepo School of Ideology. That is where we are taught about the need to decolonise the mind and empower ourselves. So, this fund will go a long way in sustaining our projects,” Teachers for ED National Chairperson, Mr Ropafadzo Matemavi added.
In addition to the fund, Teachers for Economic Development received 12 vehicles to enhance their organisational mobility and coordination.
The government previously launched similar empowerment schemes for the youth, women, and war veterans, among other groups.Pay all teachers a living wage without facing them to support your political party. Ivo vapihwa 500000 should go ahead and teach then vamwe voenda pa strike
