Education Ministry bans parents’ visits to boardin...

Education Ministry bans parents’ visits to boarding schools

Zim Now Writer

Parents’ visits to boarding schools have been banned with immediate effect in an effort to guard against the spread of Covid-19.

Roman Catholic-run Shungu High School in Kwekwe was forced to cancel its Annual General Meeting and parents’ visit last Saturday, citing the latest communication from the Primary and Secondary Education ministry.

Acting school head, Sister V Morisi wrote in a memo addressed to parents and guardians: “Following the communication received from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education on the suspension of visits by parents to schools due to Covid-19 escalation, we therefore, postpone the scheduled AGM and visit tomorrow February 18 until further notice. New arrangements will be communicated soon.”

Director of Communication and Advocacy in the Ministry, Taungana Ndoro, confirmed the development.

“The ministry has with immediate effect banned parents and guardians from visiting learners at boarding schools in a move aimed at mitigating against the spread of Covid-19.

“The ministry is not allowing visiting days by parents/guardians to schools. Covid-19 is escalating, and footprints should be minimised. Standard Operating Procedures are still in full force,” he said.

Ndoro also cited the ministry had noted that Covid-19 had resurfaced, especially in boarding schools, adding that the ministry cannot afford to relax on the risk management measures.

He added that statistics on Covid-19 cases in schools will be released soon.

The first term of 2023 opened on Monday, January 9, and ends on March 30. The second term is scheduled to open on May 8, ending on August 3 while the third term begins on September 4, ending on December 1.

“Stand guided, a minute will be generated in due course to that effect,” said Ndoro.

In 2021, the Ministry of Health and Child Care cordoned off-boarding schools from visitors during the term as the bulk of Covid-19 infections were recorded at the institutions.

Traditionally, boarding schools have set visiting days during the term where learners can be visited by their families and interact for a day.