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Teachers struggling with mental health

SOME teachers are reportedly struggling with mental health problems a situation which has been attributed to work overload and low remuneration.

Teachers have been confronting the government to improve their working conditions with the highest-paid teacher currently earning $22 000 a month.

The sector is demanding an equivalent of US$520 for the lowest paid worker.

Challenges of mental wellness among teachers were revealed when the Office of the Matabeleland South Provincial Education Director sent a circular to the district schools inspector for Beitbridge, Bulilima, Gwana, Insiza, Matobo, Mangwe and Umzingwane to submit a list of all teachers exhibiting mental problems and the challenges they are presenting to learning and teaching.

The Primary and Secondary Education ministry says government is committed to improving the well-being of teachers.

It says it has taken note of any of its staff members that may have mental health concerns and is moving towards having them attended to professionally so that it delivers its mandate of quality and wholesome provision of education to all Zimbabweans.

The ministry says its intention is to have all teachers live in a state of well-being in which they “realise their own abilities, cope with normal stresses of life, work productively, fruitfully, and are able to make a meaningful contribution to their communities”.

Government says looking after mental health preserves teachers’ ability to enjoy life and that doing this involves attaining a balance between life activities, responsibilities and efforts to achieve psychological resilience.

Teaching is a stressful and challenging career and the Education ministry has a department that offers psychosocial support.

Conditions such as stress, depression and anxiety can all affect mental health and disrupt a teachers’ routine

Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Obert Masaraure says the move by the Education ministry shows that authorities know the burden faced by teachers.

He says it is clear government is well aware that the burden of overwork and underpayment may be taking a toll on the teachers, adding that mental health challenges cannot be ruled out when teachers are overworked like slaves but are denied access to basics like healthcare, dignified sanctuary and food among others.

Masaraure says instead of addressing the core reasons behind mental challenges, government is opting to address symptoms.

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2021-06-21T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-06-21T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://digital.alphamedia.co.zw/article/281681142837488

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