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Unable To Raise Bus Fares, Zimbabwe Teachers Miss Start of School


While many families in Zimbabwe are having trouble finding the money to pay soaring school fees, some teachers are having trouble reaching their new assignments.

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe said some teachers deployed far from their home areas could not reach their schools because they lacked the bus fare.

The union said others are refusing to go to remote areas, which they consider to be a form of exile as their low salaries will not allow them to visit their families.

The government has announced a 300% increase in in wages for civil servants, but teachers are demanding an 800% increase in salary plus a 1,500% rise in transport allowances and a 1,000% boost in their housing allowances.

PTUZ President Takavafira Zhou told reporter Jonga Kandemiiri of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that his union is consulting with parents so that teachers and families can speak with one voice on the economic pressures bearing down on schools.

More reports from VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe...

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