Zimbabwe Showcases Teacher Motivation Strategies at International Quality Education Conference

Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe Foundation for Education with Production (ZIMFEP) National Director, Mr Gideon Chiukira, has applauded the Government of Zimbabwe for its deliberate and comprehensive measures to motivate teachers and improve the quality of education, despite the country enduring over two decades of illegal economic sanctions.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the ongoing 5th International Quality Education Conference (IQEC) in Dar es Salaam, Mr Chiukira outlined several innovative policies that have positioned Zimbabwean teachers at par with their regional counterparts.

He said the Government of His Excellency President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa had made teacher welfare a key priority, recognising that quality education can only be achieved when educators are well supported and motivated.

Among the incentives, Mr Chiukira highlighted the duty-free facility that allows teachers to import vehicles without paying customs duty. This, he said, has enabled many teachers to acquire reliable transport, a benefit that not only uplifts their standard of living but also enhances their mobility and effectiveness in service delivery.

He further revealed that when new residential land is developed across the country, 10 percent is reserved for civil servants, including teachers, ensuring that educators have access to affordable home ownership opportunities.
“This policy guarantees that teachers are not left behind in the national housing agenda,” Mr Chiukira said, adding that it is a practical way of securing their future and promoting loyalty to the profession.

In addition, Mr Chiukira noted that most teachers in Zimbabwe enjoy free accommodation at their stations, with electricity and water provided at no cost. This, he stressed, significantly reduces the cost of living and allows teachers to focus on delivering quality lessons without the burden of basic utility bills.

Highlighting ZIMFEP’s own initiatives, Mr Chiukira explained that some of its schools go a step further by providing teachers with free breakfast, lunch and supper, as well as monetary incentives on top of their government salaries.
“These benefits ensure that our educators are motivated and well nourished, creating a conducive environment for both teaching and learning,” he said.

Mr Chiukira also drew attention to the Teachers4ED initiative, a platform that assists teachers to form companies capable of bidding for and winning tenders.

He said Teachers4ED has a sub-cluster known as the Zimbabwe Economic Development Initiative, which helps teachers and other civil servants to acquire and service residential stands.

Teachers are also benefitting from loan facilities provided by local financial institutions such as the Women’s Bank in Zimbabwe and other banks, enabling them to invest in businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Commending the Government’s commitment, Mr Chiukira praised His Excellency President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa for prioritising teacher welfare under challenging economic conditions.

“Despite the illegal sanctions imposed on our country for over 20 years, our Government has ensured that Zimbabwean teachers remain competitive with their counterparts in the region,” he said.

The 5th IQEC has attracted education experts, policymakers and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond, all sharing best practices to enhance the delivery of quality education. Zimbabwe’s example of comprehensive teacher support drew keen interest from delegates, with Mr Chiukira urging other nations to invest in their educators as a cornerstone for sustainable educational development.