The Zimbabwean 2021 school year has been an unusual unfolding! You may remember, we first expected to be in school right after the first of the year, by the 4th of January. Normally, we don’t begin thinking about the new school year until near the 15th of January, as they take a full month off between terms. But this year, to catch up on what was lost in study and exams during Covid-19 last year, the Ministry of Education had a plan to move forward quickly.
.
Then, the rescheduling began. First, we were planning to start up Feb 1, then Feb 15th. Now, we are waiting until March. Personally, I have been relieved by the delay, since there are so many unknowns. But, I have no idea what it’s like to live in Africa, nor be making impactful decisions where poverty is always chasing after so much of the population. Vaccines are becoming available there as well.
.
Unfortunately, to get ready to return to school, the government required rubber boots and disposable gowns, (yes, the ones for medical workers) for everyone at the Community Center (10 people). We went ahead and purchased all of the required items (over $850 worth), although I’m not seeing any other countries following suit to “gear up” in this way.
.
I do have to say that I have no idea what information they might have that I don’t, like is the South African Covid-19 variant more transmissible, particularly on clothing or soil? I think that the government is doing the best they can with the information provided, plus have a bit more urgency pushing them into conclusions. The virus is not friendly, and traditionally the S.A. border is soooo very close, that I can understand the panic mode.
.
At this point we plan on being in Nhimbe preschool at the beginning of March. We are dawning gowns and rubber boots as required. If it turns out that they are not required, we would be in a pickle since one really can never return anything in Zimbabwe. At least, that has been my experience. So, if we are not really required to wear the gowns, we will hopefully find some medical establishment where we can sell them and re-coop some funds ($700 for just one month).
.
Clearly the disposable gown idea is not sustainable, particularly since most schools are government run. The rubber boots may be a welcome bonus to the staff’s home life instead of returning them if it came to that, since I really can’t imagine that the government is going to require everyone to wear rubber boots either.
.
We have always been “at the mercy” of the various tides of the times and what the situation there requires, no matter if it makes sense. And this is no exception. Within the next week we should know the way forward. Loss of human life is a grave penalty to make any casual decisions. Several in political positions, who have already died, are marking another phase in this heart-breaking awakening.
.
Next week I hope to bring more news, not so much about the school, but the wells. We thought that 2021 was to be a focus on the drought and deepening wells, but now with more than one cyclone hitting the eastern side of Zimbabwe, heavy rains have been pouring heavily at Nhimbe. Much damage to the toilets, huts, playground equipment, and a library window at the Community Center will require several repairs. Pictures and estimates will hopefully tell us soon, what it will take to keep things afloat.
.
Thanks for tuning in…Zimbabwe has been in a lock-down now for several weeks, and so we have just this little update to share.
.
Continue to stay safe and thank you again for your continued interest and support!