BULAWAYO, Jul 20, (Southern Eye Live) - The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has launched the Bridge To Belong education reintegration assessment bot, a digital platform aimed at helping children of returning Zimbabwean families access education without discrimination or unnecessary barriers.
In a statement, ARTUZ said the initiative seeks to ensure that returning children exercise their right to education.
"The Bridge To Belong campaign recognises that returning home should never mean losing the right to education. Every learner deserves to belong, to learn, and to thrive," the union said.
ARTUZ said the online assessment allows returning families to provide information about their educational level and competencies.
The information collected will be used to strengthen advocacy for the reintegration of learners and teachers, while also identifying the support families require as they resettle.
The union said it also intends to mobilise humanitarian assistance for returning families based on the needs identified through the assessment programme.
The support could include school fees assistance, stationery and learning materials, uniforms, psychosocial support, legal assistance, referral services and other forms of community support through partnerships and well-wishers.
ARTUZ appealed to returning Zimbabweans, teachers, school authorities, community leaders, civil society organisations and members of the public to use and share the assessment tool with those who may benefit.
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"Every response helps us build evidence, influence policy and advocate for an education system that welcomes every child. No child should be left behind simply because they are returning home," the union said.
The initiative comes as Zimbabwe continues to receive thousands of citizens fleeing xenophobic attacks in neighbouring South Africa.
