The Public Service Commission (PSC) has increased student teachers’ allowances to $9 049 from $157 with effect from 1 April.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Public Service Commission said the student teachers will also be entitled to a US$75 ($6 375) COVID-19 allowance. The PSC said:
Regarding the US$75 Covid-19 allowance, Treasury also concurred that it should be extended to student teachers as well, during their time on teaching practice and it should be paid concurrently with their monthly allowances in local currency after converting it at the prevailing auction exchange rate on the date of payment.
The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) welcomed the increment of the allowances but urged the government to consider availing allowances to university students on teaching practise (TP). PTUZ posted on their Twitter page:
We appreciate the increment in student teacher allowances. However, we note that apart from a crazy tradition, there is no justified reason for the exclusion of University students on TP from receiving these allowances. We call on @ZimTreasury, psczimbabwe to correct the anomaly
We appreciate the increment if student teacher allowances. However, we note that apart from a crazy tradition, there is no justified reason for the exclusion of University students on TP from receiving these allowances. We call on @ZimTreasury @psczimbabwe to correct the anomaly pic.twitter.com/ngy7TEEfma
— PTUZ_Official (@ProgressiveOf) April 27, 2021