Aylesbury LIFE because Learning Is For Everyone

As regular readers of Aylesbury Life will know I have been pretty cut up over the recent post election violence in Zimbabwe. But what really saddens me as a teacher and a former low ranking local government officer is the fact reported by the International Herald Tribune today that

"Educators [and low ranking govt officers] have become targets in Zimbabwe's postelection violence.... ."

merely for helping to run an election that turned out the "wrong way". Apparently the so-called government wants to make sure we don't see the same so-called mistake again!!

I am so very sad and cross and I can tall you there are not many teachers who don't recognise the tell tale signs of bullying -- still less who miss the stains of red on newspapers and websites worldwide..

These facts are not reported merely by the recognised opposition parties, whom I respect greatly for their courage. But also the teachers' union is threatening to call a strike out of fear for the safety of their members. The churches in Zimbabwe have issued two calls for help from the outside world in the space of one month. There is no doubt that ordinary women and men inside Zimbabwe are acting with great courage.

Also, ordinary people seem to be leading their politicians on this matter (port workers in South Africa for example turning away a shipment of arms destined for Mugabe). It is the least I can do as a fellow teacher to seek to help from outside.

But the fact that there are now literally hundreds and thousands of displaced people, seeking political asylum or unable to return to school to organise exams at this crucial time of year -- out of fear for their life -- both provokes me and also frustrates me. Here I am in one of the safest towns of one the safest counties of one of the safest countries at one of the safest times known to humankind -- and yet I seem so powerless to do anything about it...? The same ship I mentioned above that sailed away from South Africa this week turned back apparently to the coast of Malawi to deliver its deadly cargo to the same eventual destination.

This is what I propose. Tonight when God willing I say my prayers I will be praying both for the teachers and local government officers I know and also for those I don't. I will be asking God to protect those who are unable to protect themselves, and I will be asking for those who can to find ways to influence for good what has become a human catastrophe in Zimbabwe. And then if it is possible I will see if I am able to hear from any inside of Zimbabwe now or recently -- perhaps you will be able to say more here on another occasion.

If anyone would like to voice their support by way of writing a comment on this blog I would be pleased to hear from you. If you are a praying person please pray. If you are able to suggest suitable recipients (with addresses) for teacher and pupil letter writing campaigns (apparently a contact in the Chinese government would be really helpful), then it is possible these small actions together may have some effect.

Please join this campaign out of respect for the people of Zimbabwe, and please join with whatever suggestions you feel would be helpful.