Schools can’t deny education over fees, warns Minister
Victor Sibanda
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerai Moyo, met with over 800 school heads from Matabeleland North this week. While urging parents to prioritize school fees, he emphasized a crucial point: “Heads of schools, you are strictly prohibited from sending children home for non-payment of fees,” Minister Moyo declared. “No child should be penalized for their parents’ shortcomings.”
He highlighted the importance of education and called on parents to fulfill their financial obligations to ensure children can exercise their right to education. Acknowledging the financial challenges some families face, Minister Moyo offered alternative solutions. Schools, he said, could pursue legal action against parents who default on fees. But he stressed, “the child’s education must not be disrupted. Examination results should not be withheld due to non-payment.”
Minister Moyo also addressed concerns raised by Sicelo Dube, headmaster of Tsholotsho High School and chairperson of the joint National Association of Secondly School Heads (NASH) and National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH). Dube had expressed worry about delayed disbursement of Basic Education Assistant Module (BEAM) funds. The Minister responded with optimism, assuring the audience they were committed to allocating vehicles to the most affected districts.
A strong advocate for continuous learning, Minister Moyo then addressed school heads and teachers directly. “Reading is fundamental,” he said. “I prioritize continuous learning and encourage you to do the same to stay relevant. We will be providing training on the newly implemented Heritage-based curriculum for District Schools Inspectors, Heads, and teachers.”
Minister Moyo’s visit also included a celebration at Tsholotsho High School. The School Development Committee (SDC) expressed their appreciation for his presence and highlighted the commissioning of a new school bus and the rebuilt Better Schools Programme complex. They acknowledged Plan International’s contribution to the reconstruction efforts.
Minister Moyo concluded the visit by expressing his strong support for the establishment of a Teacher Council of Zimbabwe, hinting at potential benefits for educators. The assembled school heads responded positively to this news.
The visit served to highlight the ongoing challenges and potential solutions within Zimbabwe’s educational landscape. School heads showcased student work aligned with the new Heritage-based curriculum, offering a glimpse into the future of education in the country.
