Most schools are justified to increase fees - Coltart

PARENTS should brace for an increase in school fees next year as Government is failing to adequately fund the education sector. Education, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister David Coltart yesterday said fee increases were unavoidable because the education sector had been under-funded for over a decade.

Some parents have appealed for Government intervention to ensure the margin of the increases are justified.

The parents said some of them could not afford the new fees as they have been struggling to pay the current fees.

They labelled schools as money-hungry institutions bent on profiteering.

Minister Coltart said most schools were justified to increase the fees because Government's support to the sector was insignificant.

Minister Coltart said this year Government allocated US$66 million, minus salaries to education.

However, as of last week, only US$14,8 million had been released.

Schools that have applied for an upward review of fees include Queen Elizabeth High, which wants to increase fees for day scholars from US$160 to US$180, while boarders will pay US$585, up from US$560.

Allan Wilson School seeks to increase fees for day scholars from US$200 to US$225, while boarders will pay US$495 from the present US$470.

Zimbabwe Teachers Association chief executive Mr Sifiso Ndlovu concurred with Minister Coltart, saying this was the only way schools could operate.

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general Mr Raymond Majongwe said: "This is unacceptable. The fees increases won't benefit anyone even the teachers. Education is every child's right and it is high time we confront the monster, which is failing to fund education than putting more burden on the parents."

Some schools have previously taken the Government to court seeking an order to stop the Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture from determining their fees.