Zimbabwe schools defy govt fees policy

Several public schools are disregarding a government directive instructing them not to deny entry to students due to unpaid fees, according to a survey conducted by NewsDay.

Despite a recent circular from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education cautioning against the exclusion of students over outstanding fees, many school administrations are continuing to enforce such policies.

The ministry's directive urged school authorities to engage with parents and establish flexible payment arrangements to ensure uninterrupted education for students.

Educator unions, including the Zimbabwe National Union of School Heads (Zinush) and the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, emphasized the importance of dialogue between schools and parents to prevent students from being disadvantaged.

Zinush Secretary-General Munyaradzi Majoni reiterated the policy against excluding students based on fee non-payment, stressing the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in reminding parents of their financial obligations to schools.

Obert Masaraure, leader of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, called on the government to declare a moratorium on school fees, citing the economic challenges faced by families, particularly due to the prevailing national drought.

Progressive Teachers Union President Takavafira Zhou emphasized the need for schools to issue written notices to parents, allowing them to devise payment plans to avoid disrupting students' learning.

Efforts to reach the Ministry of Education spokesperson, Toungana Ndoro, for comment were unsuccessful.