Schools, backyard colleges fight over learners

A turf war is brewing between registered schools and so-called backyard colleges amid allegations that unregistered institutions are canvassing for learners at established schools.

The disputes have reportedly affected reputable institutions, including the Herentals Group of Colleges, where former teachers are accused of targeting pupils by distributing fliers and allegedly influencing them to enrol at unregistered colleges they now operate.

The trend has been reported in several cities and provinces, including Harare, Midlands, Manicaland and Masvingo, raising concerns over learner safety, the quality of education being offered and enforcement of the Education Act.

Sources said that in Mutare, three former Herentals teachers allegedly established a backyard college and are targeting learners from their former employer's secondary school. In Zvishavane, six former teachers are said to have registered two private colleges in Mandava, while another school has reportedly been opened in Masvingo under the leadership of a former Herentals headmaster.

Herentals authorities yesterday expressed concern over what they described as "rebel teachers" targeting their institutions due to strong enrolment figures.

"We have received worrying reports of our former teachers who are targeting our ever-best enrolment. They are taking advantage of knowing our systems and learners, and are coercing them out of our schools," said Herentals officials.

"What is of major concern is that some of the colleges are not registered at all and are operating from homes, and we are worried."

However, one of the accused former teachers, Stewart Garikayi, who confirmed opening Summit Heights College in Mutare with three colleagues, denied the allegations.

"Yes, we have such a college, but we have not influenced anyone to join our school," he said. "I cannot comment further over the phone because we believe this is a legal matter."

A former Herentals headmaster in Masvingo, Marvelous Nkomo, also dismissed the claims.

"Yes, I am a former headmaster at Herentals in Masvingo, but I am no longer there. What you are saying are lies," he said.

The dispute has drawn the attention of government authorities, with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education describing the situation as alarming.

Ministry director of communication and advocacy Taungana Ndoro said provincial and district education directors have been instructed to intensify inspections and community surveillance to identify unregistered schools.

"We are going to enforce the Education Act. Where unregistered schools are found, we will take immediate legal steps, including issuing closure orders, levying fines and, in persistent cases, working with law enforcement to prosecute offenders," Ndoro said.

He added that the ministry is strengthening public awareness campaigns and improving its centralised online database to help parents verify the registration status of schools before enrolling learners.

Ndoro urged parents, guardians and community leaders to confirm the registration status of schools through district education offices or the ministry's official platforms before seeking enrolment.