Beam allocations finalised

Director of Social Services in the Ministry of Labour Mr Sydney Mhishi said this year’s allocations, which total US$24,4 million for both primary and secondary schools, consist of support from sections of the donor community and allocations from the Ministry of Finance.
In respect of the allocations, Manicaland – which incidentally has the highest schools enrolment – will receive the largest portion of the funds with US$2 million going to primary schools and US$1,6 million to secondary schools.
The Midlands will receive US$1,8 million for primary schools and US$1,4 million for secondary schools, while Masvingo is set to receive US$1,8 million for primary schools and US$1,4 million for secondary schools.
Primary schools in Mashonaland West will get US$1,6 million, with secondary schools receiving US$1,3 million.
In Mashonaland East primary schools in the province are set to benefit from a US$1,4 million, with secondary schools receiving US$1,1 million.
Mashonaland Central’s primary schools will receive US$1,2 million, while its secondary schools will receive US$1 million.
Primary schools in Harare will get US$1,2 million of the total Beam allocations, while secondary schools will get US$990 000.
Matabeleland North is set to benefit US$891 000 for its primary schools and US$719 000 for secondary schools.
Matebeleland South’s primary schools are set to get US$781 000, and its secondary schools will receive US$630 000.
Finally, Bulawayo will receive US$514 000 for its primary schools, with secondary schools receiving US$414 000.
In a related matter, the Government has set aside US$1 million to pay for Ordinary and Advanced Level November examination fees for about 15 000 poor pupils under the Beam programme.
Beam traditionally targeted schools in rural communities but has since been extended to urban areas as a result of the economic hardships facing most parents.