Chronicle Editor
Tafadzwa Chibukwa, Chronicle Reporter
PUPILS benefiting from the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) will now receive uniforms and stationery over and above payment of school fees, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Professor Paul Mavima, has said.
Responding to questions during a question time in Parliament on Thursday, he said Government was committed to provision of a complete package of assistance to ensure less privileged learners get adequate support.
Minister Mavima also said progress has been made in resolving fund disbursement delays to schools, which had seen some institutions turning learners away.
“We have paid tuition fees for the Second Term, which is this term except for schools that needed to comply with the reporting requirements for BEAM,” said Prof Mavima.
He said the coverage has become more comprehensive to include all the requirements for the learners including uniforms and stationery as opposed to just paying tuition fees.
Minister Mavima said all schools that had complied and provided the ministry with the requisite documents had received their disbursements.
He said 500 000 pupils were being assisted under BEAM and next year the figure will be increased to $1,5 million.
‘This move by the ministry aims to help out every needy child to access basic education in line with the Government’s thrust towards inclusive development,” he said.
He said the BEAM scheme had improved a lot as Treasury continues to give out additional resources in order to provide a comprehensive social safety net for vulnerable children. — @Sagepapie14
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