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Debra Matabvu
LEARNERS under the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) now exceed 1.5 million following various measures put in place by Government to ensure every child receives quality and affordable education.
BEAM is one of the Government’s flagship social safety net programmes set for vulnerable children’s education.
It was introduced in 2001 as part of the Enhanced Social Protection Project.
Since its inception, it has assisted underprivileged children aged six to 19 by covering tuition, levies and examination fees.
Speaking at the Independence celebrations in Gokwe recently, President Mnangagwa said Government has also been constructing new schools in areas which include new residential suburbs and resettlement areas.
“Vulnerable learners under the Basic Education Assistance Module exceed 1.5 million,” he said.
“New schools and classrooms were constructed in all provinces with focus on rural and resettlement areas.
“New urban settlements throughout the country are benefiting from this programme, including Cowdray Park in Bulawayo as well as Stoneridge and Caledonia in Harare.”
According to the 2024 Primary and Secondary Education Statistics Report released by the Ministry of Education, Government supports the largest number of vulnerable learners country wide.
“In terms of funding sources in ECDs, BEAM supports the largest number of pupils, with 31 234 males and 31 615 females benefiting from the programme,” the reports reads in part.
“The Grant-in-Aid of Tuition is the second-largest source of funding, assisting 678 males and 586 females. In contrast, bursaries from Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) support the smallest number of pupils, with only 64 males and 80 females receiving assistance.
“In addition, BEAM supports the largest number of primary pupils, with 341 848 males and 353 848 females benefiting from the programme.
“The Grant in-Aid of Tuition is the second-largest source of funding, assisting 7 030 males and 7 462 females. In contrast, bursaries from Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) support the smallest number of pupils, with only 932 males and 1 807 females receiving assistance in primary schools.”
The report also added: “For secondary schools, BEAM supports the largest number of pupils, with 154 426 males and 152 116 females benefiting from the programme.
“The Grant-in-Aid of Tuition is the second-largest source of funding, assisting 4 807 males, while Bursaries from Donors/Foundations is supporting 13 090 female pupils.
“In contrast, bursaries from NGOs support the smallest number of male pupils, with only 1 710 males while other not specified funding assistance are supporting 4 355 female pupils.”
Online Reporter