Call to widen scope of BEAM fund coverage

STAKEHOLDERS have urged the Government to implement a comprehensive support package for beneficiaries under the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) that encompasses essential resources associated with learning, including stationery, furniture, and uniforms.

The initiative would form part of efforts to enhance the programme’s operational effectiveness, ensuring that the intended beneficiaries receive the full benefits of the initiative.

BEAM was introduced by the Government in 2001 as a social safety net to benefit the less privileged learners whose parents cannot afford to pay tuition and examination fees, with the scheme expanded significantly under the Second Republic to take into account roughly a third of school pupils.

Government is prioritising the most vulnerable children, including orphans, child-headed households and those living in poverty under the BEAM programme.

By targeting vulnerable groups, the Government aims to reduce dropout rates and improve educational outcomes.

Financing of the programme mainly comes from the Government and some donors.

However, there have been calls to remodel the programme and expand its scope.

In her 2025 Pre-Budget Report Analysis: Portfolio Committee on Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare chairperson, Cde Dorothy Mashonganyika, said BEAM enrolled 1,1 million children under its 2024 programme.

However, she said there are concerns over delayed payments of funds and children registered for BEAM face the risk of educational disruption due to inadequate funding.

Cde Mashonganyika said as of September 30, 2024 BEAM owed ZWG839 400 000 to schools and US$$7,2 million to Zimsec for exam fees.

A total of 1,1 million children registered for BEAM face risk of educational disruption due to inadequate funding, she said.

She said BEAM funding only covers tuition and lacks support for essentials like stationery, uniforms, and desks.

“Stakeholders urge the Government to provide a comprehensive support package for BEAM beneficiaries. (There is) urgent request for funding to cover uniforms, books, and furniture in addition to school fees,” said Cde Mashonganyika.

“BEAM arrears must be pegged at the prevailing exchange rate to avoid exchange rate losses to schools.”

Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube told parliamentarians that Treasury recognises the challenge and commits to resolving the outstanding arrears in the near future.

“So far, we have prioritised the clearance of ZiG57 million arrears, which was owed to special schools. Let me take this opportunity to inform the House that of the 4,5 million primary and secondary students in the country, 30 percent are under BEAM,” he said.

“In line with a number of recommendations, perhaps there is need to relook at the BEAM programme to improve its modus operandi to ensure that intended beneficiaries benefit from the programme.”

To ensure that BEAM funds are used effectively and efficiently, the Government has implemented robust monitoring mechanisms.

Joint monitoring teams regularly conduct site visits and audits to verify that schools are adhering to programme guidelines and providing the necessary support to BEAM beneficiaries.