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Tinomuda Chakanyuka, Senior Reporter
THE Government has expressed elation at the recent uptake of eMAP programme by parents saying enrolment for Form One boarding places is still open with seven percent of the total number of places still vacant.
Although no figures were readily available, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Dr Sylvia Utete-Masango on Friday last week said parents who were yet to secure places for their children could still apply online.
Dr Utete-Msango said 93 percent of the total Form One boarding places had been taken, hinting that there was a significant improvement from last year.
Applications for Form One boarding places is now being electronically via the Electronic Ministry Application Platform (eMAP) platform.
Places for day school can be secured by visiting the particular school one wishes to enrol their child with.
Around this time last year about 73 places of the available Form One places had been taken up.
Dr Utete-Masango said this year the Government did not set a deadline for applications.
“The uptake has been impressive. We are on 93 percent now, meaning seven percent remain vacant and parents can still apply,” she said.
Dr Utete-Msango said improvements had been made to the system from last year, to make it easier for parents to apply.
“We made some improvements from last year that made it easier for parents to register.
“What we did this year, learning from last year was to open for registration before results were out. We only opened the system to schools after results came out.
“The system now has more complete information than before. When one logs on they can see information such as the fees structure at a particular school, uniforms required, among other things which help them make informed decisions,” she said.
Dr Utete-Masango said her ministry was also monitoring schools that were not using the system to enrol pupils.
“What we insisted on was that schools should use e-Map. Those that are not complying are being monitored and the structure is working on ensuring that they comply,” she said.
The education permanent secretary said parents who may encounter any challenges in using the e-Map system to secure places for their children can seek assistance from district schools inspectors in their respective districts.
She, however, noted that there had been fewer enquiries from parents on using e-Map from last year, a development she said was indicative of how the system had been embraced by parents.
“We have had fewer enquiries at our offices from parents. Of course one or two come in here and there seeking assistance. This is evidence that the system has improved and most parents are able to use it with great ease,” she said.
The eMap came for some serious criticism from parents, teachers’ unions and other stakeholders who felt the new system disadvantaged offline rural children who may want to apply for places in boarding schools.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education introduced the system as part of measures to fight corruption which had, for a long time seen intelligent children from poor backgrounds being sidelined by some schools.
A local software development company, Purple Divine Technology last year sought a High Court interim order to stop the ministry from using eMap, claiming ownership and control of the technology.
Purple Divine Technology director Mr Nyasha Matongo, in his court submissions, accused the minister of stealing and pirating his idea.
He, however, withdrew his challenge after Harare High Court judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi grilled the firm, in his chambers, over its legal standing to sue the ministry.— @irielyan
derick.khumalo