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Farirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter
Zimbabweans have welcomed Government’s decision to start the roll out of free education next year starting with those from underprivileged communities, mostly in rural areas.
The roll out will be implemented after a three-year countrywide study to, among other things, establish the costs involved and levels of need. The implementation of the policy is in line with Section 27 of the Constitution which states the Government needs to take all practical measures to provide basic free education to every child in Zimbabwe.
There are over 4,6 million pupils in the country’s approximately 10 000 public schools.
Members of the public interviewed yesterday welcomed Government’s decision to implement the policy.
“It’s a welcome development for us given the rising cost of living which has affected most people’s ability to pay school fees for their children.
“A lot of children are failing to realise their potential because their parents or guardians cannot afford fees,” said Mr Simbarashe Manimanzi who hails from Domboshava.
Mr Tarwireyi Mapfumo from Chitungwiza thanked President Mnangagwa for the policy to facilitate free education saying a number of parents were struggling to pay fees for their children.
“Zimbabweans are known for being educated but this was now at risk because some children were dropping out of school,” he said.
Ms Fortunate Pangeti said the policy should cover all children especially from poor communities.
“Pupils from these schools are disadvantaged so they should all be covered. The policy should also cover examination fees which are beyond the reach of many and has resulted in some failing to write their final examinations,” She said.
Ms Mildred Tsande expressed the same sentiments saying the policy should target all children of school going age.
The programme will be funded through State grants to schools to cover tuition and school development levies for pupils covered.
In categorising schools for the purposes of the programme, institutions currently classified as “Group A” schools have now been reclassified as P1 (for primary schools) and S1 (for secondary schools).
Those currently classified as “Group B” schools, mainly mission schools, are now classified P2 and S2 schools.
Those in rural areas and poor communities (formerly Group C) have been classified as P3 and S3 schools and they are the ones that will start will start receiving grants first term next year.
The number of schools that are set to benefit from the first phase will be established when ongoing on consultations with stakeholders in the education sector are completed.
Online Reporter