Government warns schools against attaching property over BEAM fees

Trust Freddy

Herald Correspondent

GOVERNMENT has warned schools against attaching property of parents whose children are beneficiaries of the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), saying it is the State’s responsibility to pay fees for those learners.

Responding in Parliament on Wednesday during a Question and Answer session, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Dr Torerayi Moyo, said BEAM beneficiaries must be protected from debt recovery action.

“What is not allowed is to send someone who attaches property to the houses of children whose fees must be paid by BEAM because it is the Government’s responsibility to pay for the children who are under BEAM,” Dr Moyo said.

The warning followed concerns raised by Member of Parliament for the Mbizo Constituency Corban Madzivanyika that some schools were still dispatching agents to parents’ homes to recover fees, even for children whose tuition is supposed to be paid by the Government.

Dr Moyo said while the right to education must be protected, parents who can afford it remain obligated to pay because “schools require resources to function effectively and deliver quality education to all learners.”

He urged schools to adopt non-confrontational methods, including negotiating flexible payment plans, maintaining open communication with parents and guiding eligible families to safety nets such as BEAM.

However, the minister clarified that attachment of property could only be considered as a final option and strictly in line with the law.

“Critically, such engagement must occur without sending learners home. The attachment of property would only be considered in accordance with the due processes of law and as an absolute final measure,” Dr Moyo said.

He reiterated that no learner should be sent home for non-payment.

“The ministry’s policy is unequivocal. School authorities should not send learners back home for non-payment of school fees and levies. Every child’s right to education must be protected, regardless of their parents’ or guardians’ financial circumstances,” he said.

The minister also reassured Parliament that the Government is actively disbursing funds to settle outstanding BEAM arrears across the country to ease the financial strain on public schools.

“I am happy to say that the Government is now paying the school fees under BEAM…

“Those who attach property are not allowed to go to the Government; they only go to parents’ houses who fail to pay their school fees.”