Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
WARD 30 Glen View North Councillor Charles Chidagu said he is pushing for disadvantaged children from his ward to receive assistance through the Basic Education Assistance Module (Beam).
In an interview, Cllr Chidagu said many children are not going to school as some of their parents are ashamed to ask for help.
“I am planning to see District Schools Inspector in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to get their assistance through BEAM so that they can get places to learn here in Glen View,” he said.
“Section 81 of the Constitution says all children should go to school. But some parents do not have the capacity.
“Some of the children’s parents left for South Africa and left them in the care of their grandmothers. So some of the grandmothers cannot afford to pay for the school fees.”
Cllr Chidagu said he is assisting children who are under the care of their grandparents.
“I am assisting children who have a birth certificate to go to school. It is their right to education even if their parents are not available,” he said.
Ward 30 covers Glen View 8, part of Glen View 3, Budiriro 3, part of Budiriro 1.
Mr Harrison Chikwata, a grandparent from Budiriro 1 said his son is into drugs and this has resulted in him failing to send his child to school.
“I then sought assistance from the councillor. I am finding it difficult to take care of my grandchild and buy my medication,” he said.
“I thank the councillor for assisting my grandchild.”
A parent, Rutendo Rwodzi, also thanked Cllr Chidagu for assistance with school fees.
“My husband died during the COVID-19 lockdown and I did not have money to send my children to school,” she said.
“The councillor started assisting my firstborn to school in Form 3 and the other child, in Form 1, including providing them with uniforms. He even assisted me with food because my mother is ill.”
