Chronicle Editor
Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Reporter
GOVERNMENT has said it is inexcusable for pupils not to return to class as it is providing all the social security nets including payment of tuition and examination registration fees for those coming from vulnerable families so that no one is left behind.
Government this year is targeting to pay school fees for 1,5 million learners through the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) and is in the process of strengthening it to include provision of uniforms.
Government’s policy also bars school authorities from sending away pupils whose fees has not been paid. To make education accessible to all, the amended Education Act, prevents schools from expelling pregnant girls.
President Mnangagwa has said for the country to achieve Vision 2030, no citizen should be left behind, that is why marginalised communities are also targeted for inclusion and development.
In an interview, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Deputy Minister Lovemore Matuke said Government is alive to the difficulties that Covid-19 has brought to families, hence its move to increase BEAM beneficiaries.
“Last year we paid for 600 000 pupils through BEAM and because of Covid-19 which has disturbed most of the parents, as we go forward, we are stretching our budget to almost double. For this year, we are going to pay for almost 1,5 million kids through BEAM so we are urging all the parents and school heads to identify vulnerable kids so that we are able to pay for them. There is no excuse for a child not to be in school,” said Deputy Minister Matuke.
“The budget will continue to increase as we go into the coming year, because we have been directed by the President that Government must take care of all the vulnerable kids.”
He said due to Covid-19, the ministry is yet to ascertain the number of pupils who have registered under BEAM.
Deputy Minister Matuke said Government has also paid examination fees for vulnerable citizens.
“As you know we opened schools just about this week, so I hope the school heads are going to send the names of the vulnerable kids to our district offices so that Government can chip in and support those kids. We are aware that some are unable to pay for the examinations, Government is also coming up with a policy where it is going to support those children to write their examinations. It’s important even for parents who are not able to pay school fees to know that Government will take care through various means,” said Deputy Minister Matuke. — @nqotshili
Online Reporter