NEW: Over 221 000 pupils in Masvingo benefit from BEAM

Theseus Shambare

OVER 200 000 learners from Masvingo province are currently receiving support through the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), a Government initiative designed to help vulnerable children with school and examination fees, as well as other educational expenses.

BEAM, established in 2001 as part of the Enhanced Social Protection Project (ESPP), provides crucial financial assistance to underprivileged children aged six to 19.

Masvingo province social development officer Mr Stanislaus Sanyangowe said: “In Masvingo province, we currently have 221 050 children benefitting from BEAM.

“Our community care workers play a vital role in identifying eligible children and assisting them with birth certificate registration at the Civil Registrar’s Department. We collaborate closely with partners like UNICEF.”

However, Ms Portia Mukwindidza, a community care worker working on child protection initiatives in Chiredzi district with Government support, expressed concern over the annual re-application process for BEAM.

“Schools insist on yearly re-applications for BEAM beneficiaries, which creates significant hurdles,” Ms Mukwindidza said.

“Children often stay at home as their applications are processed, resulting in valuable learning time being lost. We suggest that once a child is accepted into the scheme, there should be no need for re-applications until they complete primary education.”

This, she believes, will significantly benefit children by minimising disruptions to their education and ensuring continuous access to the vital support provided by the BEAM programme.