Online Reporter
Trish Mukwazo and Nomalisa Gumpo
SOME schools are allegedly violating children’s rights by unlawfully denying access to education for students enrolled under the Basic Education Assistance Module (Beam). This alarming concern emerged during an advocacy meeting held last Friday by the Young People’s Network on Health and Wellbeing (YPNHW).
The meeting, which primarily focused on Beam access issues, also served as a critical platform to engage Members of Parliament (MPs), traditional leaders, and other key stakeholders in developing a co-ordinated district-level response to the escalating crises of child pregnancies, early marriages, and other pressing issues affecting young people.
“Students are being sent back home because Beam fails to pay on time,” highlighted Ward 17 Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo, underscoring the immediate impact of delayed Beam payments on learners.
Beam is a Government initiative designed to ensure access to education for orphans and underprivileged learners.
However, despite this vital safety net, some schools continue to penalise students by barring them from classes when payments are delayed.
In response, Emakhandeni-Luveve legislator Descent Bajila condemned the practice of shifting administrative burdens onto students, stating that learners should not suffer due to bureaucratic inefficiencies.
“Schools have no right to blame students for delays in Beam payments. These are administrative issues that should never interfere with a learner’s right to education. Students should not even be made aware of such matters,” said Bajila.
Director of Communications and Advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mr Taungana Ndoro, confirmed that some schools continue to send students home for non-payment of fees, despite clear Government directives and legal provisions under Section 75 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution and the Education Act.
He emphasised that denying Beam-funded students access to education for non-payment of “top-up” fees or levies is both illegal and unconstitutional.
“Beam covers tuition, examination fees and levies for qualifying disadvantaged students,” he said.
Mr Ndoro said that the Ministry has issued circulars prohibiting the exclusion of Beam beneficiaries.
“Public statements by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education have reiterated that no child should be sent home for non-payment, as Beam is a state-funded safety net. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has declared such actions a violation of the right to education,” he said.
Bajila urged parents and guardians whose children have been unfairly excluded from school due to Beam-related issues to take immediate action.
He advised them to document the incident — including the date, name of the school and officials involved — and report the matter directly to the ministry’s provincial or district offices.
“Parents can also reach out to the MoPSE Hotline at 317 to report their concerns and seek guidance on the next steps,” he said.
He further noted that the Government is working on reforming the Beam programme to enhance its efficiency. Plans are underway to expand funding, digitalise beneficiary management, and strengthen monitoring mechanisms to ensure schools comply with the guidelines.
“Awareness campaigns are being carried out to educate communities about the rights of children under the Beam programme. These include radio programmes, workshops and the distribution of circulars, all aimed at empowering parents and guardians with the knowledge they need to advocate for their children.”
The meeting brought together MPs, traditional leaders, police representatives and community stakeholders to address the rising cases of teenage pregnancies, early marriages, and the social pressures faced by young people.
The harsh consequences of teenage pregnancy were laid bare, with many girls reportedly abandoned by their partners during pregnancy and left without any form of support.
It was noted that communities often reject young mothers, while families frequently fail to provide counselling or emotional support.
This lack of care contributes to trauma, low self-esteem and social isolation, among affected girls.
Stakeholders emphasised the importance of multi-sectoral co-ordination in creating safer and more supportive environments for children.
They called on communities to move beyond blaming the Government and instead take active roles in protecting and nurturing young people.
The Young People’s Network on Health and Wellbeing (YPNHW) and its partners pledged to intensify awareness campaigns and strengthen child protection systems to safeguard the rights and well-being of children.
Policymakers vowed to return to their constituencies with a renewed commitment to community empowerment, calling for a united front in the fight against teenage pregnancy.
