As schools reopen in Zimbabwe, concerns have been raised about students being sent home due to unpaid tuition fees. Despite a 2020 amendment to the Education Act prohibiting the exclusion of pupils from school for non-payment of fees, many schools continue to enforce this practice.
The Zimbabwean Constitution guarantees every child the right to basic education. However, school administrators argue that fee payments are essential for operational costs, including teacher salaries, infrastructure maintenance, and educational resources.
Parents have expressed difficulties in paying fees due to economic hardships, exacerbated by the country’s ongoing economic challenges. Many families struggle to make ends meet, and the burden of school fees can be overwhelming.
The practice of sending students home for unpaid fees has been criticized for disrupting learning and potentially increasing dropout rates. Students who are excluded from school may fall behind in their studies, struggle to catch up, and eventually lose interest in pursuing their education.
Education stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and civil society organizations, have urged the government to ensure schools comply with the law and protect students’ rights to education. They argue that alternative solutions, such as flexible payment plans or subsidies for disadvantaged families, could help alleviate the financial burden on parents while ensuring schools remain operational.
The government has faced criticism for not doing enough to address the issue, and there are calls for increased support for schools and families to ensure that all children have access to quality education
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