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Education

Zimbabwean Schools Accused of Violating Children's Rights, Denying Access to Education

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Ward 17 Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo highlighted that students are being sent back home due to delayed Basic Education Assistance Module (Beam) payments, while Emakhandeni-Luveve legislator Descent Bajila condemned the practice of shifting administrative burdens onto students. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has issued circulars prohibiting the exclusion of Beam beneficiaries, with the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) declaring such actions a violation of the right to education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Students are being sent back home due to delayed Beam payments, despite clear Government directives and legal provisions under Section 75 of Zimbabwe's Constitution and the Education Act.
  • Beam, a Government initiative, covers tuition, examination fees, and levies for qualifying disadvantaged students, and is a state-funded safety net.
  • The Ministry has issued circulars and public statements reiterating that no child should be sent home for non-payment.
  • The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission has declared the actions a violation of the right to education.
  • Parents and guardians are advised to document incidents and report them to the Ministry's provincial or district offices, or reach out to the MoPSE Hotline at 317.
  • The Government is working on reforming the Beam program to enhance its efficiency, including expanding funding, digitalizing beneficiary management, and strengthening monitoring mechanisms.

Statistics:

  • Zimbabwe has a high rate of teenage pregnancies, with many girls reportedly abandoned by their partners during pregnancy and left without any form of support.
  • Communities often reject young mothers, while families frequently fail to provide counselling or emotional support.
  • 317 is the MoPSE Hotline number for reporting concerns and seeking guidance on the next steps.
  • The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has issued public statements reiterating that children should not be sent home for non-payment.

Sources:

  • Young People's Network on Health and Wellbeing (YPNHW) advocacy meeting
  • Ward 17 Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo
  • Emakhandeni-Luveve legislator Descent Bajila
  • Director of Communications and Advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mr Taungana Ndoro
  • Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC)
  • Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education circulars and public statements

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