Government Rages At Schools For Sending Pupils To The Grounds During End-Of-Term Exams Over Fees

The government is breathing fire over revelations that some schools are sending pupils to the grounds during end-of-term exams over fees.

Schools That Are Sending Pupils To The Grounds During End-Of-Term Exams For Not Paying Fees

Most Zimbabwean school pupils are currently sitting for their end-of-year examinations. These are critical assessments for classes taking the ZIMSEC exams in October and November.

However, some pupils in schools nationwide are not writing these exams because they have not yet paid fees. Government policy stipulates that no child must be sent away from school for non-payment of fees and levies.

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The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is clear:

“Education is a basic human right that works to raise men and women out of poverty, level inequalities, and ensure sustainable development.”

The Herald gathered that Glen View 1 and 2 High School in Harare are sending students to the grounds when they come to write exams.

In some schools, non-paying students have attended classes on Mondays and Fridays only throughout the term.

An Upper-six student shared her heartbreaking case with the publication:

“I am not going to school today because I haven’t paid my fees. Why bother going? If I do, the security guards will just direct me to the school grounds, and I will only be allowed to leave once everyone else has been dismissed.”

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“We Know Them”: Government Issues Warning

The government has threatened to investigate the schools barring pupils from writing end-of-year examinations.

Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said:

“It is a fundamental right for every child to access education, and no student should be denied the opportunity to sit for examinations due to unpaid fees. This policy is in alignment with the Government’s commitment to ensuring inclusive and equitable education for all students. The Government upholds the principle that education is a right for every child. Denying students the opportunity to write examinations because of unpaid fees contravenes this principle.”

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