The Sunday Mail
Tanyaradzwa Rusike
WITH schools reopening for the third term tomorrow, the Government says parents should report educational institutions that increase fees without the necessary approvals.
Some schools are reportedly demanding payment of tuition fees exclusively in United States dollars.
In terms of Circular Number 5 of 2022, all Government boarding schools, private early childhood development (ECD) centres, and private schools and colleges are required to apply for a review of levies and tuition fees before effecting changes.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education acting Permanent Secretary Ms Kwadzanai Nyanungo said the Government’s position that schools should not unilaterally hike fees still stands.
“The ministry is concerned over reports that some parents and guardians are aggrieved by the fees and levy conditions that some schools are setting.
“It is the right of every parent to request proof of Government approval for the fees and levies at their child’s school,” she said.
“Specific queries should be channelled through toll-free lines 317 and 393.
“It is important to name the school, the district and share evidence.”
Schools, Ms Nyanungo also said, are bound by Government policy with regard to the use of the local currency and reference to the prevailing official exchange rate.
She said parents who opt to pay in foreign currency should be receipted in the specific unit used.
“It is illegal to demand fees in foreign currency, and parents wishing to pay in foreign currency should receive receipts in that currency.”
She said the Government has put in place measures to ensure the smooth opening of schools, which will culminate in the November public examinations.
“All provinces have taken stock of the strategic targets, key activities and practical arrangements to be made at the local level.
“The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec)’s public examination calendar has been disseminated and the necessary preparations are in full swing, together with the moderation of the continuous assessment component for each level,” she said.
Measures to contain the mumps outbreak have already been put in place.
The Government has also made progress in reviewing the curriculum framework.
“The ministry is on course to review the new curriculum.
“Comments and inputs received through stakeholder consultations and from the learners themselves are receiving serious attention in shaping the way forward,” added Ms Nyanungo.
Meanwhile, Zimsec board chairperson Professor Eddie Mwenje said they have already put in place measures to avoid exam leakages.
“All systems are set for Grade Seven, Form Four and Form Six examinations. We started the preparations early and did not face any problem.
“The June exams were actually our test run for new measures we were implementing, and I am glad to say it was a huge success.
“The board is always on the ground to make sure they implement measures that make the examinations successful, and we are really learning from our mistakes from last year’s exams,” said Prof Mwenje.
He said results for Grade Seven examinations will be released timeously this year to give parents time to prepare.
