Overview
In Zimbabwe, education is a fundamental
constitutional right that should be
guaranteed to every citizen regardless of
gender, ethnicity, colour, race, disability,
or creed. The United Nations (UN)
Agenda 2030 sustainable development
goal number 4 (four) advocates for
inclusive and equitable quality education
which
promotes
lifelong
learning
opportunities for all and is in line with the
national
legislative
framework
in
Zimbabwe. Section 75 of the Zimbabwe
Constitution says, ‘every citizen and
permanent resident of Zimbabwe has a
right to – (a) basic State-funded
education,
including
adult
basic
education’. However, Zimbabwe has done
much but not enough to realize the goal of
provision of basic state-funded education.
In January 2023, ZPP joined the rest of the
world in commemorating the ‘International
Day of Education’ on 24 January under the
theme “to invest in people, prioritize
education”. The United Nations General
Assembly proclaimed 24 January as the
International Day of Education in
celebration of the role of education in peace
and development. Without inclusive and
equitable quality education and lifelong
opportunities for all, Zimbabwe cannot
succeed in achieving gender equality and
breaking the cycle of poverty, among other
socio-economic targets. During the month
of January 2023, ZPP documented
numerous cases in different communities,
including Silobela, Dangamvura/Chikanga,
and Hurungwe West, in which children were
Parents, “children need protection in public spaces.”
denied access to the classroom due to nonpayment of tuition and levy fees. On 16
January at Tsungubvi Primary School, Ward 3
in Glendale, students with outstanding fees
and missing textbooks were denied entry into
the school premises by the headmaster.
Access to education must be prioritized to
accelerate progress toward all the Sustainable
Development Goals and the government’s
‘Vision 2030’ agenda.
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