Pupils with outstanding tuition fees payments were turned away from Ran Mine
Primary school, in ward 12, Bindura North by the head identified as Matsororo. It
is alleged that pupils were told not to check-in until a payment was made by their
parents or guardian. This incident was reported on 14 September 2022.
It is alleged that the headmistress at Nyandoro Primary School in Wedza North,
identified as Mrs Chipato, sent home pupils over tuition and levy arrears.
Approximately 60% of learners missed classes as a result. Reports indicate that
Mrs Chipato and the School Development Committee had not engaged parents on
the issue but decided on their own to turn away pupils. Although the constitution
forbids schools from turning away children, school authorities undermine this
right.
The government failed to honour their obligation to pay fees for pupils under the
Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) programme. It was reported that
school fees had not been paid since the first term of the year, which was now
inconveniencing pupils who were turned away for non-payment of fees by school
authorities on 25 September. This was noted at Tamuka Secondary, Cheninga
Primary and other satellite schools in ward 1, Bikita South. This was making
vulnerable learners to be disadvantaged even further.
On 23 September pupils at Budiriro 1 primary school were turned away for nonpayment of tuition fees. The school head Mrs Zvinavashe reportedly advised
teachers to turn away all students with tuition fee arrears from last term. All
classes were affected from grades 1-7 and pupils were spotted playing in the
streets on their way home.
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