The Zimbabwean government has said it does not have enough resources to give free education which was expected to start in the first term of 2023.
In 2020, President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed into law the Education Amendment Act, which compels the State to provide free basic education in line with provisions of section 27 of the Constitution. 
The government initially announced the pledge to offer free education in 2018 but nothing has happened yet.
Primary and Secondary Education minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Evelyn_Ndlovu">Evelyn Ndlovu</a> told Parliament yesterday that there was not enough money for the exercise.
Ndlovu was responding to legislators’s questions on the free education pledge during a Parliament question-and-answer session. She said:
<blockquote>
We wish to do that, to give  free education, but it is unfortunate we have US$6.3 million (for the exercise) and that is not enough.
We agreed that we have to sit down with the Ministry ofFinance to analyse and check on the amounts that were allocated to the Ministry of (Primary and Secondary) Education in terms of funding and after a bAig analysis, it is quite clear that the funds are not enough.
At times I sit and wonder whether we can afford to pay fees. The truth of the matter is we want to pay fees for every child. We have a policy in this country, an Act of Parliament that demands that we pay fees and as a House of Assembly, we agreed to it.
</blockquote>
Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda said Parliament should have queried the minister during the budget. He added:
<blockquote>
The Minister of Finance (Professor Mthuli Ncube) will come to this House to ask for more funds in the supplementary budget.
</blockquote>
Fianance minister Ncube allocated $631.3 billion (US$976 million) towards providing quality infant, junior and secondary education. The bulk of the allocation will, however, go towards teachers’ salaries and other learning costs.
<h2>More Pindula News</h2>

Pindula News

"We Don't Have Enough Resources To Give Free Education" - Govt

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa told parents and guardians of learners to prepare for the reopening of schools.
Schools were set to reopen on the 28th of June for the second term but authorities deferred reopening and face-to-face learning twice due to the third wave of the coronavirus that is wreaking havoc.
This was the second time this year for the government to postpone the reopening of schools as it did the same in January after COVID-19 cases increased.
It is likely that reopening will be postponed further considering that Cabinet extended further the level 4 lockdown measures and also given that new coronavirus cases and deaths are still high.
Speaking during a post-cabinet media briefing in Harare on Tuesday, the minister urged parents and guardians to complement the government in curbing the spread of the coronavirus. She said:
<blockquote>As the nation prepares for the reopening of schools, parents and guardians are expected to complement Government efforts to provide Personal Protective Equipment, sanitisers and other essential requirements for learners.</blockquote>
ZANU PF Director of Information and Publicity, Tafadzwa Tuboy Mugwadi has dismissed reports by some media houses that suggested that the government had ordered schools to reopen. He said:
<blockquote>Schools have not been ordered to reopen but to prepare for that eventuality post level 4.</blockquote>
Stakeholders, including teachers’ unions, are urging the government to delay reopening until coronavirus cases have subsided and until schools have put adequate preventive measures in place.
They cite the outbreak of coronavirus in some schools and the deaths of some educators as the reason why there should be no rush in reopening schools.
Some schools were this year forced to close prematurely after hundreds of learners and teachers had contracted the virus.
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw">Pindula News</a>

Parents Told To Prepare For School Reopening

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has said there was a high teacher and learner turnout when schools reopened Monday for examination classes.
This was of course in comparison to last year’s turnout when the majority of teachers did not show up when schools resumed demanding a review of salaries.
Primary and Secondary Education Ministry communication and advocacy manager Mr Taungana Ndoro said most schools opened without incident yesterday. Mr Ndoro said:
<blockquote>I’m still to get a comprehensive report on schools reopening across the country. But what I observed is that learners turned up and the teachers turned up as we are dealing with examination classes at the moment.
We also had some pupils turned away because of non-payment of fees. But in comparison with last year, there is a huge difference as teachers and pupils came to school yesterday,” said Mr Ndoro. He said he believes that most pupils and teachers were back at school as they are confident that the Covid-19 prevention measures being implemented in schools were effective.
Last year both teachers and learners were afraid of the pandemic. The standard operating procedures which include that pupils should wear face masks, sanitise hands and the implementation of World Health Organisation Covid-19 protocol have seen our learners and teachers adjusting to new normal even in the education sector.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Amalgamated_Rural_Teachers_Union_of_Zimbabwe">Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe</a> (ARTUZ) <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/03/15/false-start-to-schools-reopening-artuz/">yesterday claimed there was low teacher and learner turnout as schools reopened attributing the alleged low attendance to incapacitation.</a>
ARTUZ gave the government an ultimatum and said if there are no salary reviews by next when the rest of the students are supposed to go back to school, they will embark on a street protest.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/high-teacher-pupil-turnout-as-schools-open/">Chronicle</a>

High Teacher, Learner Turnout - Ministry Of Education

The government has ordered local schools to reduce 2021 boarding enrolment as a way to curb the transmission of the coronavirus pandemic.
NewsDay saw a copy of the memo which was referenced “Call to reduce 2021 boarding enrolment to comply with COVID-19 management protocol in boarding facilities in the Midlands province.” The memo read:
<blockquote>Having experienced an outbreak of COVID-19 in some boarding facilities in 2020, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has resolved to improve compliance of boarding facilities in observing WHO and the Ministry of Health and Child Care COVID-19 prevention guidelines.
Heads are, therefore, advised to strictly adhere to the number that can be allowable in the boarding facilities when recruiting 2021 boarders. As a guide, new boarder recruits for 2021 should significantly be less than 2020 boarder recruits. To ensure compliance, officers from both the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and Ministry of Health and Child Care shall move to boarding schools monitoring observance of COVID-19 guidelines and compliance to boarding capacity measures.</blockquote>
Last year, a <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/11/24/update-john-tallach-covid-19-cases-rise/">number of schools across the country</a> were forced to prematurely close after a significant number of learners and members of staff had tested positive for the virus.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/02/govt-orders-cut-in-boarding-schools-intake/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">NewsDay</a>

Govt Orders Schools To Reduce 2021 Boarding Enrolment

A’ Level results ARE NOT YET OUT contrary to claims by a FAKE article with a FAKE link which is purportedly by <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>. The TRUTH OF THE MATTER IS THAT A’ LEVEL RESULTS ARE NOT YET OUT. 
The LINK IS NOT OURS AND IF YOU CLICK ON IT, IT DOES NOT LEAD YOU ANYWHERE.
We believe it was created by some overzealous people who are obsessed with spreading FAKE NEWS. The FAKE article reads:
<blockquote>ALEVEL RESULTS OUT and 100 Secondary Schools Record 0% Pass Rate –
https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/02/07/100-secondary-schools-record-0-pass-rate/
100 Secondary schools in Zimbabwe reportedly recorded a 0% pass rate in the just-published ZIMSEC A level examination results.
This was revealed in a document by the examinations board that showed the following statistics:
14 of the schools with 0% pass rate have less than 50 candidates who sate for the examinations.
60 schools had 100% pass rate.
31 out of the 100 schools with 30% pass rate are from Masvingo and Matabeleland Districts while the rest are from 30 of the country’s other provinces.
According to ZIMSEC board Chair Professor Eddie Mwenje , A level results will be ready for collection starting from Thursday 11 February 2021.</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_School_Examinations_Council">ZIMSEC</a> will put the announcement on their website once the results are out.

A' LEVEL RESULTS AREN'T OUT YET, IT'S FAKE NEWS!

The Government of Zimbabwe has deferred the opening of schools for the 2021 calendar, due to surging Covid-19 cases and the forecasted Cyclone Chalane. The outstanding 2020 Ordinary and Advanced Level pupils will, however, continue with their examination as scheduled from 5 January to 5 February next year. The Government had earlier scheduled the schools opening to open on 4 January 2021. Below is the statement issued by the Primary and Secondary Education Permanent Secretary Tumisang Thabela. 
<blockquote>Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education
DEVIATION OF 2021 SCHOOL CALENDAR
30 DECEMBER, 2020
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education would like to advise its valued learners, parents. guardians and other stakeholders, that in light of the surge in COVID-19 infections and the new and more contagious variants of the disease as well as the threat posed by Cyclone Chalane. Government has seen it fit to deviate from the previously announced 2021 School Calendar that directed schools to open on 04 January 2021. In this regard, please be advised that:
<ul>
<li>2020 ZIMSEC O’ and A’ level examinations will resume on 05 January 2021 to 05 February 2021 as previously announced.</li>
<li>Having deferred the opening of schools beyond CM January 2021, the dates for the commencement of the 2021 School Calendar for all primary and secondary schools will be announced in due course as Government monitors the situation.</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education takes this opportunity to remind learners. parents and guardians to reinforce wearing of face masks, physical distancing as well as handwashing to prevent the spread and infection of COV10.19.
In the meantime, heads of schools should continue with preparations for the safe opening of schools and the accelerated implementation of teaching and learning activities.
The Ministry remains committed to the provision of quality, relevant, equitable. inclusive and wholesome education for all Zimbabweans.
Mrs TumIsang Thabela
SECRETARY FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

Govt: Schools No Longer Opening On 4 January

Parents and or guardians of learners at Welton Group of Schools in Beitbridge have withdrawn their kids from the private learning institution after they disagreed on a new fee structure.
The school is charging R3 000 in tuition fees, US$80 food, and US$25 for personal protective equipment and is also demanding another R2 000 in operation fees for term two.
The latest demand did not auger well with parents who want the meals allowances scrapped and are also against the payment of term two fees.
Schools were warned by the government against demanding second term fees since there is no term two on the 2020 school calendar after schools were closed due to the coronavirus.
A parent who spoke to Chronicle on condition of anonymity said all parents had resolved to withdraw their children after efforts to reach an agreement with the school director (Mr Moyo) had yielded no results.
The parents have also jointly written to school authorities requesting a full explanation of the fees for the second term. Reads the letter in part.
<blockquote>We believe that school fees are charged per term after having considered all the running expenses that apply to the school term in question.
In view of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown, everyone across the world was affected and most of the parents were not working due to the lockdown.
You have been running the school for the past years and we believe the so-called operational costs were being included in the breakdown of school fees.
In that regard, we further request that you be frank with us as your clients and give us a budget for term 3 fees adding up to the figures you want parents to pay as fees.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, a team to engage the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has already been set up to resolve the impasse.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/parents-withdraw-kids-from-private-school-over-fees/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chronicle</a>

Learners Withdrawn From School Over Fees

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has claimed that over 400 girls from four districts in Manicaland have dropped out of school altogether owing to pregnancy, marriage, financial challenges and illness.
Manicaland provincial education director (PED) Mr Edward Shumba, told The Herald the figure is expected to rise as Mutare, Chimanimani and Nyanga districts are still compiling statistics following the resumption of lessons for examination classes on September 28. He said:
<blockquote>We have so far received statistics from Buhera, Chipinge, Mutasa and Makoni. The other three districts are yet to send the statistics, but we expect the figures to increase.
There are 96 female learners in Buhera who dropped out for marriage and five males. We also have one O’ level student who fell pregnant. Other reasons given for the dropping out are financial challenges, illness with some joining the job market.</blockquote>
Mr Shumba said Buhera district had registered 47 grade seven dropouts, of which 35 were girls and 12 were boys. At O’Level, 90 girls and 49 boys dropped out while one A’ level girl dropped out in the district.
In Chipinge 46 females are said to have been married while Makoni recorded 65 pregnancies and 64 marriages and Mutasa had 40 marriages.
This comes when the government recently amended the Education Act to allow pregnant learners to attend classes in all schools, which would ordinarily mean most of these children are allowed to go back to class.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/400-drop-out-over-pregnancies-illness/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a>

Over 400 Girls Drop Out Of School Over Pregnancies

The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education on Thursday raised concern over alleged learners’ misconduct in high schools.
Committee chair Priscillah Misihairabwi-Mushonga told the ministry’s permanent secretary Tumisang Thabela during a virtual meeting that there were reports suggesting that learners were engaging in sexual activities and all filthy stuff as there were no teachers to supervise them.
Her remarks come when videos and pictures of naked students, kissing, smoking or indulging in pornographic acts have gone viral on social media. Misihairabwi-Mushonga said:
<blockquote>We got a report yesterday (Wednesday) where the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Cain Mathema, said only 29% of teachers have gone back to school. We have also checked with stakeholders and they say that only headmasters and maybe one teacher have gone back to school.
Parents have also been complaining that their children are left unsupervised and those at boarding schools and even those at day schools are reporting that children are engaging in sex and drugs, and other bad behaviour because no one is supervising them. They said lack of supervision also creates problems with enforcement of social distancing.</blockquote>
Misihairabwi-Mushonga’s remarks were echoed by a child rights group, ZimChild Network, which gave the government a six-day ultimatum to resolve the teachers’ grievances or risk a countrywide students strike.
Teachers refused to return to work when schools reopened on 28 September saying the government must restore their 2018 salaries first.
The impasse between teachers and the government has dragged for over a year now with no solution in the immediate future as the government regards teachers’ demands “unrealistic.”
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/10/idle-pupils-turn-to-sex-orgies-drugs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewsDay</a>

Parliament Worried Over Alleged Learners' Mischief In Teacherless Schools

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has dismissed as misleading reports which suggested that schools will reopen on the 2nd os September.
The Ministry issued a statement this Tuesday saying schools remain closed until further notice. Reads part of the statement:
<blockquote>Contrary to misleading social media reports that schools will reopen on 2 September 2020 or 15 September 2020 for examination classes, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education would like to reiterate to its valued stakeholders that the Government deferred the re-opening of schools until further notice.
Government is currently in widespread consultations and will only announce any schools re-opening date once Cabinet has taken a position.
It is in this light that the Ministry advises all schools remain closed until a Government directive on re-opening is issued.</blockquote>
The Ministry also threatened action against schools that would reopen without the government’s permission.
Social media was awash with messages which also urged candidates to prepare for the November examinations.
Schools were prematurely closed in March after the country had recorded cases of the coronavirus.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/just-in-gvt-dismisses-school-reopening-rumour/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a>

Govt Responds To "Schools Re-opening September" Reports

The Education Act Amendment, among other issues, states that learners should not be excluded from schools for falling pregnant or failure to pay school fees.
Teachers have also been forbidden from canning students no matter the circumstance. The Act was passed by Parliament, approved by President Mnangagwa, and has been gazetted.
The Act also forbids corporal punishment as schools are now required to come up with disciplinary policies in line with standards set out in regulations prescribed by the Minister for the purpose.
According to the Act, the regulations and any disciplinary policy shall not permit any treatment which does not respect the human dignity of a pupil. The Act reads in part:
<blockquote>Disciplinary measures must be moderate, reasonable and proportionate in the light of the conduct, age, sex, health and circumstances of the pupil concerned and the best interests of the child shall be paramount. Under no circumstance is a teacher allowed to beat a child.</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) chief executive officer, Dr Sifiso Ndlovu, said they fully supported the provisions of the Act as it was consistent with modern society.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary-general, Mr Raymond Majongwe, said while the act had good motives, there were fears that some people could take advantage of that and abuse girls.
Some were opposed to the Act arguing that allowing pregnant learners in schools and outlawing corporal punishment would likely promote misconduct.
More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/pregnant-girls-to-attend-classes-caning-outlawed/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ZBC News</a>

Education Act Amendment Prohibits Expulsion Of Pregnant Learners, Beating Learners...

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has hinted on the suspension of the 2020 academic year over the coronavirus.
The Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister Edgar Moyo told The Sunday News that it was premature to announce new dates for the schools’ calendar considering the escalation in the number of coronavirus cases in the country. Moyo said:
<blockquote>We are presently monitoring trends, particularly Covid-19 local infections. If they continue escalating, as they are doing now, we will have to defer re-opening further mainly as a means of protecting our learners and teachers.
As a ministry, we have continued readying ourselves for the eventual re-opening through the purchasing of PPE and perfecting our (education) modules.</blockquote>
He added that the ministry has also been been fine-tuning radio lessons which are being used as an alternative to physical class studies.
Moyo indicated that the plans to produce physical modules related to the radio lessons for communities that do not get radio signals were already underway.
More: <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/schools-to-reopen-when-safe-minister" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Sunday News</a>

Govt Speaks On Re-opening Schools And Alternatives To Physical Class Studies

The government has said there will be stiff penalties to schools which are demanding fees from learners saying fees should be paid when schools reopen.
Zimbabwean schools are currently closed as a way to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic and there signals that the 2020 academic year might overlap to 2021 or be declared null and void.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Mr Taungana Ndoro said the law states that schools shall only review fees when the government has approved the increase. He said:
<blockquote>The Government has not approved any new fees structure, but has said that school fees will be paid when schools re-open. The law is very clear that no responsible authority shall charge any fee or levy or increase any fee or levy unless it is approved
The Government shall immediately close schools that defy the order to remain closed and if they continue to open, sterner measures would be taken such as de-registration of the schools or colleges.</blockquote>
Some schools have reportedly started online lessons and are demanding fees for the second term.
More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/schools-urged-not-to-demand-fees/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Sunday News</a>

Govt Threatens Stiff Measures Against Schools Demanding Fees From Learners

The government on Friday launched a radio lessons programme, which will be aired in all the 15 languages spoken in Zimbabwe, for early childhood development (ECD), primary and secondary school classes.
The programme which is a response to the closure of schools due to COVID-19 is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in partnership with the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Zimpapers, Skyz Metro FM and AB Communications.
Officially launching the programme at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) Montrose Studios in Bulawayo, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Cain Mathema said the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic disrupted normal educational processes and the face-to-face learner-teacher interactions. He added:
<blockquote>As such, the ministry has come up with alternative strategies to ensure continuity of learning in the face of the global pandemic.</blockquote>
He added that the ministry is also developing emergency learning modules, radio and television lessons and e-learning material for learners to use for a period of six months.
Content will be uploaded on educational platforms and the ministry’s website while hard copy modules to support learners who may be difficult to reach with e-learning, radio or television will also be circulated.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/covid-19-govt-launches-radio-lessons-for-pupils/">The Chronicle</a>

Govt Launches Radio Lessons For Learners

The government of Zimbabwe has been urged to scrap examination fees in toto for children especially those in Government of public Schools.
This was said by Tag a life International (TaLI) after the government gazetted into law the new Education Amendment Act on the 6th of March 2020.
We present TALI’s full statement below.
<blockquote>16 March 2020
Education Amendment Act of 2019, Exam Fees
Every Child In School #ECIS Campaign welcomes the new Education Amendment Act which was gazettes into law on the 6th of March 2020. As a critical partner that pushed for the release of this law through petitioning parliament, ECIS wishes to congratulate the Zimbabwean government for putting to law its legal obligation to fulfill this basic human right. This is also a build up to the policy that the government released last year, the ‘Secretary’s Circular of 2019, again something that ECIS worked in partnership with parliament and the ministry to be put in place, with the goal of ensuring access to education for every child. We also acknowledge the response to ECIS request from the minister through our press statement dated 24 February where we requested the government to move exam fee due date for June exams from the 28th of February to a further date due to the disturbances that had occurred due to exam fee changes. We note in the press statement of the 11th of March that the Minister moved June registration to the 30th of March.
A short while ago the minister cancelled the exam fee increase which ZIMSEC had imposed which was too far from the reach of many. Just when we thought our voices that spoke against this increase had been heard, the Minister came back on the 11th of March with new fees that he reduced downwards with 53%. The news exam fees are $125 for grade 7, $90 per subject for ordinary level and $165 per subject for advanced level.
We wish to let the government know that these fees are against the basic right of the child to access state funded basic education:
<ol>
<li>The state continues to shift the 47% of exam fees to be responsibility of parents, despite the constitution section 75 A, and the education amendment act 2019 being clear that it is the primary responsibility of this government to provide state funded basic education, therefore this is unacceptable and illegal.</li>
<li>The government seems to continue to be highly detached from the suffering of citizens. Zimbabwe has more than 95% informal employment, meaning most families are living from hand to mouth. We have a significant percentage of children who are failing to get into formal education system despite the availability of the policies and laws that now allow these kids access, many are resorting to ‘private collages’. These private colleges are poorly run and are mainly attended by poor families who have been either refused enrollment due to lack of money or pushed out of government schools. Through its grading, the government is regarding these children as being in ‘private colleges/schools’ and deserving of paying full exam fees which is an absolute violation of their rights and discrimination. If the government did it’s homework, it would have classified these colleges as deserving of same benefits the other government school children have. Many of the children will not seat these exams if the state does not fully fund examination fees for the largely poor children who constitute more than 70% of its learners.</li>
<li>While the state has provided the progressive policies; Circular of 2009 which disallows children to be sent back home for failing to pay fees, circular 3 of 2019 which comprehensively allows children access to enrollment and outlines grounds for discrimination, as well as through the recently signed education amendment act, imposing exam fees is taking away from all these provisions. Why should a child be allowed access into school and kept without money for all these years only to be discriminated upon when it comes to be tested for what they have gained in knowledge through exam fees which they cannot pay? It is showing a glaring absence of  the respect for the constitution, the education amendment act and all policies that promote child education. This discrimination of exam fees is glaring and the government must immediately address it.</li>
<li>State funded basic education is not just about putting in place laws, it is about respecting, mechanizing and funding for infrastructure seriously and earnestly to achieve those provisions. Zimbabwe is the only government in the Southern African region whose children still pay for basic education.</li>
<li>Every Child In School therefore urges the government of Zimbabwe to review its position and scrap examination fees altogether for children especially those it classifies as Government Schools, Local Authority Schools and Non Profit Mission Schools as well as the mushrooming private colleges.</li>
<li>We further encourage the government to fund basic education seriously by allocating adequate funds to meet these costs. In the past the ministry of education has received large sums of the fiscal allocation that only meet personnel costs, and little has been done to resource the commitments directly for learners. Schools remain under funded forcing them to go against the government policies that promote access to state funded education.</li>
<li>We reiterate that this government must put practical measures to ensure children have access to state funded basic education, and that in its actions the government shows its realisation of what the law says in its responsibilities to ensure state funded basic education. Imposing such exam fees is not one of actions showing that responsibility, abolishing exam fees will ultimately ensure Zimbabwe children begin to enjoy their right to state funded basic education.</li>
</ol>
</blockquote>

"Scrap Examination Fees Altogether," Zimbabwe Government Told

Public Schools in Zimbabwe are failing to meet operational costs after the government turned down their proposals to increase school fees.
School heads who spoke to The Herald observed that the situation is being worsened by the soaring inflation. One headteacher said:
<blockquote>The increments we applied for, that were duly discussed, proposed and voted on by the school development association (SDA) of parents, and based on a budget that was looking at simply maintaining standards, have not been approved.
It is bad enough for all schools. But for schools with boarding facilities, it is extra difficult. It is a daily headache to feed the children.</blockquote>
Prices of commodities have, for the past twenty-four months been going up and increasing fees was a strategy to cover the variance.
The government, on the other hand, argues that increased fees are exclusionary as they can only be afforded by rich people while the have-nots will be forced to drop out of school.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/rejected-fees-hikes-schools-cringe/">The Herald</a>

Schools Struggle To Meet Operational Costs As Govt Turns Down Fees Increment Proposals

The Zimbabwe School Examination Council (ZIMSEC) has won an appeal against a High Court order that blocked the council from ordering a re-write of the 2017 English Paper 2.
The council had ordered candidates to re-write the paper which had leaked resulting in the widespread cheating by candidates.
The verdict is, however, two years late making it impossible for the council to order a re-write now but it has a bearing on future examinations.
Zimsec is allowed under Section 34(1) of the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council Act to annul the results of any examination which is flawed by a specified irregularity, while the provisions of the Interpretation Act extends that power to address the consequences and exigencies of any such nullification.
The alleged leaks have compromised the quality of education in the country and it is also argued that they have contributed to the negative perception others have on local learning institutions.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/breaking-zimsec-wins-appeal/">The Herald</a>

ZIMSEC Wins Appeal Against Court Order Blocking A Re-Write Of 2017 O'Level English Paper 2

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Mudiwa Hood has posted on Facebook giving an update on how much has been donated to a science teacher who was caught stealing maize.  Below is Mudiwa’s post.
<blockquote>Update on Mr Chatikobo…
We have raised USD$165 and ZWL $9045 by 9 am today, we have also received oil, soap and clothes. The money is with his prefered trustee, whom I approved after due diligence. The objective is to change his life &amp; empower him to be a responsible citizen. I do not condone any form of crime, I prayed with him and he said he will never do it again. What pushed me to help him is it was so obvious, even after agreeing to pay compensation they posted him to embarrass him. That touched my heart because he is a teacher with students, a father with children…did we think of their fate when this man supposedly took his life ne NYADZI…shame…we have lost lives to suicides because of shame…it is sad.
We intend to furnish his home, clothe him, help his wife &amp; children and most importantly with the guidance of the wife. We also look to help the school, it is a private school, not a Government school as earlier rumoured. So we appeal for any form of help. 
Those who wish to donate books, clothes, shoes, desks, chibage, cement, food, and other stuff, kindly feel free to come forward. Some of the goods if deemed excess, will benefit others in our country who need help. 
For now, reach out to 0772999156 for EcoCash and other donations.
Most importantly, the man is a genius,but has very troubling past😔, he needs more than money. So we kindly request offers on doctors service, and proffesional counselor services. 
Psalms 130:3 “if you O lord kept a record of our sins, Lord who would stand?” 
<a class="_58cn" data-ft='{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}' href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/loveistheanswer?source=feed_text&amp;epa=HASHTAG">#LoveIstheAnswer</a>
I appeal to all Zimbabweans to learn and make it a norm to DO GOOD FOR NO REASON, Love will heal this nation. 
Thank you Zimbabwe for your help, kindly continue to help this man, we will keep you updated on all progress we make. 
James 1:7 True religion is helping the needy
IMPORTANT NOTICE 
I am not open for interviews, sorry to those i turned down. Making this about me defeats the whole purpose, i helped a man who was wrong yes, but did you notice,he was being set up to be laughed at😭. 
We have lost lives to suicides because of shame. I feel proud i practised true religion, Love thy neighbour… 
<a class="_58cn" data-ft='{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}' href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/savelives?source=feed_text&amp;epa=HASHTAG">#SaveLives</a>
On a lighter note…this man was teaching students from his head…pure genius…God bless this man.</blockquote>
He also posted a <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/02/26/watch-maize-stealing-headmaster-teaching-at-private-school-in-waterfalls/">video of the teacher teaching his form three class.</a>
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FULL TEXT: Cash, Groceries, Clothes And Other Donations Received For Maize-Stealing Headmaster

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has announced the list of teachers who were recently recruited. See the full list below.

FULL LIST: Newly Recruited Teachers 19/01/2020

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has announced the list of teachers who were recently recruited. See the full list below.
<img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-147741" decoding="async" height="1025" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 718px) 100vw, 718px" src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/TEACHERS-RECRUITED-210x300.jpeg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/TEACHERS-RECRUITED-210x300.jpeg 210w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/TEACHERS-RECRUITED-717x1024.jpeg 717w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/TEACHERS-RECRUITED-600x857.jpeg 600w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/TEACHERS-RECRUITED.jpeg 756w" width="718"/>

Schools and Examination centres are reportedly hacking the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council’s website to prevent students from accessing results online.
Reports suggest that schools want to prevent students who owed them school fees from accessing their results until they pay their dues.
Traditionally, schools would withhold student results for fees and other things that need to be paid for but the ZIMSEC’s online portal gave students an option to view their results even when they have arrears.
Zim Price Check reports that ZIMSEC’s move prompted schools to resort to hacking.
The government ordered schools to both stop schools from barring students from writing exams and it also directed them not to withhold students’ results.
More: <a href="https://zimpricecheck.com/news/schools-and-exam-centres-accused-of-hacking-to-prevent-students-from-viewing-results-online-so-they-can-get-what-they-are-owed/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=schools-and-exam-centres-accused-of-hacking-to-prevent-students-from-viewing-results-online-so-they-can-get-what-they-are-owed">Zim Price Check</a>

Schools Reportedly Hacking ZIMSEC Site To Prevent Students From Viewing Results Online

Student teachers have called upon the government to avail more resources for them to effectively execute their duties and responsibilities.
H-Metro spoke to some who were going back to school from industrial attachment who indicated that things have been tough in the field since the allowances they get are not commensurate with the expenses they incur.
One student teacher, Gamuchirai Maedzenge, a third-year student at Nyadire Teachers College said:
<blockquote>I am happy to go on attachment because things have been difficult at school.
There are shortages of resources and electricity and its limiting us as students because we cannot do our research on time.
There is also a shortage of food at school.
School fees are now expensive and we are failing to make ends meet because the allowance we get on attachment is not enough.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, another student teacher who has been on attachment bemoaned the inadequacy of the allowance which student teachers get saying it was limiting them.
The teacher also called upon the government to upgrade education needs in some schools to make learning environments conducive.
More: <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/student-teachers-stranded/">H-Metro</a>

Student Teachers Bemoan The Deteriorating State Of Affairs, Call For Assistance

The government of Zimbabwe has announced the deployment of 2 700 teachers to various regions across the country ahead of school reopening on Tuesday.
The development was announced by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs Tumisang Thabela who said:
<blockquote>We have so far recruited 2 700 teachers from the 5 000 that were approved by Treasury. They have been deployed to several schools across the country. Most of them have been deployed to most critical areas that include infant, Early Childhood Development, Grades One and Two and our specialist subjects which are sciences and vocational subjects. We are continuing to develop the indigenous languages so that’s another area that has attracted the emerging recruitment.</blockquote>
This comes amid calls by teachers’ unions for workers to stay away from work in protest of “paltry” salaries they are being paid.
Government workers, teachers and doctors included, spent the good part of 2019 protesting, engaging government and grappling over poor working conditions and unsustainable salaries which they are being eroded by the soaring inflation.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/2-700-new-teachers-deployed/">The Chronicle</a>

Government Deploys "2 700 Teachers" To "Most Critical Areas"

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in Zimbabwe has released a list of newly recruited teachers.
The ministry informed the listed individuals to report to indicated district offices “as soon as possible” for deployment.
Download the full <a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/New-Teacher-Recruits-1.pdf">New-Teacher-Recruits list here</a>.

FULL LIST: Newly Recruited Teachers

In the video below, a black student is being beaten by a white student at an unknown school. Whilst the person who posted the video alleges that the school is Peterhouse in Marondera, Zimbabwe, the uniforms of students suggest otherwise. Peterhouse wears blue, white and black not khakis.
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More: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pryd.myte/videos/2629318787144173/">P Myte</a>

WATCH: Black Student Being Beaten By White Student

Government has closed 43 schools in Chimanimani that were affected by Cyclone Idai.
The closure is meant to pave way for assessments on the extent of damage to infrastructure as well as the number of teachers and learners who are unaccounted for. Manicaland provincial education director Mr Edward Shumba said 33 primary schools and 10 secondary schools had been closed. He said the schools would, however, be allowed to open two weeks earlier for the second term to ensure that learners catch up on the time lost this term.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-closes-43-schools-in-manicaland/">Herald</a>

Cyclone Idai: Govt Closes 43 Schools In Chimanimani

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has recruited 1 310 recruited teachers.
The majority of the teachers will be deployed to Matabeleland North Province. 300 will be in Matabeleland North province in both primary and secondary schools. Matabeleland South was allocated 242 teachers while Bulawayo got 107. Masvingo got 105 while Midlands was allocated 73 teachers. 
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<h4>Also Read:</h4>
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<h3 class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/03/08/download-list-of-1-467-new-teachers-recruited-by-the-ministry-of-education/" rel="bookmark">DOWNLOAD: List Of 1 467 New Teachers Recruited By The Ministry Of Education</a></h3>
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Govt Recruits 1310 Teachers

Below is the list of 1 467 new teachers, by province, district and their new schools. The notification was released by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
<h3><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/New-Teacher-Recruits-1.pdf">DOWNLOAD THE LIST HERE</a></h3>

DOWNLOAD: List Of 1 467 New Teachers Recruited By The Ministry Of Education

Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Education and Sport acting chairperson Kenneth Musanhi told the National Assembly recently that at least 93% of the $905 million allocated to the Primary and Secondary Education ministry in this year’s national budget will go towards employment costs.
The report presented by Musanhi reads:
<blockquote>The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is directly responsible for one-third of the population’s education in Zimbabwe, yet the budget does not seem to show that responsibility. If you look at the budget that was allocated to the Primary and Secondary Education ministry, you find that 93% of the budget is going towards the employment payments, leaving 7% of the budget for capital expenditure.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2018/02/employment-costs-gobble-93-905m-education-budget/">NewsDay</a>

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