By Almot Maqolo.
HARARE – (News of The South) – Zimbabwe’s current examination fees are against the basic right of the child to access state funded basic education, a local education watchdog has said.
Recently, the southern African nation cancelled the exam fee increase imposed by ZIMSEC which was too far from the reach of many. Last week, the government announced new reduced fees.
The new exam fees are Z$125 for grade 7, Z$90 per subject for ordinary level and Z$165 per subject for advanced level.
“The state continues to shift the 47% of exam fees to be the 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.
“The government seems to continue to be highly detached from the suffering of citizens,” Every Child In School (ECIS) campaign said on Monday.
Zimbabwe has more than 95% informal employment, ECIS said, 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 colleges.”
Most 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.
ECIS challenged the government to put practical measures that ensure children have access to state funded basic education and that in its actions the government shows its realization 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,” ECIS added.
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