There are also
indications of high mutual understanding between school authorities and
parents on fees payment modalities that do not inconvenience both parties. The
beginning of the second term comes on the back of information that Government,
school authorities and parents are in agreement that the value of school fees
has been eroded by the current wave of price increases, but a workable solution
should be devised to benefit all.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education secretary Dr
Tumisang Thabela told The Sunday Mail that schools had indicated readiness to
open this Tuesday.
She added that some schools, especially in Chimanimani and
Chipinge, affected by Cyclone Idai, were still being refurbished, but that
would not prejudice learners from taking lessons as makeshift structures were
being put in place.
“We have not received any complaints, so far, and we are
able to say that schools are ready for opening,” she said.
On the issue of schools seeking an increase in fees Dr
Thabela said her office had not received any applications to that effect adding
that the process does not entail schools dealing direct with her office.
She, however, said she was aware that some schools had made
such applications which were now being reviewed by provincial offices, as per
procedure.
“What I am aware of is that issues of school fees increase
are still at provincial levels and we have not yet received any application,
but we are aware that some schools, especially boarding, have made
applications,” she said.
“But generally schools will open and we are working on
ensuring that also those in Chimanimani and Chipinge open this week.”
Indications from Ministry of Primary and Secondary
Education Manicaland Province, are that all schools will conduct normal lessons
this week.
Repairs for damaged schools that started early last month
are currently underway with a number of alternative learning spaces being
created.
The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has
also chipped in with tents and learning
materials.
To date treasury has availed $4 million towards the
rehabilitation of at least 61 schools whose infrastructure was destroyed by the
heavy rains that were accompanied by strong winds.
Manicaland provincial education director Mr Edward Shumba
said efforts were being made to ensure that all schools in Manicaland open this
week to avoid losing more time, particularly for examination classes.
“Most of the schools that were affected are in Chimanimani
and these will be opening. Chipinge and Buhera also have schools that were
affected, but the damage was minimal,” he said.
“Repairs are in progress at various schools and in other
areas where repairs have not started, tents have been provided by United
Nations Children’s Emergency Fund.
“We are also making sure that we have enough learning
materials and teachers.”
School fees review, unform prices
The Sunday Mail also understands that most school
development committees had submitted applications for an upward review of
school fees to the Zimbabwe Schools Development Associations and Committees
(ZSDA/C).
ZSDA/C President Claudio Mutasa said there were opposed to
schools charging fees in foreign currency.
“We understand that most Government schools do not have
foreign accounts, therefore, parents should only pay fees in the local currency
or RTGS through the banks,”
Meanwhile, a snap survey by The Sunday Mail in major shops
selling school-wear showed that most prices were pegged in United States Dollar
or the obtaining parallel market rate in bond notes or RTGS.
Latest RTGS prices in shops such Nargaji and Bays pegged a
pair of trousers between $40 and $60 while a blazer was between $100 and $200,
shirt ($26), jersey ($50), a pair of stocks ($10) and a tie ($25).
Informal traders were selling a blazer at $110, jersey $40,
trousers $25, shirt, $25, tie $25 and a winter set of gloves, scarf and a
woollen hat was pegged at $30.
Before the price increase last year second term, a pair of
school shoes was priced at $16 while a satchel was pegged at $11, with a shirt
and short selling for $14, dress ($15), trousers ($20) blazer ($30), hat ($6),
pair of socks ($3) and a tie $5. Sunday Mail
0 comments:
Post a Comment