Government has described the move by St Ignatius College
authorities to announce the change of the learning institution’s status to
private school as unprocedural.
St Ignatius College wrote a letter to parents, guardians
and stakeholders dated October 4th 2019 notifying them of a change of status
from being a Government aided school to a private Trust school effective
January 1 2020.
Contacted for comment, Primary and Secondary Education
Minister Professor Paul Mavima said the move to privatise the college is lauded
but the board has jumped the gun in announcing the development.
“We have received the proposal which was submitted to the
Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary education and they are yet
to get the response.
“The board has been mischievous in announcing before they
have been responded to by the Secretary and that is unprocedural.
“The Roman Catholic Church is influential in such matters
as it is also the bearers of many schools in Zimbabwe, we applaud that and I
have had a fruitful conversation with the priest representing the issue,” said
Mavhima.
Mavhima said the development will enable the ministry to
assist other priorities with the budget intended for the college’s staff.
The board chairman for St Ignatius College Father Chiedza
Chimhanda spoke to H-Metro on the changes and its implication saying the
decision is a strategic plan for the school.
“We have just detached from Government which aided us
through the welfare and remuneration of the teaching staff and nothing else
other than that.
“This is not a move to adjust anything, school fees is
RTGS$ 3500 per term and we do not charge in foreign currency as this college
was built on a poor people background and not for profit making.
“We will try to cater for the staff with salaries at a competitive
rate to maintain the legacy and standards of the school,” said Fr Chimhanda.
The board chairman said the changes are an ongoing process
and the board of trustees comprises competent personalities who are managing
the affairs of the school.
“The college was already a private entity owned by a board
of trustees which is also in charge of other catholic institutions such as St
George’s College and St Dominics Chishawa,” he said.
Fr Chimhanda, who is also rector at the college, said he
engaged parents, former students, local Jesuit society and other stakeholders
regarding the changes.
“We met with all the stakeholders to highlight the changes
and we have considered their desire to incorporate Cambridge Curriculum which
will take effect along with the local Curriculum.
“We are in compliance with the Ministry (of Primary and Secondary Education) in every aspect and
that is why it is necessary to excel and maintain the legacy of the school
which has produced lawyers, doctors, scientist and prominent leaders,” he
added.
Part of the letter addressed to parents, guardians and
stakeholders reads;
“This decision is rooted in the strategic plan of the
College which seeks to strengthen the characteristics of Jesuit education at
the College in line with contemporary developments and needs in learning and
teaching.
“The administration and staffing structures at the College
will be adjusted to align to the new status of the College.
“Care will been taken to ensure that the College remains
affordable while charging reasonable fees necessary for the meaningful
development of the College”. H Metro
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