Call to expand Beam’s reach

THE Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (VAC) has recommended the increase coverage of the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) to mitigate the challenges faced by a large number of children who are unable to access education in rural areas in Manicaland.

According to the 2018 Vulnerability Assessment Report, 66 percent of children in rural areas are turned away due to non-payment of fees, while about 18,4 percent of their urban counterparts are turned away from school.

“Existing policies that protect children against infringement of their right to education such as denial to schooling due to non-payment of fees should be enforced and monitored,” read part of the report. “An increase in the Basic Education Assistance Module coverage is recommended.”

In an interview with The Herald, Manicaland provincial education director Mr Edward Shumba said the Constitution of Zimbabwe did not allow schools to turn children away for non-payment of fees.

He said Section 81( f) of the Constitution provided for the right to education, health care services, nutrition and shelter for every child below the age of 18 while Section 19 (d) compels the State to adopt reasonable policies and measures, within the limits of the resources available to it, to ensure that children have access to appropriate education and training .

“The Government provides BEAM to the children in rural schools and these rural schools are also getting grants from theGovernment to improve the schools as well as learning resources,” said Mr Shumba. “However, the payment of school fees is the responsibility of parents hence parents have a duty to educate their children.”

Mr Shumba said most school development committees assisted parents in communities by allowing them to make payment plans to clear school fees arrears.

“We want all the children to receive quality education and we have school inspectors and supervisors in every district to ensure that every child has access to high quality education,” he said.