800 dropouts return to school
MORE than 800 children who had dropped out of school across Mashonaland West province last year for various reasons returned to school after the launch of the Education Community Outreach Programme in 2017.
The community outreach programmes were designed to overcome barriers to education, participation in the new curriculum and achievement of optimal learning outcomes.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting held in Chinhoyi recently, Mashonaland West acting provincial education director Mr Gabriel Mhumhi said the 2017 programme created a platform for 809 children who were out of school to go back.
“After realising that there are several factors that hinder children from going to school, Government introduced the community outreach programmes meant to ensure every child’s right to education,” he said.
The province’s educational psychologist for learner welfare Mr Cephas Shanyurai said the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education had also roped in various organisations and Government departments to be part of the programme this year.
This, he said, would allow communities to interact with the departments.
“The programmes provides a platform for citizens to interact with the organisations and Government departments on issues to do with education and complimentary services they provide to the sector,” he said.
Partners expected to be part of the programme include the National AIDS Council which will educate parents on HIV and AIDS issues.
“Some children who are HIV positive are failing to attend school for fear of stigma and discrimination so it is important to engage the community on HIV/AIDS issues.
“Agriculture extension officers will also be part of the programme. Their brief is to advise parents on how to grow early maturing crops during the periods of low rainfall and how they can ensure a balanced diet for their children.
“Research has shown that children who suffer from hunger at school fail to concentrate properly during lessons.”
He said the Victim Friendly Unit would disseminate information on early child marriages, child labour and child abuse while FACT would speak on domestic violence and how it impacts on children’s performance at school.
In 2017, the programmes reached about 32 926 people across Zimbabwe including 18 662 school children.
About 3 350 out of school children, most of whom have returned to classes and 10 914 care givers were also assisted by the programme in Mashonaland West.