School fees, uniforms prices go up

THE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has approved applications by at least 30 boarding schools in Manicaland to increase school fees for next term, The Manica Post has established.

The move by the ministry follows requests by some boarding schools last term to close early citing inadequate food stocks, shortages on the market and high prices on available stocks.

The approval of fees hikes also coincided with a sharp rise in the price of school uniforms and other education materials and consumables.

Manicaland provincial education director (PED) Mr Edward Shumba confirmed the development.

“I have approved applications by 30 boarding schools to increase school fees, and among them are St Faith’s High, Mt Mellary, Marange High and Mutare Girls’ High. These schools have topped up their school fees by $100 to $200,” said Mr Shumba.

However, The Manica Post understands that on-demand boarding schools had applied to increase their fees up to $1 200.

Most day schools are also queuing for permission to increase their fees, in a move that will drastically squeeze parents.

Mr Shumba said School Development Committees (SDCs) had no mandate to unilaterally increase school fees.

He said any increase should have the approval of parents.

He said when an agreement has been reached the school authorities would then send the requests and budgets, for approval to his office.

Mr Shumba implored schools to aptly justify why they need to increase fees as the ministry reserves the right to reject astronomical and unsupported requests and budgets.