Source: 1 700 satellite schools to upgrade into exam centres | The Sunday News
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
THE Government has announced plans to upgrade more than 1700 satellite schools across the country transforming them into registered examination centres to enhance the quality and accessibility of education by learners especially those in resettlement areas.
The announcement follows resolutions made at the conclusion of the 21st Zanu-PF National People’s Conference in Bulawayo last week where challenges facing the country’s education system were put under the microscope.
Director of Communications and Advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Mr Taungana Ndoro confirmed the development, highlighting that it was an important step in making education more accessible.
“We welcome the call to expedite the upgrading and registration of satellite schools. We believe that this initiative will enhance educational access and quality in under-served areas, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to receive proper education,” he stated. Currently, around 1 755 satellite schools are operating across the country.
Mr Ndoro underscored the critical role these institutions play in delivering education to remote communities.
“Upgrading and registering these schools will have a transformative effect on Zimbabwe’s educational landscape. It will provide these schools with the necessary resources and recognition, leading to better infrastructure, qualified staff and access to educational materials.
“This development will ultimately enhance the quality of education and increase enrolment rates,” he added.
Satellite schools were created to serve learners residing far from established schools primarily in resettlement areas where traditional schools are too distant.
They however, often lack permanent staff and facilities, which typically limits their ability to conduct public examinations.
At present, students are required to register at the nearest parent school for examinations. However, several satellite schools have matured sufficiently to warrant formal registration and examination administration.
Mr Ndoro said it was in light of that, that the Government in collaboration with development partners such as the Global Partnership in Education launched a US$48,8 million fund in December 2023 to support schools, including satellite schools over a period of three years.
The ministry noted the challenges faced by learners who often endure long journeys to attend examinations.
“Can you imagine a learner going to another school 10km away from her home? We are going to disburse US$5 000 per satellite school to those schools that are at least 80 percent complete. If a satellite school is close to meeting the registration requirements, we are going to provide them with financial support from our partners,” he said.
The registration of satellite schools is expected to create more educational opportunities for learners closer to where they stay.
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Mr Torerayi Moyo recently told a parliamentary session that many schools suffer from inadequate teaching and learning environments, with some still using tobacco barns and grass-thatched classrooms.
A shortage of schools has forced some students to resort to “bush boarding” facilities, living unsupervised near schools or in nearby shopping centres, leading to increased cases of teenage pregnancies and truancy.
Minister Moyo stressed the importance of improving educational infrastructure saying the era of farmhouses being used as classrooms should be past.
The conference also touched on the delays in disbursing the Basic Education Assistance Model (BEAM) fund directing the Government to ensure that legacy arrears arising from BEAM commitments are cleared and funds due under the programme are promptly released.
It was also made clear that BEAM beneficiaries were not supposed to be sent away from school due to delayed payment of fees.
Mr Ndoro stressed that it was part of policy that no learner should be expelled due to non-payment of fees urging schools to be compliant.
“No school is allowed to send away children for non-payment of fees, including children on BEAM. The disbursement of BEAM funds falls under the purview of the Ministry of Public Service. It is concerning if learners under BEAM have been sent away from school due to funding issues. Our policy is clear, no child should be denied access to education due to financial constraints. I urge all heads of schools to adhere to this directive and ensure that every learner remains in school, regardless of their financial situation. Education is a right, and we must uphold this for all children,” he asserted. @NyembeziMu
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