Ministry calls for expansion of work-for-fees programme 

Source: Ministry calls for expansion of work-for-fees programme – herald

Remember Deketeke

Herald Correspondent

GOVERNMENT has directed higher and tertiary education institutions to prioritise and expand the work-for-fees programme following Treasury’s decision to make the initiative a budgeted line item.

This was said by Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Dr Frederick Shava during a meeting with college principals in Harare on Tuesday.

The work-for-fees is a Government-initiated programme where financially vulnerable students at State universities and colleges work on campus, performing tasks like construction, cleaning, or dining hall services.

“We are grateful that, to date, over 1 200 students have benefited from the work-for-fees programme,” said Dr Shava.

“We look forward to this number increasing this year as the Treasury has made it a budget line item.”

Dr Shava said the expansion of the programme formed part of the Government’s broader drive under the National Development Strategy (NDS2) to improve access to quality, equitable and inclusive higher education.

“Prioritising and expanding the work-for-fees programme is about ensuring that every capable student is given a fair chance to complete their studies,” he said.

“No student should be excluded from higher and tertiary education because of inability to pay fees.”

Dr Shava urged institutions to fully support the programme by creating meaningful work opportunities that enhance both skills development and institutional efficiency.

“This programme must not only assist students financially, but also equip them with practical skills that prepare them for the world of work,” he said.

Dr Shava said the Government remained committed to improving the student experience through sustained investment in infrastructure, student welfare and inclusive support   systems.

“The Ministry will continue to support new and ongoing infrastructure development projects within your institutions to ensure a conducive learning environment,” he said.

The Minister added that expanding access to education was central to building a skilled workforce capable of driving industrialisation, innovation and inclusive economic growth in line with Vision 2030.

Masvingo Polytechnic principal, Engineer Callisto Muzongondi, said the institution is targeting to adopt communities in Masvingo.

“We are adopting a community in Masvingo, targeting Zaka Rural District Council, to initiate the construction of a Vegetable and Fruit processing plant to empower the community of Zaka,” he said.

“In Mwenezi District, we already have an operational MoU with Mwenezi VTC on partnering in vocational training programmes.”