Most boarding schools around the country were reportedly facing
closure at the beginning of the year because of basic commodities shortages.
“I think the government should assist institutions like schools,
hospitals and orphanages in the procurement of basic commodities especially
from suppliers such as the Grain Marketing Board,” said one parent, Josphat
Sithole.
However, some churches have since the beginning of July, been
supplying these schools with basic commodities, which they source from
neighbouring countries. Most boarding schools in Zimbabwe are mission
schools, which are run by churches such as the Church of Christ, Lutheran
Church of Zimbabwe, Roman Catholic Church, Presbyterian among others.
Boarding schools, which are reportedly being bailed out by the
churches, include Dadaya High School in Zvishavane, Marist Brothers in Dete,
Chegato, Masase, Munene and Musume High schools in Mberengwa.
Schools are expected close this week but since the beginning of the
year, parents have been asked to pay top up fees every month as the fees
have been eroded by hyperinflation
Meanwhile Matopo boarding school in Matebeleland North has asked
students to bring their own groceries when schools open for the third term.
Parents who spoke to Radio VOP said they had been told by school
authorities to bring two packets of rice; two 750 ml bottles of cooking oil,
2kgs of sugar beans and 40 kgs of roller meal per student as part of
third-term school fees.
“The groceries are also part of the school fees because the school
authorities are saying they are failing to source adequate food for our
children from shops,” said Talent Sinyoro, a parent at the school.
Although the arrangement is said to have been agreed by both parents
and school authorities at a recent school development committee meeting,
parents who spoke to Radio VOP said the arrangement was a heavy burden to
them as they are affected by the same scarcity of basic commodities in the
country.
Another school, Inyathi Secondary in Matebeleland North, is also
reportedly asking boarders to bring their own sleeping beds as part of
school fees payment. Most boarding schools in the country are reeling under
severe food shortages and lack of money, which has affected the quality of
education.
The food crisis has also hit colleges and universities where in some
instances female students have resorted to prostitution in order to survive.
Many schools in Zimbabwe have already closed before the official closing
day, which is Friday because of lack of food.
The government has however said secondary schools would benefit from
its basic commodities’ supply intervention scheme, which is being
spearheaded by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
Harare Tribune