BULAWAYO - Private schools have astronomically increased fees with some demanding as much as US$1 500 for the third term, a development likely to face resistance from parents. Some of the trust schools have proposed increases of more than 130 per cent, causing a huge gap between second and third term fees.According to a fees schedule at Victoria Falls Primary School, the fees are expected to rise from US$650 to US$1 500. Petra High school has tabled an increase of 40 per cent from US$500 to US$700 while White Stone School will push its fees up from US$800 to US$1 000, reflecting a 25 per cent increase.
Dominican Convent, St Thomas, Carmel and Centenary Schools are also expected
to increase fees by between nine and 15,5 per cent. In separate interviews, parents dismissed the new fees structure proposed by Victoria Falls Primary School as ridiculous.
“We have since learnt that our school is the most expensive. At other schools they do not pay for extra curriculum activities but here we are forced to do so,” said a parent.
Other parents have called for the slashing of school fees, urging the Ministry of Education, Sport, Art and Culture to release fees guidelines for private schools.
In May, the government reduced school fees for government schools. In high-density primary schools, pupils are now paying US$5 while those in secondary schools pay US$10. In low-density schools, parents are paying US$20.
Post published in: News
Good day the voice to us the voiceless. I hope my reply finds you well.
I enjoyed reading your article but as a point of correction for Victoria Falls Primary school the fees has been USD 1000 throughout covid times and as of Tuesday 12 October 2021’s Budget meeting the school announced a 50% increase in the school fees to USD 1500, which most of the parents are disputing because VFPS is the most expensive primary school, which charges even higher fees than most of the private secondary schools and primary schools, even some of the degree programs being offered at tertiary level doesn’t cost that much.
The parents are however appealing to the government and the ministry of education sports arts and culture to put in place regulations in the school fees structures for private schools, and to ensure that for RTGS these schools use Bank rates for their conversions instead of using the black market rates.
As a parent with a child at VFPS i would like you team to post my comments even conduct further investigations and gather more information to publish on this matter and I also choose to remain anonymous for my personal safety and image in the small town of Victoria Falls .