According to the 2013 budget allocation, $15 million was allocated for the BEAM programme against an ideal requirement of $30 million.
“The money is not sufficient when we look at the increasing number of orphans and vulnerable children in the country. We are, however, hoping that we will get the shortfall of $15million from donors,” she said.
Statistics released by the Ministry of Labour and Social Services show that in 2012 BEAM supported a total of 463 187 pupils, 3357 404 at primary level and 105 783 at secondary level against a target of 780 000 pupils.
“This year we are hoping to assist 780 000 pupils to fulfill our 2012 target. This will only be achieved if we get assistance from other stakeholders.” said Mupariwa. However, it has been reported that there has been nepotism in the selection of BEAM beneficiaries. Last year Crown Agents took over the management and co-ordination of the BEAM after UNICEF pulled out.
BEAM was created in 2000 to assist poor and marginalized children to access quality education and ensure they do not drop out of school. However, since the economic meltdown, the Zimbabwean government had to revise its promise of making education free.
Since 2000, the BEAM programme has been funded solely from central government with the National Aids Council contributing from the National Aids Trust Fund. However, there is not enough money, hence the involvement of donors to fund primary school children.
Post published in: News