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Closure of schools not the best solution
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition
May 06, 2004

Thousands of schoolchildren remain stranded at home three days into the second school term of the year as the ensuing impasse between 45 private schools and the Ministry of Education, Sport and Culture grips the nation’s attention.

The dispute is over the hiking of fees by private schools through their governing bodies as part of their mandate from the parents of children attending these schools to counter the effects of a faltering economy. The ongoing battle surfaced with the Ministry attempting to prosecute headmasters for defying Ministerial directives to effect only moderate increases after approval.

The Minister of Education, Dr Aeneas Chigwedere, argues that defiance of the Education Act also contributes to acceleration of inflation. With recorded inflation levels as high as 620% it is seemingly impossible to maintain school fees at the same level throughout the year. Almost all the schools find that the bulk of the fees go towards retaining teachers by providing attractive salaries to ensure that they do not join the great trek to more lucrative markets. Almost all the governing bodies were given the mandate to hike the fees by parents.

While the concerns of the Minister are legitimate, the Crisis Coalition is disturbed by the brutal handling of the issue. The Ministry waited until the opening of schools to make its intentions known. In addition, police were posted at school gates and instructed to turn away the children. This was traumatic for children and senseless victimisation of pupils who have very little say in the matter.

By resorting to using the police force, the Minister is indicating that there is little or no room for amicable negotiation and dialogue.

The Coalition therefore calls upon the Minister to reconsider his decision and allow children to go back to school while opening his doors for fruitful dialogue between his ministry and the governing bodies of these schools.

The children need not suffer anymore!

Crisis Coalition is an organisation of more than 300 civic whose vision is a democratic Zimbabwe

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