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WOZA'S education campaign continues at schools
Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA)
May 23, 2006

MEMBERS of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) took to the streets again this morning in six areas across Harare and Bulawayo. The peaceful protests targeted Government and Council schools which have continued to turn away children for non-payment of fees. Three women were arrested as they dispersed from Mtshede Primary and are currently being held at Njube Police Station. Plain-clothed officers were present at Mtshede School in Njube, Bulawayo. They were carrying placards obviously picked up at the first school (Ngubo Primary), and possibly carried out these arrests. In Harare at Fungisai Government School in Chitungwiza South members reported having a conversation with uniformed police officers.

These protests were part of WOZA's continuing education campaign. Previously, Bulawayo members spent five days in custody after peaceful protest at Mhlahlandlela Government office on 4th May. Whilst in Harare on 8th May, members protested at the Minister of Educations office. Minister Chigwedere responded in an interview on morning state television saying that he was not responsible and that women should not come to his office but should visit headmasters. Members of WOZA therefore resolved to take the education lobby to schools and pressure Headmasters to allow children their right to education.

Last week, WOZA members delivered a message to schools across Bulawayo and Harare (text included below), requesting that Headmasters not send children away for non-payment. Today, seven schools that had ignored these requests were targeted for the community-based protests.

In Chitungwiza Fungisai Government, Farai Council and two Seke High Schools were visited by over 200 women. In Harare hundreds of members protested at Glenview 7 Primary, Glenview High Council, Dzivarasekwa High and Fundo Primary Schools. In Bulawayo over 150 members visited Ngubo Primary, 80 members went to Mtshede Primary School and Mahlabezulu Primary School also had a visit by 80 members.

At Fundo in Dzivarasekwa and Mahlabezulu in Tshabalala, Headmasters told members that they were not to blame for school fee hikes and that parents should speak to the School Development Associations (SDA). However, at Mahlabezulu, SDA members were present but when the leader was approached by protester she was struck dumb and walked away.

In Bulawayo members sang: "Into yemfundo sifuna ukuyibhoboza", which can be loosely translated as 'we want expose this issue of education'. In Harare as they marched they sang in Shona, "Schools are expensive and unaffordable".

As promised, WOZA intends to give this issue its full attention until an appropriate compromise can be reached. Educational institutions, including the Ministry and its officials, will continue to be on the receiving end of WOZA's brand of 'Tough Love' (peaceful protest) if they send children home who cannot pay.

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