Mt Darwin Schools Defy Govt Directive On School Fees

By Bindura Bureau

Schools in Mt Darwin are rebelling against government’s directive not to turn away students over non-payment of school fees, Nhau/Indaba has been reliably informed.

The schools are also allegedly demanding fees payments in United States dollars which is also against government policy.

This follows the opening of learning institutions for the third term Monday amid demands of United States dollar payments for school fees by most schools in the country.

The development goes against government’s policy that prohibits learners from being sent back to their homes over non-payment of fees.

Director of Communications and Advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Taungana Ndoro on Thursday said it is illegal for schools to turn away learners on the basis that their fees have not been paid.

“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has not instructed schools to turn away pupils for non-payment of school fees.”

“Government’s policy is that no pupil should be turned away from school for non-payment of fees,” he said.

However, it is reported that schools like Ruya, Mavuradonha and Mt Darwin High defied government’s instruction as they turned away learners on Tuesday for non-payment of fees.

Sources told Nhau/Indaba that most schools in the town ordered their school development committee chairpersons to block their entry points and only allow fully paid learners into school premises.

Ndoro pleaded with school development committees to allow parents to make fees payment plans.

A number of schools across the country have since defied government’s call not to turn away students as well as expressly demanding United States dollar payments for school fees. Nhau/Indaba