Herald
5 November 2010
Harare — Most Government primary schools in Harare’s low-density areas are reportedly charging parents seeking Grade One places as much as US$300 for 2011 as registration fees.
Investigations by The Herald yesterday also revealed that the charges do not include school fees or other levies.
The charges do not even guarantee the affected children a place at the school if other requirements are not met.
Parents yesterday expressed outrage at the charges, saying schools were trying to profiteer from desperate parents.
Government has in turn condemned this demand of registration fees for Grade One pupils.
Education, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister David Coltart yesterday said he would issue a full statement today.
He, however, discouraged schools from charging registration fees.
“The only fees that parents are required to pay are school fees and levy. Registering a Grade One pupil is not supposed to be charged,” he said.
Such primary schools as Avondale, North-park, Blakistone and Selbourne Routledge were identified as some that are charging the registration fees.
Staff from the cited schools that declined to be named, yesterday confirmed the registration fees, arguing the schools came up with such initiatives as a way of raising standards.
t was also established that most of the schools in low-density areas were also charging the registration fees.
The charges have courted the wrath of several parents with children starting school next year, with some parents describing the stringent conditions put in place at some of these schools as a clear demonstration that they did not want children from affluent suburbs to mix with poor children.
“I wanted to enroll my child at Northpark Primary School, but I cannot afford the registration fees they are demanding.
“I cannot send the child to any school in the high-density areas because I stay in this suburb where I work.
“All the same, I cannot afford to source for transport money for the child to attend other schools,” he said.
Another parent who refused to be named said she was asked to pay US$200 registration fees, fill a form and wait for confirmation.
“I have been advised to pay up by December 31 or the place would be forfeited with no refund,” she said.
Secretary for Education, Sport, Arts and Culture Dr Stephen Mahere is on record discouraging schools from charging the registration fees.
He also encouraged the schools to apply to the ministry for approval through their provincial education offices.
The school can apply to charge provisional or deposit fees or levies for registration.
Government has outlawed the charging of registration fees.
Schools are, however, allowed to use the zoning system where children from a certain suburb cannot attend another in a different zone.