The Chronicle
14 October 2012
GOVERNMENT has paid $1,1 million examination fees for Ordinary and Advanced level candidates under the Basic Education Assistance Module and also urged schools not to bar any pupil from writing examinations because they have not paid tuition fees and levies.
Zimbabwe School Examinations Council had threatened to bar 16 000 Beam supported pupils from writing examinations beginning this month over Government delays in paying fees.
Labour and Social Services executive assistant director Mrs Fortunate Zengenene said the recent payment had enabled an additional 4 000 pupils to be registered for this year’s examinations.
Mrs Zenegenene said Government paid $1 185 243 for the pupils.
The money, $1 141 144 covers fees for O’ level candidates while $44 099 goes towards examination fees for A level.
“This means about 4 000 pupils supported by Beam can still be registered for the examinations.
“For 2012, Government allocated $16 million to BEAM for secondary schools with $1,5 million set aside for examination fees,†she said.
Zimsec recently called on eligible candidates ready for the examinations and approved by their respective headmasters to approach Beam for the registration process by today. Candidates will be assisted in up to 6 subjects of their own choice including one practical.
The initial deadline for the registration was 18 May and many disadvantaged pupils failed to register for the examinations.
Registration fees for Olevel examinations are pegged at $11 per subject while Alevel candidates pay $22.
Education, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister David Coltart said no pupil should be barred from writing public examinations for failing to pay tuition fees and levies.
He said schools should instead withhold results of defaulting pupils.
“Everyone has a right to education and according to Government policy is everyone should write and if they fail to pay then results can be withheld.
“Parents and guardians should immediately notify education directors if they encounter such scenarios during examination time,†he said.