Unregistered Private Schools Face Shut Down

Unregistered Private Schools Face Shut Down

A blitz to shut down all unregistered private schools will be launched soon as the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education moves to bring order within the education sector.

Scores of unlicenced schools were mushrooming across the country, a development compromising the quality of education.

Speaking during an assessment tour of schools in Gokwe North district last week, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo said:

“Our ministry has observed that there has been a proliferation of private schools which are mushrooming everywhere in high-density suburbs, low-density suburbs. In villages we hear someone say I now have a school. A school must be registered, that is the requirement.”

He added:

“We want to know the qualifications of teachers in such schools and to also check if they’re adhering to our circulars. So let me warn those who are operating the schools illegally that a time will come when we will close all these unregistered schools.”

Unregistered Private Schools Face Shut Down

There have been disturbing reports of some schools withholding results over fee arrears, while some public-sector schools were going against Government policy by turning away learners over non-payment of fees.

In Gweru, O Level learners at Fletcher High School are allegedly being denied access to their results over non-payment of fees.

“Four years ago when my son enrolled at Fletcher High School, one of the requirements was that we buy work suits, a toolbox and some electric components including conduits. But now we are being told that we owe the schools conduits,” said a disgruntled parent who declined to be named.