Chikomba Rural District Council Chairperson Cde Israel Dhikinya has firmly stated that the council will not reverse its decision on the proposed new school standardization structure, set to take effect from January 1, 2025.
Speaking at the Vhayeya.com Fans Awards Ceremony held at Sadza Growth Point, where he was the Guest of Honor, he emphasized that the move was specifically designed to guide the operations of council schools and standardize the development of schools within the district.
“Since learners write the same ZIMSEC examination across the country, it is essential to standardize and ensure consistent development across schools in the district.
“We decided to implement the new school standardization structure after recognizing a significant gap in educational outcomes between learners in rural areas, peri-urban regions, and urban centers.
“Therefore, we believe that by standardizing our schools, we are not only improving educational quality but also leveling the playing field for all learners in our district,” said Council Chairperson Dhikinya.
The Chikomba Rural District Council notified the responsible authorities in a letter, which was seen by Vhayeya.com on December 4, 2024, outlining the new council resolutions that are set to guide operations across the district.
“The full implementation of these resolutions is key in achieving the overall strategic plan goals for the local authority.
Council has resolved that:
1. a) Minimum levy for Primary Schools shall be $40, 00 USD per pupil per term.
2.b) Minimum levy for Secondary Schools shall be $80, 00 USD per student per term.
3.Minimum levy for ‘A’ Level Schools shall be $120, 00 USD per student per term.
4.The levies shall be payable in all functional currencies, and the ZiG payments shall be made at the prevailing bank rate on the day of payment,” said the statement.
However, this move was met with resistance from some parents within the district, who expressed strong reservations about the implications of the new policy on the management and development of local schools.
On a local WhatsApp group, parents expressed mixed feelings and reactions to the Council’s resolutions, with some welcoming the move as a positive step towards standardization, while others voiced concerns and objections.
“So if they were failing $10 how on earth are they expected to afford $40,” asked Elder Dee.
“We are not going to agree to the council setting school fees arbitrarily, we should be the ones discussing and agreeing on that, not being dictated to, especially when it seems like they are trying to tarnish the image of our government,” said Chisvo.
In his address at Sadza, Council Chairperson Cde Israel Dhikinya lamented that most schools in the district were constructed many years ago, with many dating back to 1985 and even the 1960s, and that their age now poses a threat to both learners and teachers.
He further explained that a significant portion of school funds is allocated to affiliate organizations within the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, including NAPH, NASH, BSPZ, and DASAV, among others.
“A significant portion of our school funds is allocated to affiliate organizations within the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, such as NAPH, NASH, BSPZ, and DASAV, among others. And with the new curriculum requiring new textbooks and equipment, it has become a huge burden on the school, leaving us with virtually no budget,” he said.
He acknowledged that, initially, the implementation of the new fees structure and the accompanying requirements indeed appears to be a “huge and mammoth task”, but expressed optimism that with time, people will come to appreciate the move.
He also pointed out that the government has initiatives such as BEAM and CAMFED, among others, aimed at assisting vulnerable students with school fees, but unfortunately, these programs have been abused, undermining their intended purpose.
In conclusion, he said that the newly pegged fees structure is aligned with the President’s and Government’s inclusive vision of “leaving no one and no place behind,” aiming to ensure that quality education remains accessible and affordable for all.
Story by Jeremiah Gora
