Staff Reporter

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every child in Zimbabwe, including those from marginalised communities, has access to quality education under the proposed School Financing Policy, which is currently under development.

Speaking during a consultative meeting held at Rainbow Towers, in Harare, yesterday, an official from the Ministry, Collen Jonasi, said adequate investment in human capital development was essential for Zimbabwe to achieve its Vision 2030 goals.

“Adequate investment in human capital development is crucial if Zimbabwe is to reach its Vision 2030 targets. As such, state-funded basic education and the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) should form the foundation of the proposed School Financing Policy,” he said.

Jonasi indicated that the Ministry is proposing the introduction of state-funded basic education as the main financing model for the sector, a move that would ensure that no child is left behind, regardless of their socio-economic status. The proposed policy would also cover non-formal education to cater for learners outside the conventional schooling system.

He highlighted the importance of ensuring that education financing is sufficient, efficient, and inclusive to guarantee meaningful learning outcomes for all learners across the country.

Israel Gwatidzo from Masaisai Trust welcomed the policy proposal but emphasised the need for clear implementation mechanisms. He said that while the idea of state-funded education was commendable, the policy should also address existing challenges such as the high student-teacher ratios and the proliferation of unregistered schools, which compromise the quality of education.

“The policy must respond to these realities on the ground. Without addressing teacher shortages and ensuring proper school registration and monitoring, the quality of education will remain inconsistent across the country,” Gwatidzo said.

School Development Committee (SDC) Chairperson,Alfred Deredzi, also expressed support for the policy direction, noting that the introduction of state-funded basic education was timely and necessary to ensure every child receives quality education despite their background.

“The policy is coming to make sure education is provided for every child, including those from marginalised and remote areas who have long been left out of mainstream development,” said Deredzi.

The Ministry said the consultation process is ongoing and that feedback from stakeholders such as teachers, unions, community leaders, and civil society organisations will shape the final School Financing Policy expected to be launched later this year.