Schools send learners home

SYDNEY SAIZE IN MUTARE

Despite the government’s directive that discourages schools sending learners back home for not paying school fees, some schools in Mutare this week flouted this order, Business Times can report.

Examination classes opened on Monday. Non examination classes will start next Monday.

Parents this week told the Business Times that their children have been sent home.

“It is highly unfair and inconsiderate by the school authorities to take the law into their own hands. We understand the government gave a directive that learners should not be sent back home over non-payment of fees,” a Mutare parent, Mildred Chitsuku told Business Times.

Another parent, Tinashe Muzambindo said it was “unfair on the part of the authorities at the learning institution to guarantee parents an arrangement and then suddenly make a U-turn.

“This is very painful, it hurts particularly on the children that were turned back,’’ Muzambindo said.

Some school authorities at the schools referred further questions to the Manicaland provincial education director Edward Shumba who refused to comment.

Shumba suggested we seek comment from his superior Tumisang Thabela, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, who was not picking up calls when reached for clarification.

Business Times this week witnessed dozens of learners from various schools trooping back home after school authorities advised them to only return when they have paid their fees in full.