Story by Josephine Mugiyo
GOVERNMENT is finalising the registration of 40 new schools and existing satellite schools as part of efforts to improve the education sector.
The Post Cabinet Media Briefing held in Harare this Tuesday highlighted the progress being made by the government in the construction and registration of new schools in line with the inclusive development agenda.
In addition to the construction of schools, the private sector has also come on board in establishing new schools countrywide.
While this is a welcome development, the government has emphasised the need to ensure that the schools are registered and are operating within the confines of the law.
Speaking at the Post Cabinet Media Briefing, Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Honourable Torerayi Moyo said the shortage of schools in some areas has resulted in the proliferation of unregistered institutions.
“We have a shortage of close to 2800 schools, which has witnessed a proliferation of schools. The private schools that we want must be registered,” he said.
Minister Moyo also urged private schools to regularise their operations or face closure.
He added, “Those mushrooming must be registered and follow the law. We will outlaw those schools and give them a grace period. We will close all the schools that are operating illegally.
We’re supposed to ensure that there is quality education. We will not have those schools where learners are packed in back rooms, we want registered schools where we can control standards according to the expectations of the ministry.”
It also emerged that the government is working on establishing sustainable and affordable boarding facilities.
