Almost fifty thousand students left school this year across Zimbabwe. The numbers came out during a Parliament talk, during which Deputy Education Minister Gata shared details. Students quit classes because of pregnancies or living far from their schools. The Midlands saw the most kids leave, with nearly eight thousand giving up on learning. Mashonaland Central followed close behind, with over seven thousand students walking away.
Most leavers came from high schools rather than primary grades. Bulawayo had the fewest departures, with under one thousand students in total. Girls often stopped attending after becoming pregnant, which worried officials greatly. Some children walked more than five kilometers to reach their classrooms each day. The education ministry started a warning system to catch problems early.
Teachers now learn how to spot children at risk of quitting. UNICEF helps train staff to identify which areas need extra support. The program began six months ago with teams already working in schools. Government aid through BEAM covers fees for families who cannot pay. Officials believe parents must encourage education more strongly at home.
Most leavers came from high schools rather than primary grades. Bulawayo had the fewest departures, with under one thousand students in total. Girls often stopped attending after becoming pregnant, which worried officials greatly. Some children walked more than five kilometers to reach their classrooms each day. The education ministry started a warning system to catch problems early.
Teachers now learn how to spot children at risk of quitting. UNICEF helps train staff to identify which areas need extra support. The program began six months ago with teams already working in schools. Government aid through BEAM covers fees for families who cannot pay. Officials believe parents must encourage education more strongly at home.
