The government is coming hard on illegal boarding houses hiding in plain sight. Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo issued a stern warning against unregistered facilities, commonly called bush boarding. These operations, prevalent in Manicaland areas like Buhera and Mutare, often convert private homes into dormitories for students. Minister Moyo emphasized that such setups violate policy and endanger children.
He stated all learners must reside in proper facilities with qualified boarding masters or matrons. These unofficial houses lack supervision and have been linked to juvenile delinquency and substance abuse. The minister urged communities to report illegal operators to authorities for immediate action. He confirmed that a government priority is constructing affordable, regulated boarding schools to address the need.
Minister Moyo also addressed a nationwide shortage of educational infrastructure. Zimbabwe requires approximately one thousand eight hundred new schools to meet demand, particularly in growing urban settlements. He noted efforts last year resulted in over one hundred new constructions, citing Shamva District as an example. The government encourages partnerships with churches and private investors to close this gap.
The minister criticized specific schools for exploiting parents through uniform overcharging and forced purchases. He referenced incidents in Rusape and Mutasa where schools blocked students or failed to deliver uniforms after payment. Moyo reiterated that parents can buy uniforms from any affordable retailer and warned schools against mandatory on-site purchases at inflated prices.
Overcrowding from unauthorized student enrollment was also condemned. Mission schools in Makoni and Mutasa districts were censured for parallel recruitment efforts leading to packed classrooms. Provincial authorities echoed concerns for learner safety during the rainy season, stressing vigilance near water bodies. The education directorate continues working to improve overall teaching conditions and academic outcomes.
He stated all learners must reside in proper facilities with qualified boarding masters or matrons. These unofficial houses lack supervision and have been linked to juvenile delinquency and substance abuse. The minister urged communities to report illegal operators to authorities for immediate action. He confirmed that a government priority is constructing affordable, regulated boarding schools to address the need.
Minister Moyo also addressed a nationwide shortage of educational infrastructure. Zimbabwe requires approximately one thousand eight hundred new schools to meet demand, particularly in growing urban settlements. He noted efforts last year resulted in over one hundred new constructions, citing Shamva District as an example. The government encourages partnerships with churches and private investors to close this gap.
The minister criticized specific schools for exploiting parents through uniform overcharging and forced purchases. He referenced incidents in Rusape and Mutasa where schools blocked students or failed to deliver uniforms after payment. Moyo reiterated that parents can buy uniforms from any affordable retailer and warned schools against mandatory on-site purchases at inflated prices.
Overcrowding from unauthorized student enrollment was also condemned. Mission schools in Makoni and Mutasa districts were censured for parallel recruitment efforts leading to packed classrooms. Provincial authorities echoed concerns for learner safety during the rainy season, stressing vigilance near water bodies. The education directorate continues working to improve overall teaching conditions and academic outcomes.
