Education Minister Says School Aid Money Not Used for Meeting.
Zimbabwe's Education Minister Torerai Moyo has denied claims that money for poor students went to pay for a big meeting last year.
The minister spoke up after a news site, Bulawayo 24, wrote that funds from the Basic Education Assistance Model had been used for the SADC Summit in August. This report came out after Dr. Moyo went to see schools in the Mhondoro-Mubaira area.
"I went there to look at storm damage to classrooms," Dr. Moyo said. "When I talked with parents, students, and local leaders, I never said anything about BEAM money going to the summit."
He added that since COVID-19 ended, schools have had more students come in, not less. "No students have left our schools," he said.
The minister plans to sue the news site. He says their story was wrong and hurt his name.
Dr. Moyo explained that BEAM helps children who need the most support. "President Mnangagwa made this plan to make sure all children can go to school," he said. "This right sits in our country's basic law."
The minister's strong words show how important this help is for Zimbabwe's students. BEAM keeps many young people in class who might not be able to learn without it.
Zimbabwe's Education Minister Torerai Moyo has denied claims that money for poor students went to pay for a big meeting last year.
The minister spoke up after a news site, Bulawayo 24, wrote that funds from the Basic Education Assistance Model had been used for the SADC Summit in August. This report came out after Dr. Moyo went to see schools in the Mhondoro-Mubaira area.
"I went there to look at storm damage to classrooms," Dr. Moyo said. "When I talked with parents, students, and local leaders, I never said anything about BEAM money going to the summit."
He added that since COVID-19 ended, schools have had more students come in, not less. "No students have left our schools," he said.
The minister plans to sue the news site. He says their story was wrong and hurt his name.
Dr. Moyo explained that BEAM helps children who need the most support. "President Mnangagwa made this plan to make sure all children can go to school," he said. "This right sits in our country's basic law."
The minister's strong words show how important this help is for Zimbabwe's students. BEAM keeps many young people in class who might not be able to learn without it.
