Zimbabwean schools will open next week. The government's message for school leaders is to stop bad behavior. This comes from the top education official, Mr. Moses Mhike.
Parents have complained about schools. Some require students to pay fees only in foreign money, and others turn away students who can't pay. Some even want bribes to let kids in.
Mr. Mhike says this must end. He points to a rule from 2022 that says schools have to accept local money for fees. Parents can pay how they want, as Zimbabwe uses many currencies.
Schools also can't force parents to buy uniforms and supplies only from them. Families should be able to shop around for better prices. The government will check that schools follow these rules.
As schools prepare to open, some have been accused of overcharging desperate parents. They sell expensive uniforms and exclude children from government aid.
Parents are upset. They've been calling the newspaper, The Herald, to complain.
The head of the school leaders' union, Munyaradzi Majoni, says most schools are preparing well for the new term. He wants parents to pay fees on time and thinks teachers need training on the new subjects.
Mr. Majoni wants the media to help make sure school leaders behave properly. The government hopes to protect families from unfair practices.
Separately, the police have a warning for schools: Do not keep too much cash around. Robberies have gone up as criminals target schools in their free time. Many schools put the money in safes instead of banks. The police say schools need better security and should use good guards.
Parents have complained about schools. Some require students to pay fees only in foreign money, and others turn away students who can't pay. Some even want bribes to let kids in.
Mr. Mhike says this must end. He points to a rule from 2022 that says schools have to accept local money for fees. Parents can pay how they want, as Zimbabwe uses many currencies.
Schools also can't force parents to buy uniforms and supplies only from them. Families should be able to shop around for better prices. The government will check that schools follow these rules.
As schools prepare to open, some have been accused of overcharging desperate parents. They sell expensive uniforms and exclude children from government aid.
Parents are upset. They've been calling the newspaper, The Herald, to complain.
The head of the school leaders' union, Munyaradzi Majoni, says most schools are preparing well for the new term. He wants parents to pay fees on time and thinks teachers need training on the new subjects.
Mr. Majoni wants the media to help make sure school leaders behave properly. The government hopes to protect families from unfair practices.
Separately, the police have a warning for schools: Do not keep too much cash around. Robberies have gone up as criminals target schools in their free time. Many schools put the money in safes instead of banks. The police say schools need better security and should use good guards.
