Authorities at Sherenje Primary School in Headlands have been compelled to reverse the dismissal of a 10-year-old pupil who was sent home over unpaid fees, following intervention by human rights lawyers.
The pupil, a beneficiary of the government’s Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), was barred from attending her Grade 4 classes after her guardian failed to pay a US$30 tuition fee—despite her vulnerable circumstances being well known.
The child’s guardian sought the help of lawyers Tatenda Sigauke and Peggy Tavagadza from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights. They issued a letter of demand to the school head, insisting the child be allowed to resume classes within 24 hours or face legal action.
In their letter, the lawyers referenced the Education (General) Regulations of 2025—enacted through Statutory Instrument 13 by the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerai Moyo—which guarantees equal access to education for all school-age children. They emphasized that basic education is compulsory, and when parents or guardians are unable to pay, the state is responsible for assisting.
The lawyers warned against using children as leverage to compel fee payment, stating that doing so is both unlawful and a violation of the constitutional right to education. They also noted that excluding the child undermines the progressive values enshrined in Zimbabwe’s Bill of Rights and educational policies.
Following this intervention, the school promptly allowed the pupil to return to class while the issue of fee payment is being resolved.
This case highlights the ongoing struggles underprivileged families face in accessing education, and the crucial role legal advocacy can play in upholding children’s rights.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.