Parents Lament Over Fees, Uniforms As Schools Reopen
Some parents have lamented over an increase in school fees for the long second and final term which is scheduled to end in December.
Schools reopened this Monday for non-examination classes and while parents are happy that their kids are returning to school, they are also lamenting over fees and uniform prices.
Boarders left Sunday, while day scholars reported for classes today.
Ahead of reopening today, parents and guardians accompanied boarders for the four non-examination high school forms to collection points where their schools sent buses.
Some parents could be seen doing last-minute shopping before seeing off their children or getting ready for school runs this morning.
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Speaking to The Herald, Mr Tinashe Dzapasi of Harare said parents were not given enough time to prepare. He said:
We are happy that finally, the children have returned to school. The situation could have been better if school fees were not increased or if parents were allowed to have payment plans.
Government schools do allow payment plans for fees and levies, but most non-Government schools have asked for all fees upfront.
The government allowed schools to review fees on a pro-rata (proportionate) basis.
Mr Lewis Kusema said due to lockdown, some parents were facing challenges and the short notice for the opening of schools dealt them a huge blow.
Some parents said they faced transport challenges to get their children back to school. Mr Ishmael Goromondo said they were to hire a Zupco omnibus as parents to take the kids to St Patricks High School in Chiwundura.
In Mashonaland, Central parents made last-minute shopping for the opening of schools. Parents complained of the short notice which they said affected their preparations.
Mrs Maria Mabeteya told the Herald that her children had outgrown uniforms during the holiday and she did not have enough money to pay fees and buy new uniforms.
More: The Herald
