by Christopher Makaza

Schools have been urged to desist from chasing away children for failing to pay school fees in time as Government is working on modalities to avail Better Education Assistance Module (BEAM) funds meant to assist disadvantaged pupils.

Addressing thousands of Zanu PF supporters in Kuwadzana yesterday, Vice President and Zanu PF Second Secretary Constantino Chiwenga said that no child shall be sent back home for late payment of school fees adding that Government was currently working on disbursing BEAM funds.

“As Government, we strongly condemn the idea of sending back home children to collect school fees, no we don`t want that. Government is in the process of availing BEAM funds, a facility which is meant to pay school fees for pupils from poor backgrounds. We will pay their fees, so there is no need to chase them away. They have the right to education.

“Government also continues to assist intelligent but disadvantaged children with scholarships to study local and abroad. Children are our future leaders and their education should not be disturbed at all cost and as Government, we will continue to assist them,” he said.

Vice President Chiwenga highlighted that Government was going to prioritise building of more schools in Kuwadzana and Tynwald as population in these communities continue to grow, adding that healthy facilities that cater for expecting mothers will also be built.