Staff Reporter
Disadvantaged school children who benefit under the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) are this year set to receive school uniforms and stationary on top of the school fees they get from the Government. This was revealed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa during the 42nd Children’s party, hosted by the first family at Bulawayo State House yesterday.
The President urged the BEAM selecting committee to be more transparent when selecting beneficiaries.
“This year alone, we are supporting learners through BEAM, with the addition of school uniforms and stationary. I call upon the BEAM selecting committee to be more transparent, accountable, and responsible so that all deserving children are considered. Corruption and exclusion of well deserving children are against the philosophy of government of leaving no one and no place behind,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa noted that it was important that all children particularly those from the rural areas be guaranteed of access to education.
“Under my Administration, you are entitled as children to enrol for Early Childhood Education up to Ordinary and Advanced level education. This is the basis upon which we lay a firm foundation for your lives and the development our country. It is therefore imperative that all our children, including orphans, the disabled and those in remote areas are guaranteed of access to education,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa said that the new Administration was strengthening all aspects that facilitate the delivery of quality education that meets the present realities and future requirements. On that regard, he said that the Grants-In-Aid of tuition was introduced as part of the measures to progressively increase government funding for basic education, in addition to the BEAM facility.
The President reminded school authorities to stop all forms of abuse, discrimination and the sending away of learners due to unpaid fees and levies. He further urged the learners to be proud of being African and of being a Zimbabwean, guided by Ubuntu/Hunhu, adding that Ubuntu/Hunhu also entails that the children respect themselves, parents, relatives, brothers, sisters and friends, while taking good care of the environment, properties and facilities around them.
