Staff Reporter
Government is ramping up efforts to expand the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) to provide a more comprehensive support system for vulnerable learners. Currently benefiting 1.5 million students, BEAM will soon go beyond covering tuition fees to include essentials, such as school uniforms, food, stationery, and sanitary wear.
Introduced in 2001 under the Enhanced Social Protection Project, BEAM has played a crucial role in ensuring that underprivileged children aged six to 19 have access to education by covering tuition, levies, and examination fees. The latest expansion aims to address additional challenges that hinder students’ ability to remain in school.
In an interview with the media, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Simon Masanga, confirmed ongoing efforts to mobilise resources to broaden the programme’s scope.
“Owing to budget constraints, the programme is yet to cover other educational needs, such as school uniforms, food, stationery, and sanitary pads for girls. There are ongoing efforts aimed at raising funds to ensure that these material needs for learners are covered by the programme, and partners are also welcome to work with the Government,” he said.
To enhance efficiency and transparency in identifying beneficiaries, the Government is developing a social security registry that will streamline targeting across social protection initiatives, including BEAM.
“The Ministry, in collaboration with various stakeholders, is in the process of reviewing the BEAM operational manual to ensure it remains relevant and effective in addressing current challenges, particularly in the selection process,” added Masanga.
Most BEAM beneficiaries reside in rural areas, especially in regions affected by drought and adverse weather conditions. Recognising this, the Government has positioned BEAM as a “shock-responsive” programme capable of scaling up during emergencies, such as the ongoing El Niño-induced drought.
Additionally, Masanga addressed concerns raised by community care workers (CCWs) regarding the lengthy reapplication process for BEAM. These workers play a vital role in linking vulnerable households to various social protection initiatives, such as the Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy and public health assistance.
Looking ahead, the Government envisions BEAM as an integral part of a broader school financing policy and social protection framework.
“The Government’s long-term vision for the programme is for it to be integrated with other social protection programmes and school financing policy once finalised. This harmonisation will go a long way in ensuring that no child is left behind in accessing quality education,” Masanga emphasised.
With this expansion, BEAM is set to provide a more holistic support system, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder children from receiving a complete and dignified education experience.
