WASHINGTON DC —
Hard-pressed Zimbabweans in most parts of the country say they will this year purchase second-hand uniforms for their children and apply for fees assistance under the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM).
Parents who spoke to Studio 7 on Monday said most of them do not have disposable income and as a result they will either find ways of sewing children’s uniforms or buy second hand ones from children leaving school.
They said some retailers have increased the prices of uniforms from $10 to $25, which is way beyond their reach.
One of the parents Ntombizodwa Khumalo, who is also deputy chairperson of the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association, said parents are failing to even raise money to buy new school uniforms for their children.
Peter Matava of Mabvuku in Harare also said most parents are finding it difficult to pay money being demanded by schools for other projects.
Retailers say they are compelled to increase uniform prices due to high input costs. The government has announced that schools won’t be allowed to increase fees this term.
Parents who spoke to Studio 7 on Monday said most of them do not have disposable income and as a result they will either find ways of sewing children’s uniforms or buy second hand ones from children leaving school.
They said some retailers have increased the prices of uniforms from $10 to $25, which is way beyond their reach.
One of the parents Ntombizodwa Khumalo, who is also deputy chairperson of the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association, said parents are failing to even raise money to buy new school uniforms for their children.
Peter Matava of Mabvuku in Harare also said most parents are finding it difficult to pay money being demanded by schools for other projects.
Retailers say they are compelled to increase uniform prices due to high input costs. The government has announced that schools won’t be allowed to increase fees this term.