SYDNEY MUBAIWA
MIDLANDS BUREAU CHIEF

GWERU-The Roman Catholic Church Gweru Diocese has announced plans to privatise Regina Mundi Girls High School to improve learning standards.
School rector, Reverend Fr Augustine Chirikadzi, told a parents meeting at the school recently that they are waiting for approval from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to complete the process.
He said plans are at an advanced stage as a board of directors has already been set up.
“We have engaged the Ministry. We are waiting for a response before we proceed with the process. The appointment of the board of directors indicates that we are close to completing the process.
“Let us look forward together and make plans and preparations so that when we finish with the Ministry, we announce to the parents,” he said.
Sources close to the matter told The Mirror that Fr Chirikadzi would be the chairperson of the board of governors should the privatisation process succeed.
The Diocese’s finance administrator Fr Aaron Mpofu, and Vicar General, Fr Simon Mavhiya, are also understood to be some of the proposed board members.
Fr Chirikadzi also told the meeting that fee structures would be reviewed upwards. The boarding fees will increase from US$700 to US$1 250, and day scholars will pay US$900 from the current US$540.
School Development Committee (SDC) Chairperson Okay Machisa said the decision to announce the new possible fee structure is for parents to have ample time to decide whether to let their children stay or move to affordable schools.
Some parents, however, rejected the proposal arguing that the move is ill-timed owing to economic hardships.
“As parents, we think it is prudent to start this development at the beginning of the year, not in between so that our learners are not affected. Most of us will not be able to pay the newly proposed fees.
“We are appealing to the authorities to start the programme next year so that we do not disturb learners,” said one parent.
Regina Mundi is an all-girls High School and boasts the of highest pass rates in the country. It is among the few affordable high-standard boarding schools in the country.