MOSES MADYIRA

CHIKOMBA – The gap between the haves and have nots is glaring in schools in Chivhu where teachers are demanding US$6 a month for extra lessons.
Parents of children attending Runyararo Primary School in Chivhu have complained that teachers are putting more effort and planning on extra lessons only attended by children who pay US$6.
They complained that normal school lessons are being neglected.
Runyararo head, Mugove Zinzombe said he is not allowed to talk to the Press when approached for comment. However, a teacher at the school confirmed the extra lessons arrangement and said this was agreed upon by parents.
Chikomba District Schools Inspector Emmanuel Kwenda condemned such practice and said it is against Government Policy. He however, said he has not received any report against Runyararo Primary.
They claimed that little learning is done during normal school time with all energy exerted on extra lessons.
They alleged that in addition to money for extra lessons, pupils are required to pay US$2 for airtime bundles and US$5 for holiday lessons. This brings to about US$31 the extra money pupils pay in addition to school fees and parents complained that they cannot afford and hence their children are excluded.
Pupils who don’t pay for bundles don’t get homework that is sent via cellphones, complained the parents.
With some teachers running classes of 60 pupils, it means they are grossing revenues of US$480 each from extra lessons and airtime bundles.
The SDC chairman, Nicholus Mabvongodze professed ignorance on the issue and referred questions to the head.
Namatirai Mujaji who is a parent said she could not meet the costs so her kid doesn’t attend any extra lesson or homework on whatsapp.
“I can only afford to pay schòol fees and nothing beyond that so my kid who is in Grade 3 doesn’t attend any extra lessons or receive homework on WhatsApp. I am not planning to pay the homework fee either,” said Mujaji.