Schools are pushing for a 300% fees hike to supposedly hedge against the depreciation of the local currency. According to news reports, most school development committees have already told parents that fees have more than doubled coming into the next year while salaries remain stagnant.

This is lightly to cause many pupils from disadvantaged families to dropout or they will have to be transferred to cheaper schools.

Government announced that the new fees structure will be determined by the school calendar. Approved boarding schools fees range from $75000 to $160000. This is a concern for many parents and guardians who are having to endure tough economic conditions especially during this pandemic.

To make the situation worse, teachers are also on strike citing low salaries, and average Zimbabwean teacher is paid $19000 (less than 100USD).

What may also be frustrating some parents is the fact that the fees at schools is a certain amount but they are underpaid to an extent where they struggle to educate their children. And even if their salaries are increased today, in a few weeks prices will not be the same due to inflation. Expenses like rent are expected to be paid in US dollars which puts further strain on their salaries.

The fees hikes by schools cause mixed emotions. On one end schools need money to run properly. They have day to day expenses that need to be met. But on the under hand parents are generally not earning much from their employment. Education is a right for every child so it only makes sense that fees be pegged at an affordable amount.

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