MILLICENT HUNGWE
Masvingo City run Rujeko Primary School parents and guardians are up in arms against the teachers over alleged exorbitant extra lessons fees.
Allegations of extortion, favoritism, and denial of education to vulnerable students are also flying at the school, The Midweek Watch has been informed by sources.
At the heart of the dispute is the practice by teachers demanding US$12 per month from parents for extra lessons, while those who cannot afford are dismissed early from school leaving behind those who would have paid to continue with lessons.
“Parents claim that teachers are dismissing classes early to accommodate paid those who would have paid for the extra lessons, leaving behind students whose parents cannot afford the fees,” said a source.
This has resulted in some parents being coerced into paying for the extra lessons despite struggling to meet school fees obligations.
“We’re tired of saying the same thing, extra lessons are illegal and must be prohibited at all schools,” declared Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education director of information and advocacy Taungana Ndoro.
Ndoro said a team will be sent on the ground to ascertain the allegations and corrective measures will be taken immediately.
The sentiment is echoed by many, who argue that the practice creates an unfair learning environment and perpetuates inequality.
To make matters worse, parents have calculated that if all 45 students in a class pay the US$12 monthly fee, the teacher would receive a staggering $540 per month, this has fueled accusations of greed and exploitation.
Masvingo City Mayor Aleck Tabe said investigations will be conducted to address the concerns.
Some parents blame those who privately pay such amounts for extra lessons, claiming that this exacerbates the problem.
Rujeko SDC chairperson Patience Mapfumo advised that parents must stop paying such amounts and urged them to report any such cases to the school head in order to put an end to this practice.
