Aspiring agricultural professionals at Esigodini Agricultural College in Zimbabwe are facing a potential delay in their graduation due to unpaid fees. The issue centers on a $350 attachment fee, a mandatory cost associated with a year-long internship program that serves as a crucial component of their final assessment.
Many students are struggling to settle the $350 attachment fee, citing economic hardship as the primary reason. An anonymous student spoke to NewZimbabwe.com, expressing frustration with the college’s perceived inflexibility regarding payment plans. The student argued that blocking presentations, which contribute to final grades, is an unfair punishment for unpaid fees.
“We shouldn’t be penalized for not being able to afford the fees right now,” the student said. “The college could hold our certificates until we pay, but preventing us from presenting our work hinders our graduation and future careers.”
College Clarifies Fee Structure and Offers Support
College principal Farai Gomo addressed the concerns, clarifying the college’s position. He explained that the $350 attachment fee covers the cost of supervising students during their year-long internships. Unfortunately, limited college resources make it difficult to provide full supervision for students who haven’t settled their fees.
“We attempted to follow up with the students twice throughout the internship period,” Gomo said. “However, only a small number had made payments. We also offer payment plans, but some students haven’t taken advantage of this option despite having income.”
Gomo emphasized the college’s commitment to working with students facing financial challenges. He encouraged students to approach the administration to discuss personalized payment plans.
“There are only two students who haven’t made any payment towards the attachment fees,” Gomo said. “It’s crucial that they make some kind of contribution to continue their studies and complete their graduation requirements.”
A Balancing Act: Education and Financial Sustainability
The situation at Esigodini Agricultural College highlights the delicate balance between ensuring access to education and maintaining the financial viability of the institution. Zimbabwe’s economic struggles place a significant burden on both students and educational institutions. Finding a sustainable solution requires considering the needs of students facing financial hardship while ensuring the college has the resources to provide quality education and essential supervision during internships.
Moving forward, exploring alternative funding options for student internships or establishing more flexible payment plans could be potential solutions. Additionally, collaboration between the college, government agencies, and the agricultural sector might create scholarship or financial aid programs to alleviate the financial pressure on students.
Source: New Zimbabwe
