- Beam funds delay threatens closure of schools.
- Lawmakers warn education sector is in crisis.
- The funding delays risk stranding at least 1.5 million learners.
Schools all around Zimbabwe are having a hard time staying open because the government keeps putting off payments for the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), a program that pays for school tuition for poor kids.
Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare Edgar Moyo told MPs in Harare this week that the Treasury hasn’t released BEAM funding since early 2023, which has made schools’ financial problems worse.
Delay in beam funds puts schools throughout the country at risk
Moyo confessed that Treasury only disbursed ZiG40 million this year, paying arrears for the first and second terms of 2024 but only for specific institutions such as Jairos Jiri, St. Giles, Sibantubanye, and M. Hugo School for the Blind. He said, “Treasury is committed to releasing more funds.” He also said that his ministry meets with finance authorities “almost weekly” to talk about the backlog.
Politicians say the whole industry might fail
Lawmakers expressed worry about the delays and said the failure to pay is hurting education all around the country. Kuka John, the MP for Mkoba South, brought up the subject and warned that several schools were about to close. He remarked, “Most of the schools in our districts are getting worse while we wait for money from the Treasury.” Tendai Nyabani, a member of Parliament from Rushinga, said that certain schools rely nearly completely on BEAM, with as much as 100 percent of their students engaged in the program.
Beam funds often late, leaving students stuck
The government established the BEAM program to help at least 1.5 million students across the country and ensure that kids from poor families can still go to school. Schools say they can’t afford to buy instructional materials, pay personnel, or even keep the buildings clean because funds have been on hold for almost two years. Some administrators say that if they don’t get help right away, they could have to close their doors.
