According to a new report, Zimbabwe is experiencing a significant rise in school dropouts, especially in Mashonaland Central province, due to financial difficulties and early marriages.
The Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee (ZimLAC) 2024 report shows that 25.8% of school-age children in Mashonaland Central are not attending school. Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South follow closely, with 25.2% and 25.1% of children out of school, respectively.
Nationally, the report states, 22.3% of school-age children are not in school. Other provinces report high dropout rates too: Mashonaland East (20.2%), Mashonaland West (21.5%), Midlands (21.6%), Masvingo (19.5%), and Manicaland (20%).
Financial hardship is the most common reason families cannot afford to send their children to school. “Financial challenges were reported as the main reasons why some children were out of school,” ZimLAC reported. Other reasons include early marriages, pregnancy, illness, young age, caregiving responsibilities, long distances to school, and lack of interest.
Elvis Chitsungo, executive director of the Education Coalition of Zimbabwe, recently highlighted the severity of the situation. He said over 2.7 million children are not attending school, raising concerns about the state of education in the country.
In October last year, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo stated that at least 50,000 pupils dropped out of school between 2021 and 2023. This alarming statistic reflects the numerous challenges faced by families in Zimbabwe.
Economic hardships, exacerbated by inflation and unemployment, have forced many families to withdraw their children from school. The struggle to afford school fees, uniforms, and supplies is a major barrier to education.
A 2023 global study by World Remit highlighted Zimbabwe’s education costs as among the highest in the world. The report, titled “World Remit 2022 Cost of School,” found that the price of education in Zimbabwe is six times more than the average family income. This financial burden is a key factor in the rising number of school dropouts.
The ZimLAC report provides a comprehensive look at the dropout rates across various provinces. Mashonaland Central leads with 25.8%, followed by Matabeleland North (25.2%) and Matabeleland South (25.1%). Mashonaland East and West have rates of 20.2% and 21.5%, respectively. Midlands has a 21.6% dropout rate, while Masvingo and Manicaland report 19.5% and 20%, respectively.
Financial difficulties dominate the list of reasons for school dropouts. Many families cannot afford the costs associated with education. Early marriages and pregnancies are also significant factors. Illness and caregiving responsibilities further contribute to the problem.
Chitsungo’s comments underscore the gravity of the situation. With over 2.7 million children not attending school, the future of education in Zimbabwe looks bleak. Minister Moyo’s statement on the 50,000 dropouts between 2021 and 2023 adds to the urgency of addressing these issues.
Economic challenges remain a significant barrier to education. High inflation and unemployment rates compound the problem, making it difficult for families to cover educational expenses. The 2023 global study by World Remit highlights this issue, showing that the cost of education in Zimbabwe is prohibitively high.
The ZimLAC report paints a troubling picture of the state of education in Zimbabwe. Financial difficulties, early marriages, and pregnancies are the primary reasons for high dropout rates. Illness, caregiving duties, distance to school, and lack of interest also play roles.
Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive efforts from the government, NGOs, and the private sector. Reducing educational costs, providing financial assistance, and creating supportive policies can help more children stay in school.
Zimbabwe faces a significant challenge with school dropouts. Financial hardships, early marriages, and pregnancies are the main drivers. With concerted efforts, it is possible to improve the situation and ensure more children receive the education they deserve.
Source: Newsday
