Theme: “Education for All, the Time is Now,”
Education Coalition of Zimbabwe (ECOZI), joins the African Union and the
global community in commemorating Day of the African Child, held annually on 16th June. This year’s theme, “Education for All children in Africa, the Time is Now,” resonates deeply with ECOZI and underscores the critical importance of ensuring every African child has access to quality education. The Day of the African Child commemorates the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa, where students bravely protested against the discriminatory education system. Their courage serves as a powerful reminder of the fight for equal access to education for all children, regardless of background. Education plays a vital role in promoting the rights of children and is the cornerstone of a thriving Africa.
Despite the deleterious impacts of Covid-19 on the global education system, Government of Zimbabwe has made progressive efforts in fulfilling the right to education by all children.
ECOZI would like to acknowledge the Government for implementing various policies and programmes aimed at improving access to education which is in line with provisions of the UNCRC and the African Charter. Section 27 of the
Education Act compels the state to provide free basic education and government has also directed that no learner can be expelled from school on the basis of non-payment of fees which is quite progressive in ensuring education for all. Despite progressive child rights frameworks it is of deep concern to note the following;
- Limited funding mechanism for free basic education: some learners are still
missing out on school due to non-payment of fees. Schools still expel students even on the opening day for non-payment of fees - Limited access to schools: Particularly in rural areas, schools may be distant or
non-existent - Limited Infrastructure: Majority of schools are financially constrained and have dilapidated or infrastructure
- Limited or No disability support: Very few schools can accommodate learners
with disabilities - Limited support on school feeding: The Year 2024 has been declared a year of
drought learners will drop out of school because of hunger
To address these challenges, ECOZI and calls upon Government and partners to implement the following measures: - Increasing budget allocation to education towards educational infrastructure, learning material ensure adequate resources to build new schools, hire qualified teachers, and provide free, quality education for all.
- Stiffer penalties for those who expel learners from schools for non-payment of fees
- Eliminate school fees to less privileged communities: Make primary and secondary education universally accessible and free of financial barriers.
- Include schools in drought relief support to reduce school drop outs as a result of hunger
- Infrastructure for learners with disabilities – Ensure every school accommodates
learners with disabilities by supporting with resources
Investing in education is investing in the future of Africa. By providing inclusive and equitable education opportunities, governments can break the cycle of poverty, reduce inequalities, promote social cohesion, and drive sustainable development. The time to prioritize education for all African children is now.