Schools barred from banning kids over fees

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

The Zimbabwean government has unveiled a comprehensive set of new education regulations, marking a significant step towards ensuring equal access to education and bolstering student welfare. Gazetted as Statutory Instrument 13 of 2025, these regulations introduce key changes that promise to reshape the educational landscape.

Issued by the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education under the Education Act [Chapter 25:04], the new framework covers a wide range of critical areas, from equal opportunities and disability inclusion to the use of technology in learning, school feeding programs, sexual misconduct policies, and disciplinary procedures. The regulations are detailed and comprehensive, spanning 21 sections and addressing many of the challenges facing the education sector.

Perhaps the most impactful change is the prohibition of schools barring children from attending classes due to unpaid fees or lack of a birth certificate. This measure is a powerful step towards promoting inclusivity and ensuring that financial or administrative barriers do not prevent any child from receiving an education. It underscores the government's commitment to the principle that education is a fundamental right for all children, regardless of their background or circumstances.

The new regulations also tackle the sensitive issue of teenage pregnancy with a compassionate and progressive approach. Schools are now mandated to provide psycho-social support to pupils who become pregnant, ensuring they receive the necessary care and guidance. Crucially, pregnant students will be allowed to continue their education and complete their studies, a move that reinforces the government’s dedication to protecting the rights of young mothers and empowering them to build a better future.