Rutendo Mazhindu - ZimNow Reporter
Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ) raised alarm over rampant corruption in the education sector, warning that delays in disbursing public funds for children's education have exposed vulnerable learners, especially those with disabilities, to systemic abuse.
The Day of the African Child was commemorated under the theme “Planning and budgeting for children’s rights: progress since 2010.”
TI Z said slow and irregular funding of programmes such as the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) has created fertile ground for corrupt practices in schools.
“These include informal fees charged for children to qualify for BEAM, illegal prepayments by parents which are not reimbursed, bribery for enrolment, and misuse of institutional assets,” TIZ said.
Other issues cited include leakage of exam papers, personalisation of school resources, extra lessons driven by greed, and procurement scandals, all of which undermine access to quality education for the most vulnerable.
“These practices deepen barriers experienced by children in accessing quality education, which is a basic right enshrined in the constitution, and this is especially felt by children at risk of discrimination such as children with disability,” the organisation said.
TIZ called on the Government of Zimbabwe to tighten transparency in allocation and disbursement of education funds, stressing that timely funding would close the gap exploited by corrupt officials.
It also urged an impact assessment of the BEAM programme to determine how well it serves children with disabilities, a special audit to verify BEAM beneficiary data, and adoption of digital platforms to reduce human interference.
“Introduce and implement clear guidelines for the management of institutional property and strong financial oversight mechanisms,” TIZ said.
Among other recommendations, the organisation proposed regular audits, strengthened governance of examination systems, e-procurement adoption at schools, and clear rules on teacher compensation and use of school resources for private gain.
TIZ reminded authorities that Sections 19, 75, 76, and 81 of the Constitution obligate the state to ensure access to education, healthcare and protection for children.
“Fighting corruption and ensuring transparency is key to delivering on this mandate,” it said.
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