Government has directed all schools across Zimbabwe to immediately readmit pregnant learners and girls affected by child marriage, reinforcing a zero-exclusion policy aimed at protecting children’s right to education.
The directive was confirmed by Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Angeline Gata during a Question-and-Answer session in the National Assembly, where she addressed concerns over rising school dropout rates among minors under the age of 17.
Gata said Circular Number 18 of 2024 clearly instructs school authorities to ensure that no learner is permanently excluded from education due to pregnancy or marriage.
“The Ministry’s policy is clear that schools must remain open, accessible, and friendly environments for all children, including those who become pregnant or marry while enrolled,” she said.
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Under the policy, schools are required to create supportive learning conditions that allow teenage mothers to continue their studies without discrimination. This includes flexible arrangements enabling nursing mothers to breastfeed their babies while remaining enrolled in school.
Government says the move is meant to prevent early pregnancy and illegal marriages from ending a child’s educational journey and limiting future opportunities.
Gata added that school-based Guidance and Counselling Committees have been tasked with providing continuous psychosocial support to affected learners, as well as educating other pupils to prevent stigma and discrimination.
“Circular Number 18 of 2024 provides detailed guidance on continuing education for pregnant girls and teenage mothers, including flexible conditions that allow young mothers to breastfeed while pursuing their academic programmes,” she said.
Authorities believe the strengthened enforcement of the policy will help reduce permanent school dropouts, improve retention rates, and support vulnerable girls to complete their education despite social challenges.
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