Catholic Church announces plans to privatise Regin...

Catholic Church announces plans to privatise Regina Mundi

Zim Now Writer

The Gweru Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church has announced plans to privatise Regina Mundi Girls High School in the Midlands Province, arguing it will improve learning standards.

Regina Mundi rector, Reverend Fr Augustine Chirikadzi, told parents attending a recent meeting at the school that they are waiting for approval from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to complete the process.

“We have engaged the Ministry. We are waiting for a response before we proceed with the process. The appointment of the board of directors indicates that we are close to completing the process.

“Let us look forward together and make plans and preparations so that when we finish with the Ministry, we announce to the parents,” he said.

Sources privy to the goings-on said that Fr Chirikadzi would be the chairperson of the board of governors, which could also include Diocese’s finance administrator, Fr Aaron Mpofu, and Vicar General, Fr Simon Mavhiya, should the privatisation process succeed.

Fr Chirikadzi also said the privatisation will lead to boarding fees increasing from US$700 to US$1 250, and day scholars will pay US$900 from the current US$540.

School Development Committee Chairperson Okay Machisa said the decision to announce the new possible fee structure is for parents to have ample time to decide whether to let their children stay or move to affordable schools.

Some parents, however, rejected the proposal arguing that the move is ill-timed owing to economic hardships.

“As parents, we think it is prudent to start this development at the beginning of the year, not in between so that our learners are not affected. Most of us will not be able to pay the newly proposed fees.

“We are appealing to the authorities to start the programme next year so that we do not disturb learners,” said one parent.

Regina Mundi is an all-girls High School and is among the few affordable high-standard boarding schools in the country.