Rural school comes under fire for charging R19,000 per term

A Zimbabwean rural school has come under fire from social media users after it emerged that they are charging over R19,000 per term.

One user wrote, “Charging nearly US$1000 for Form One fees is outrageous! How are parents supposed to afford this when civil servants are struggling to make ends meet? This is just another example of the education system failing the people.”

Another user expressed their frustration, saying, “It’s not fair to burden parents with such exorbitant fees. Education should be accessible to all, regardless of their financial situation. This is just widening the gap between the rich and the poor.”

Some social media users also questioned the breakdown of the fees. One user commented, “Why are they charging such a high registration fee? And what is the Science/Practical levy for? It seems like they’re just adding unnecessary costs to inflate the fees.”

Others criticized the school for not providing any financial assistance or scholarships for deserving students. “If they’re charging such high fees, they should at least have some scholarships or financial aid options available. Not everyone can afford to pay such a hefty amount upfront,” one user pointed out.

The outcry on social media prompted a response from the school. In a statement, Chibi High School defended their fees, stating that they are necessary to maintain the quality of education and provide necessary resources for the students.

However, many social media users were not convinced. They argued that there should be a balance between providing quality education and making it affordable for all. One user summed it up by saying, “Education should not be a luxury that only the wealthy can afford. It is a basic right that should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial background.”

The debate over Chibi High School’s fees continues to rage on social media, highlighting the ongoing issue of accessibility and affordability of education in Zimbabwe.

Must read: Man wanted for ZAR94 theft gets caught up in murder