Stay in school: Govt

The Zimbabwean

23 October 2012

The Minister of Education, Sport, Art and Culture David Coltart has announced that Grade Seven pupils who have just finished writing national examinations will have to stay in school until the end of term.In the past, schools allowed pupils to leave school after completing examinations, which was contrary to government policy.

“It is a long standing government policy that no school will release Grade Seven pupils before the end of the school term. Finishing examinations does not warrant an early release of children onto the street. It is not in the best interests of the children, parents, communities and government to let the Grade Seven pupils roam the streets while other children are at school,” said Coltart in a telephone interview.

The Headmaster at Waddilove, Izeck Jari, told parents that he would not interfere with government laws and release children illegally.

“Please be reminded that no Grade Seven children will leave this school before the end of the term. My office would not approve any request by a parent to take any child home. Should a parent take a child out of school behind my back, my office would report the matter to the police and the responsible government offices as a missing child case. Appropriate action would be taken.”

Parents said keeping their children at school after examinations would put a strain on family budgets.