Controversy Erupts as Schools Introduce “Teacher Appreciation Fee” and Other Charges for Students
Several school administrators have ignited controversy by implementing various charges, including an unusual “teacher appreciation fee,” as a requirement for students to attend classes.
According to Reports, parents have found themselves in disputes with teachers and school officials over these demands, which include payments for civvies and sports discipline charges.
In addition to these fees, students are also expected to provide a monthly appreciation fee for their teachers.
Those who fail to pay these fees have faced repercussions, such as being barred from attending classes and being relegated to activities on the school grounds.
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At Highlands Junior School in Harare, parents took action by electing a new School Development Committee, alleging that the previous committee, along with teachers, was unfairly extracting money from them.
Each student is mandated to pay a monthly appreciation fee of US$10 for their teachers, failing which they may be denied access to lessons.
“We are appealing for help from the relevant authorities to put a stop to this cancerous charge being demanded by teachers.
“We are being forced to appreciate teachers and if we fail to pay, our children are asked to leave the class.
“Saka vasina mari hatichabvumidzwa here kuti vana vedu vafunde ini ndakwanisa kubhadhara school fees?
“The SDC has been lured into that cancerous system where they value money at the expense of education for our children,” said one parent.
Pathway Junior School in Chitungwiza recently faced criticism from parents for requiring students to observe Valentine’s Day as a means of fundraising.
In a letter addressed to parents prior to Valentine’s Day, the school administration communicated:
“February the 14th is Valentine’s Day. Roses will be on sale at US$2 each. Give the child the money on Monday so that we make an order.
“A gentle reminder, on Friday it’s T-shirt and jean day.
“Valentine’s Day US$1, musician US$3, quad bikes US$2, ice cream US$1, photo US$1, hot dogs US$1.”
Blakiston Primary School has allegedly implemented a daily fee of US$1 per student, collected at the school gate.
Additionally, the school is said to enforce charges for civvies days and sports discipline.
In a WhatsApp group, parents expressed frustration over Blakiston Primary’s Grade 7 pass rate.
“Did you check the Grade 7 results? Blakiston is nowhere close to the top 100 zvayo. Kukundwa nezvikoro zviri kuEpworth.
“Blakiston standards have dropped.
“With all that over enrolment kushaya kana vana five zvavo vanobuda ne 6 units.
“This just shows us that our issue is not on development, but on the academic side.
“We are way, way behind and it’s so disheartening and embarrassing.
“Kukundwa nechikoro chiri kuMayambara uko with next to zero resources, but still manages kubika mashasha,” read some of the messages.
