Zimbabwe is grappling with an increasing number of school dropouts. Economic hardships, drug abuse, and early marriages force many children to leave school. These issues were highlighted during a dialogue on the Day of the African Child in Harare.
Elvis Chitsungo, executive director of the Education Coalition of Zimbabwe (Ecozi), emphasized the impact of this trend. “In 2021, the Primary and Secondary Education Ministry reported 6,694,618 school-age children,” he said. “However, actual enrollment was 3,986,891. This means over 2.7 million children were out of school.”
UNICEF reports that while nine out of ten children are enrolled in primary school, secondary school enrollment rates drop significantly. There are also disparities between rural and urban areas. In October, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo revealed that 50,000 pupils dropped out of school between 2021 and 2023.
To combat this alarming figure, the ministry and its partners are piloting an early warning system to mitigate school dropouts. Chitsungo urged stakeholders, including the government, to ensure that children are not denied their right to education as enshrined in the Amended Education Act (2020) and section 75 of the Constitution.
“Education is not just a right; it is the foundation for a brighter future,” Chitsungo said. “It empowers children to reach their full potential, break the cycle of poverty, and contribute meaningfully to society.”
Care Zimbabwe education specialist Munetsi Muhwati echoed these sentiments. He stressed the importance of pressuring policymakers to craft policies that promote education for all. “This event coincided with the Day of the African Child,” Muhwati said. “We brought the parliamentary portfolio committee to dialogue with learners, allowing them to share issues affecting their education.”
The event was facilitated by Ecozi in collaboration with the Primary and Secondary Education Ministry, Care Zimbabwe, and World Vision. The government attributes school dropouts to poverty, orphaned and vulnerable children, climatic change, and drug abuse. A research report released last year found that about 60% of school dropouts across Zimbabwe were due to drug and substance use. The United Nations Children’s Fund conducted the research in collaboration with the government, Muthengo Development Studies, Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network, and Youth Advocates Zimbabwe.
Efforts to address this crisis include the early warning system for mitigating school dropouts. This system aims to identify at-risk students and intervene before they leave school. Chitsungo emphasized the need for community involvement, stating, “We must work together to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.”
The dialogue on the Day of the African Child also provided a platform for learners to voice their concerns. Students shared their experiences and challenges, highlighting the need for comprehensive support systems. The event underscored the importance of listening to young people and involving them in decision-making processes.
Stakeholders are calling for more robust measures to keep children in school. This includes addressing economic barriers, providing support for vulnerable children, and combating drug abuse. The government, NGOs, and community leaders must collaborate to create a sustainable solution.
Zimbabwe’s future depends on the education of its youth. By ensuring access to quality education, the country can break the cycle of poverty and build a stronger, more prosperous society. The fight against school dropouts is not just an educational issue; it is a societal one.
The ongoing efforts to address school dropouts in Zimbabwe show promise. However, much work remains to be done. Stakeholders must remain vigilant and committed to supporting the nation’s children. As Chitsungo aptly stated, “Education is the key to unlocking Zimbabwe’s potential. We owe it to our children to give them the best possible start in life.”
Source: Newsday
