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Mkhululi Ncube, Chronicle Reporter

PARENTS whose children attend Gloag High School in Bubi District of Matabeleland North Province have petitioned the school authorities after fees shot up by more than 300 percent to almost US$ 800. 

Schools will open in the next two weeks and a number of schools have increased fees, some  without following the proper procedures. 

Government recently advised parents to appeal against unilateral school decisions to raise fees and said parents must only pay fees which have been approved by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.

Gloag High School

Parents at Gloag High School, a Presbyterian Church run school, have written a petition to the school authorities saying the proposed fees are too high.

The petition, a copy of which is in possession of the Chronicle, dated August 22, was signed by 184 parents and addressed to the school`s SDC, school-head and church . 

“With all due respect, we the concerned parents/guardians of Gloag High School drafted this letter to you, to share our dissatisfaction over the proposed 2022 third term school fees, which are pegged as follows: (a) A ‘Level -USD770 paid as follows – USD385 as RTGS at the prevailing interbank rate and USD193 to be deposited into the school Nostro account before 4 September 2022 while the remaining balance USD192 to be cleared off as USD by the end of September 2022. (b) Forms 1-4 – USD720 to paid as follows – USD360 as RTGS at the prevailing interbank rate and USD180 to be deposited into the school Nostro account before 4 September 2022 and the remaining $180 to be cleared off as USD by the end of September 2022. 

“We feel this is not just too high but also not justified under the prevailing harsh economic environment hence we are bringing this to your attention for your kind perusal and necessary action. It’s very displeasing to note that if these exorbitant fees are permitted to prevail, a great number of our kids will be forced out of the school as most of us parents will not afford to pay these,” reads the petition.

The parents said the increase has created a huge financial burden, especially for those who have two or more pupils at the school. The parents said while they agree that there is a need to increase the fees, the margins being proposed are too high. They said they are shocked by the new figures as they paid Z$95 000 and USD100 for the lower levels per child last term. The parents said the fees they are being asked to pay are way above what other schools are charging. – @themkhust.