Despite the government’s pledge to make education accessible to all, many students are forced to walk more than 15km just to reach the nearest school with a designated centre number for their exams.
During a parliamentary plenary session, Rushinga legislator Tendai Nyabani raised concerns about this issue in his constituency.
Nyabani stated that some schools in his area have been operational for over a decade but still do not have centre numbers, meaning students cannot sit for their examinations at these local institutions.
““I requested for a ministerial statement from the Minister concerning schools in rural areas that have been functional for 10 years but do not have centre numbers.
“Learners cannot sit for examinations at those schools, they have to walk for 10 to 15km just to write examinations yet the President said no place and no-one should be left behind. I wanted an explanation on what is happening,” said Nyabani.
Nyabani questioned the government’s protocols for registering examination centres, asking why these long-standing schools have not been granted the necessary accreditation.
“I want to find out why those schools cannot be registered as examination centres and get centre numbers.”
In response, Minister of Information Monica Mutsvangwa acknowledged the government’s commitment to creating a conducive learning environment for all students.
“I would like to confirm that the Government is very much concerned about ensuring that every place has schools. Indeed, the Government said no-one and no place should be left behind.
“No place or child is more important. All of them should get access to education. He referred to several schools and I feel that is a specific question,” Mutsvangwa said.
However, she stated that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education needs to investigate the specific reasons why certain schools have not been registered as examination centres, despite their years of operation.
“I believe the Ministry should look into that and find out the facts as to why such schools do not have centre numbers,” Mutsvangwa said.
“There must be an investigation and I will request the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education to come to this august House and respond to that question raised by Hon. Nyabani.”
