Working to provide access to education for all children in Zimbabwe
Overview
For many children in Zimbabwe education is no longer a part of daily life. The crippling poverty that now grips the country means that the majority of parents are unable to afford to pay the fees necessary for their children to attend school. This means that many children across the country are denied access to the most basic education.
The cost of school fees varies in Zimbabwe. On average it is around USD$15 (approximately £10) per term for a child of primary school age and around USD$25 (approximately £17) per term for a child attending secondary school. Whilst this may appear like a small amount, the economic crisis that has plagued Zimbabwe means many are unable even to buy food, let alone to pay for school fees.
Project
Since September 2009 ZBF has been working to provide access to education to children in Zimbabwe in the form of school fees. Although there are many areas of education that require support in Zimbabwe, ZBF believes that enabling all children to attend school should be the priority.
Currently ZBF is supporting around 60 children by covering their termly school fees (ranging between $10 - $20 US Dollars) as well as any additional exam costs, enabling older students to sit their O Level examinations. ZBF believes in consistent & longterm support and therefore intends to continue to support these children until their parents are able to pay for their fees or they have left education.
Results
ZBF received a significant boost to it's work in the area of school fees after the moving documentary 'Zimbabwe's Forgotten Children' was aired on the BBC in March 2010. As one of the organisations recommended by both the BBC and those responsible for the making of the film, the generous support received from the public in the aftermath was wonderful and encouraging.
ZBF has used the money donated to begin to assist a new school located in Headlands in the Manicaland Province in Zimbabwe. ZBF is so far supporting ten students with their termly school fees as well as covering the elder children's exam costs. The letter at the top of this page was recently received by ZBF from thos who are receiving assistance.
In addition to the above, ZBF is aware of further children at the school who require support, as well as many other in other schools and communities. The organisation is hoping to raise the necessary funds to support these children over the coming months.
If you would like to pledge further support to ZBF's work in this area please contact us on 020 7637 1527 or at zbf@zbf.org.uk.
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