By A Correspondent- Primary and Secondary education minister Cain Mathema has said every child has the right to education hence anyone experiencing challenges enrolling their children at school must engage ministry officers.

He was responding to a question raised by Zanu PF’s Roselyn Makoni who said:

HON. MAKONI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.  My question is directed to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education. What is Government policy as parents are now facing problems in looking for places for Grade Ones and Form Ones?  When they get to the schools, headmasters tell them that the schools are full because of the COVID regulations.  Parents have no schools to take their children to.  What is going to be done to alleviate this problem?  I thank you. 

          THE HON. SPEAKER:  I think Hon. Minister, you got the gist of the story.  Grade Seven pupils are failing to get Form One places and Grade Ones as well. 

          THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. MATHEMA):  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.  I thank the Hon. Member for asking the question.  There is no limit …

          THE HON. SPEAKER:  You are not connected Hon. Minister.

          HON. MATHEMA:  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.  I thank the Hon. Member for asking the question.  Every child in Zimbabwe must go to school and each school head – whether these are public or private schools, must make sure that every child goes to school.  If there is any situation where children are being turned away for whatever reasons; and we have COVID- 19 protocols, the parents, guardians and everybody else have to be in touch with my officers.  We are not allowing that.  Every child must go to school.  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.