Source: Schools, backyard colleges fight over learners. -Newsday Zimbabwe
A TURF war is brewing between registered schools and backyard colleges amid allegations that unregistered institutions are canvassing for learners at established schools, NewsDay has established.
The disputes have reportedly affected reputable institutions such as the Herentals Group of Colleges, where former teachers are accused of targeting pupils by distributing fliers and allegedly influencing them to enrol at unregistered colleges they operate.
The trend has been reported in several cities and provinces, including Harare, Midlands, Manicaland and Masvingo.
The rise of backyard colleges — some allegedly operating from private homes without government approval — has triggered concern among education authorities and established schools, raising questions about learner safety, quality of education and enforcement of the Education Act.
Sources told NewsDay that in Mutare, three former Herentals teachers allegedly established a backyard college and are targeting learners from their former employer’s secondary school.
In Zvishavane, six former teachers are said to have registered two private colleges in Mandava, while another school has reportedly been opened in Masvingo under the leadership of a former Herentals headmaster.
Herentals authorities yesterday expressed concern over what they described as “rebel teachers” targeting their institutions because of strong enrolment numbers.
“We have received some worrying reports of our former teachers who are targeting our ever-best enrolment. They are taking advantage of knowing our systems and learners, they are coercing out of our schools,” they said.
“What is of major concern is that some of the colleges are not registered at all and are operating from homes and we are worried.”
However, former Herentals teacher Stewart Garikayi, who confirmed opening Summit Heights College in Mutare with three colleagues, denied allegations of coercion.
“Yes, we have such a college, but we have not influenced anyone to join our school,” he said. “I cannot comment on the matter over the phone because we believe this is a legal matter.”
A former Herentals headmaster in Masvingo, Marvelous Nkomo, also dismissed the allegations.
“Yes, l am a former headmaster at Herentals in Masvingo, but l am no longer there, what you are saying are lies,” he said.
The dispute has drawn the attention of government authorities, with the Primary and Secondary Education ministry describing the situation as alarming.
Ministry director of communication and advocacy Taungana Ndoro said provincial and district education directors were instructed to intensify inspection and community surveillance to identify unregistered schools.
“We are going to enforce the Education Act — where unregistered schools are found, we take immediate legal steps, issuing closure orders, levying fines and in persistent cases, working with law enforcement to prosecute offenders,” he said.
He said the ministry was also strengthening public awareness campaigns and improving its centralised online database to help parents to verify the registration status of schools before enrolment.
He urged parents, guardians and community leaders to verify the registration status of schools in their area through district education offices or the ministry website before seeking enrolment for learners.
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