By Chenjerai Gumbeze

CHEGUTU– CHEGUTU has seen private schools, with some conducting lessons under unbearable conditions and even under trees opening up and operating in the town.
A survey by Telegraph revealed that some of these private schools have no structures to accommodate the learners despite the huge sums parents are paying.
Out of a number of private schools visited by this paper, only a few confirmed that they were registered while others referred questions to the owners.
”I am just a worker here and your questions need the college owner to answer. I am a receptionist,” said a woman, who only identified herself as Betty.
At some “schools” learners sit on stones and bricks as there is no furniture to use. Some of the schools use one toilet for more than 70 learners.
Students are crammed in very small rooms and many of the students do not wear masks, putting them at risk of contracting Covid-19 and other diseases.
Many of the schools do not have uniforms and it is difficult to identify the schools.
A lot of unruly students who get expelled from Government schools flood to these learning institutions and some of the students are involved in drugs and alcohol abuse, engaging in sexual activities and street fights as a result of being under the influence drugs.
Parents, who have children at these schools complain of being cheated of their money as no serious learning is taking place.
Since most of these colleges have no centre numbers to register examination classes, they engage Government schools for their students to write their final examinations.
Even though these learning institutions are charging exorbitant fees, parents revealed that they still prefer sending their children there instead of the more affordable Government schools because of a number of factors.
Government schools usually demand a once-off payment for Form ones and other newcomers, yet at private colleges parents pay on a monthly basis, allowing them time to plan.
School uniforms are not enforced and no transfer letter is asked for from a newcomer. There are no strict rules and regulations followed in line with guidelines of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
“Makoreji akanakira kuti tobhadhara zvishoma zvishoma pavana vakutanga Fomu 1. Manje zvikoro zveHurumende zvinotoda mari yese pamwana,” said Mai Ropa, a Chegutu resident.
Some Government schools need around US$40-50 compared to US$15 at the private colleges.
Efforts to contact the District Education Office to confirm if these colleges are registered or not were fruitless by time of going to press.