The Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and
Secondary Education continues to enrol vulnerable children into schools under the Basic
Education and Assistance Module (BEAM).
This is in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s desire of “not leaving anyone and any
place behind”
Speaking to Nehanda Guardian recently, the Provincial Social Welfare Officer in the
Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Godwin Bongwe, said they were in
the process of identifying more children under the scheme.
The number of Basic Education and Assistance Module beneficiaries in both primary and
secondary stood at 178 583 in the province.
Education is a human right in Zimbabwe and the Government has been, ever since
Independence trying to make sure that everyone, everywhere despite colour or creed, age or
ability accesses basic education.
Mashonaland Central Province for both primary and secondary education.
Among these beneficiaries, the total number of children being assisted by BEAM in Bindura
District at primary level is 8 792, in Rushinga 6 168, Mt Darwin 15 301, Shamva 8 086
whilst in Mbire it's 25 606.
At Secondary level, the total number of children being aided by BEAM in Bindura district is
1654, In Mazowe its 11 908, Guruve 3 508, Centenary 2 271 whilst in Rushinga it's 4 646.
On the other hand, the social development department is also assisting vulnerable members of
the community with medical services through a programme dubbed Assisted Medical
Treatment Order (AMTO)
Across the province, the programme catered for at least 3 500 people last year.
However, according Bongwe, the programme’s uptake is a bit low and needs to be increased.
Meanwhile, BEAM is a national programme that operates in both urban and rural areas and is
implemented in all 63 districts in Zimbabwe.
Its primary goal is to provide educational assistance to orphans and other vulnerable children
aged 6 to 19.
The AMTO is a medical aid scheme established by the Department of Social Services to
assist the poor and vulnerable following the discontinuation of ESAP.