{"id":10956,"date":"2025-11-13T09:06:55","date_gmt":"2025-11-13T09:06:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/zimgbcnews.co.zw\/?p=10956"},"modified":"2025-11-13T09:06:55","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T09:06:55","slug":"education-dropout-crisis-over-49000-learners-leave-school-in-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/zimgbcnews.co.zw\/?p=10956","title":{"rendered":"Education Dropout Crisis: Over 49,000 Learners Leave School in 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Beatrice Kumbana
Political Reporter
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In a recent statement, Hon. Supa Mandiwanzira, representing the Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education, addressed a worrying trend in Zimbabwe’s education system: more than 49,000 learners dropped out of school in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This staggering figure has raised alarms among education advocates and concerned citizens alike, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to ensure access and retention of students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the presentation, Mandiwanzira emphasized the profound implications of this dropout crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe education of our children is not just a luxury; it is an essential right that needs to be upheld. With 49,555 learners leaving the system, we must ask ourselves what is going wrong and how we can rectify it,\u201d
he stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The drop in school attendance is attributed to several systemic issues, including inadequate infrastructure, long distances to educational facilities, and pressing economic challenges faced by families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One major point raised by the Portfolio Committee is the critical shortage of learning facilities across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe estimate that at least 2,000 additional schools are required to meet the growing demand for education,\u201d
Mandiwanzira noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lack of schools forces many students to travel long distances, often resulting in reduced attendance or total dropout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Community members have echoed these concerns. A parent from Codwray Park, who prefers anonymity expressed her frustration: \u201cIt\u2019s heartbreaking to see children unable to attend school because there are no facilities nearby. Education is key to a better future, and right now, we\u2019re failing our kids.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Economic hardships also play a significant role in keeping children out of school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many families struggle to afford school fees and related expenses, prompting some children to seek work instead of education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe need to address these financial barriers to ensure that all children can enjoy their right to education,\u201d Mandiwanzira urged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Committee\u2019s findings call for urgent action and increased investment in education infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWithout commitment and resources, we are jeopardizing the future of an entire generation. Every child deserves quality and inclusive education,\u201d
he concluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As public concern mounts, it is clear that addressing these issues must become a national priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ensuring that every child has access to education is crucial for the development of individuals and society as a whole. The time for action is now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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