By Cordilia Ncube
KWEKWE – Financial difficulties are pushing more boys out of school, with many being forced into informal work to support their families, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerayi Moyo has revealed. Speaking at the launch of the second phase of the early warning system at Golden Mile Hotel in Kwekwe on Wednesday, the Minister underscored the urgent need to address economic barriers preventing boys from completing their education.
The workshop, hosted by CAMFED, focused on reducing school dropout rates by identifying at-risk students and providing timely interventions. Minister Moyo highlighted the success of the early warning system, which was piloted in 2023 across Gokwe North, Lupane, Gwanda, Makonde, and Mbire.
“A total of 76% of the 103 pilot schools recorded an increase in enrollment, demonstrating that early identification and intervention are effective strategies for reducing dropout rates,” he said.
While much attention has been given to girls dropping out due to early marriage and pregnancy, Minister Moyo pointed out that boys are also facing a severe crisis, with financial struggles emerging as the leading cause of their school dropout.
“Financial constraints are a significant barrier to education, particularly for boys, accounting for 38.97% of dropouts. Many boys are forced to leave school to engage in informal jobs to support their families or themselves,” he said.
The crisis is reflected in statistics from the 2024 annual education report, which shows that 22.3% of school-age children nationwide are not attending school. Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland North provinces record the highest dropout rates, with the situation worsening at secondary school level. Form 5 has the most alarming figures, with dropout rates reaching 80.39%.
Minister Moyo called for immediate action to ensure that all children, regardless of gender, stay in school.
“We must work together to address the root causes of school dropouts and ensure that every child has access to quality education,” he said.
He emphasized the role of financial support mechanisms in preventing boys from dropping out and called on development partners, educators, and communities to step in.
“It is crucial that we invest in financial aid programs, scholarships, and community-driven initiatives to ensure that boys are not left behind due to economic hardships,” he said.
The early warning system forms part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to enhance education outcomes and lower dropout rates. By working alongside partners like CAMFED, the government aims to provide targeted financial support to students at risk. Minister Moyo stressed that keeping children in school is vital to achieving Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 of becoming an upper-middle-income society.
With the launch of the second phase of the early warning system, Zimbabwe is making a decisive move to tackle financial barriers to education, ensuring that every child, regardless of economic background, has the opportunity to complete their studies and build a brighter future.
