Treasury has released funds for schools under the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), easing concerns over delayed payments and ensuring vulnerable learners can continue accessing education without disruption.
Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Edgar Moyo confirmed the disbursement during Wednesday’s National Assembly Question and Answer Session, where legislators raised concerns over delays in payments and their impact on the operations of schools.
The delays had raised particular concern in rural communities, where many schools cater for large numbers of learners supported under BEAM.
Minister Moyo said the Government was aware of the challenges facing schools and had put measures in place to safeguard the smooth delivery of education, particularly in communities with high numbers of beneficiaries.
“We are fully aware of the areas in most schools, but as the Government, we have put in place modalities to ensure smooth operations for schools, especially in rural communities that have quite several students on BEAM. Treasury has since disbursed funds for this term to ensure students are not affected,” he said.
The latest disbursement is expected to provide relief to schools that rely on BEAM funding to meet education-related costs for disadvantaged children, while also supporting the Government’s broader commitment to ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent vulnerable learners from attending school.
The National Assembly session also considered measures aimed at strengthening the protection of children in the digital environment.
Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services Tatenda Mavetera said the Government was continuing to engage stakeholders to strengthen the Zimbabwe National Child Online Protection Policy (2026-2030).
The policy provides a framework for protecting children from risks associated with internet platforms while ensuring they can benefit from opportunities presented by information and communication technologies.
“The Zimbabwe National Child Online Protection Policy (2026-2030), which provides a comprehensive framework to protect children from risks associated with internet platforms, while ensuring they benefit from opportunities offered by information and communication technologies, is a policy that will continue to be fine-tuned, as we want to ensure there are no loopholes,” she said.
Minister Mavetera added that the Government was pursuing legislation to transform the policy into an Act, with Parliament expected to play a key role in the process.
“We are also pushing for the policy to be made into an Act, where legislators now have the task of making it into a law. Engagements with various stakeholders continue,” she said.
Meanwhile, legislators also welcomed improvements in domestic air connectivity following the relaunch of the Harare-Masvingo route, which is expected to provide an additional travel option and strengthen links between the two cities.
Government’s continued rehabilitation and maintenance of major highways was also highlighted as part of wider efforts to improve transport infrastructure and facilitate the movement of people and goods.
The developments underline Government’s broader focus on improving access to essential services, strengthening social protection and upgrading infrastructure in support of national development.
