21 February 2025 – On the significant occasion of National Youth Day in Zimbabwe, SAYWHAT stands with students and youth across Zimbabwe to celebrate their potential and resilience. Under the theme “Empower Youth, Secure Future,” we are reminded of the critical importance of investing in the education of youth as the foundation to a brighter and more inclusive future.

At SAYWHAT, we understand that empowering youth is not a solitary endeavour. It requires a collective effort, and we are proud to work alongside our dedicated allies in civil society and our partners in government. Together, we are implementing innovative strategies to ensure inclusive education in Zimbabwe, providing every young person with the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

SAYWHAT, through the Girls Education and Advocacy in the Region (GEAR) Alliance, and in collaboration with the Education Coalition of Zimbabwe (ECOZI), UNICEF, ZIMCODD, and ZINECDA, presented a Quarterly Budget Tracking Tool and a policy brief on education financing to the Parliament Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education in Zimbabwe on 18 February 2025. The policy brief outlines the current landscape of education financing in Zimbabwe, analyses its shortcomings, and presents evidence-based recommendations aimed at building a more inclusive educational environment.

SAYWHAT and its partners recognize the progress made in Zimbabwe towards the commitment to education for all and compliance with the Dakar Declaration, which recommends increasing education spending to 20% of the national budget. The Government of Zimbabwe raised the 2025 allocation for education to 18%. Despite this progress, Zimbabwe faces challenges in education financing that hinder the effective provision of quality education for all. These challenges include heavy reliance on parents/ guardians’ out-of-pocket education expenses, and inequitable resource distribution between urban and rural schools. The Budget Tracking Tool and the policy brief aim to strengthen Zimbabwe’s education system by providing actionable pathways to improve resource allocation, enhance financial transparency, and reduce the economic burden on families. This ensures that every child has access to quality education, regardless of their socio-economic background.

The validation of the quarterly budget tracking tool and the presentation of the education financing policy brief follow the Education (General) Regulations, 2025 gazetted on February 14, 2024. Speaking at the meeting while presenting the policy brief to the Chairperson of the Parliament Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education, SAYWHAT Regional Projects Coordinator, Praisegod Masunga, commended the efforts made by the Government of Zimbabwe, including this S.I 13 of 2025. Masunga acknowledged the new regulations’ strong foundation in addressing challenges, especially those faced by girls, individuals with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged families, such as navigating the impact of climate change, inadequate school infrastructures, teenage pregnancies, and high dropout rates. He urged Parliamentarians to continue advocating for improved education financing and ensuring the effective implementation of the new regulations to create a more inclusive and resilient education system that leaves no child behind.

Zimbabwe’s S.I 13 of 2025 ensures every child of school-going age has equal access to education. By prohibiting exclusion based on non-payment of fees, the regulations address financial constraints and align with the constitutional mandate for equitable access to education. Emphasizing inclusivity, schools are required to support pupils with disabilities. The regulations also mandate the provision of technological tools to enhance learning and ensure online safety. By addressing nutritional needs through the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, which provides at least one hot balanced meal per day, the regulations create a conducive learning environment, allowing students to focus on their studies without the distraction of hunger. This vital step enhances student retention and performance. Measures against sexual misconduct and provisions for pregnant pupils ensure their safety and continued education. Finally, repealing previous regulations related to enrolment and exclusion, and age on admission to government schools, the new regulations reinforce the commitment to fair and inclusive education for all children.

As we commemorate National Youth Day, SAYWHAT urge all stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, development partners, and the private sector, to collaborate and actively support the implementation of the education quarterly budget tracking tool, and the Education (General) Regulations, S.I 13 of 2025 to bring about meaningful change in Zimbabwe’s education sector. By working together, these tools and policies can translate into tangible improvements in resource allocation, financial transparency, and the overall educational environment.

SAYWHAT urges the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to prioritize the establishment of effective monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with the new regulations. Local authorities and educational institutions should facilitate community dialogues that empower parents and guardians to actively participate in the educational process. Furthermore, SAYWHAT encourages the private sector entities to explore partnership opportunities that can enhance educational resources and infrastructure. Investments in technology, learning materials, and teacher training are critical for improving education quality and ensuring that learners are equipped with the skills needed for the future.

On this National Youth Day, let us celebrate the gazetting of S.I. 13 of 2025, let us unite in our efforts to overcome the existing challenges in education. Together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive education system that empowers every child in Zimbabwe to realize their full potential.