Zimbabwe Reaffirms School Re-entry for Pregnant Girls

By Southerton Business Times Reporter, Harare

The Government has reiterated that girls who drop out of school because of pregnancy or marriage should be allowed to return and complete their education, with catch-up lessons and financial assistance available to support their reintegration.

Cephas Shanyurai, a principal educational psychologist in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, said schools remained open to learners who had left the education system due to pregnancy or marriage.

He cited the Education Amendment Act of 2020 and Statutory Instrument 18 of 2025 as part of the legal framework supporting access to education.

“No student is going to be turned away from school, whether they are coming from the so-called marriages due to pregnancy,” Shanyurai said. The policy is intended to give girls an opportunity to resume their studies rather than permanently lose access to education because of pregnancy, early marriage or the responsibilities that come with becoming a mother.

BEAM and Partners Support Returning Learners

Shanyurai said several programmes were available to help girls return to school, including initiatives implemented in partnership with development organisations such as CAMFED. The Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), a Government programme supporting disadvantaged learners, can also assist girls returning to school after giving birth.

“In some of the schools there are projects that help them to pay their fees and take care of the child,” he said. Such assistance is important for young mothers who may struggle to meet school costs while also providing for their children.

However, the availability of support may vary between schools and communities, making it important for returning learners and their guardians to establish which programmes are accessible locally.

Catch-Up Lessons and Practical Skills

The ministry official said the education system was designed to recognise learners’ different abilities and help them develop their potential. Catch-up lessons and examination support are intended to help returning girls address learning gaps caused by time away from school and prepare to complete their studies.

Shanyurai also highlighted the role of practical subjects in equipping learners with useful life skills. He said the curriculum was intended to help girls develop abilities that could support their independence and reduce their vulnerability.

For young mothers, returning to school can present challenges such as childcare, school fees, stigma and missed lessons. Support from schools, families and community organisations can therefore be important in helping them remain in education.

Ministry Offers a Chat Service

Shanyurai encouraged girls seeking assistance to use the ministry’s chat service on 317.

“The girls should be able to seek service, and the system will support them,” he said. The Government’s renewed position reinforces the principle that pregnancy or marriage should not automatically end a girl’s educational journey.

For the policy to translate into meaningful opportunities, returning learners need access to clear information, practical support and school environments where they can resume their studies without discrimination.

Zimbabwe school re-entry for pregnant girls