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The Investment Through Action Initiative (ITAI) is a non-governmental organization that aims to support underprivileged children in Zimbabwe access quality education and have fulfilling schooling experiences.
We believe all children have a right to education and our support will help them receive further education and the skills they need to succeed in life. We partner with schools and organisations to identify children as early on in their education as possible, with the view of providing long-term support, including covering tuition fees, and providing stationery packs, uniforms and food hampers for their families.
We actively fundraise through various channels, such as hosting events and appealing to companies and individuals for contributions.
Alongside this ongoing work, we seek to raise awareness of the importance of quality education and highlight the challenges schools and children in Zimbabwe are facing, particularly in light of the economic instability in the country.
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Zimbabwe Education: Current State
The current state of education in Zimbabwe echoes the deteriorating conditions which have been a reality for the majority of the country for the past three decades. Although Zimbabwe has historically boasted an adult literacy rate of over 90%, the current economic crisis has negatively affected the quality of education and people’s access to education. In the wake of the economic crisis, in 2014 it was reported that 7% of children of official primary school ages were out of school.
In Zimbabwe, primary school typically lasts 7 years and secondary school, 6 years. Students are expected to complete up to 3 nationwide examinations; one at the end of primary school and two in secondary school. In a country such as Zimbabwe with limited vocational training, it is crucial that all children write and pass these exams to enable entry into the workforce and higher education. For most children, tertiary education is the best and only chance they have at a better life for themselves and their families.
Education is a human right. While the provision of free, quality education has been identified as crucial for human, social and economic development, school is neither free nor compulsory in Zimbabwe. This coupled with the current economic environment, means that many families cannot afford to keep their children in school. Inability to meet children’s tuition and other school related costs is one of the main reasons for school dropouts, delayed enrolment or interrupted learning. Where tuition fees are not paid, schools are authorized to expel children from the classroom and keep them out of school until payment has been made. Furthermore (and often also as a consequence of poverty), girls are absent from school each month due to lack of adequate sanitary materials. In the most desperate cases, especially in rural communities, children are forced to leave school to assist their families with household or farm work, or enter into marriage.
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