The Social Protection Programme and the Right to Primary and Secondary Education in Zimbabwe: A Case Study of BEAM

Abstract

Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) is an essential social protection measure developed by the Government of Zimbabwe in 2001 through the establishment of a BEAM Manual which was reviewed in 2016 to regulate its operation and implementation. BEAM is aimed at uplifting the Government’s international obligation in promoting the realization of the right to primary and secondary education for its citizens through provision of fees and levies for those who cannot afford to pay. This Dissertation portrays the results and methodology of a Research done in Epworth, one of the poverty stricken areas in Harare Province where BEAM is expected to benefit many children. The Research’s main objectives were to access the extent to which BEAM has been able to promote the right to primary and secondary education. It was proved that BEAM alone cannot make it without the active support of other social protection programmes. The right to education is only achievable after the achievement of the right to life, education, food and shelter. Hence BEAM has been a key pillar enshrined in the nation’s consolidated social protection policy under National Action Plan for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (NAP for OVC) phases 1 to 3. It is also demonstrated that although NAP for OVC ensures that an underprivileged child is assisted holistically through provision of all basic needs necessary for the assessment of the right to education, it is not enough to deal with the problems surrounding the right to education for the underprivileged. A decrease in BEAM budgetary allocations and delay in release of funds by government has reduced the number of BEAM beneficiaries. BEAM has also been hampered by the school regulations that go against the requirements under BEAM Manual. Further, it was noted that not every vulnerable child gets access to all social protection services thus some end up dropping out of school although they might have been selected for BEAM. Recommendations are further highlighted in this Dissertation and include; the means testing criteria used to select beneficiaries for BEAM can only be effective if the nation is sensitized on how it is implemented. Thus there is need to review the procedure used for BEAM selection and sensitization of the communities, the regulations employed at schools, budgetary allocations and release of funds by Treasury to social protection programmes. There is also need for further research on how other social protection policies may be improved to ensure the realization of the right to education for the underprivileged.