HUNDREDS of pupils were left stranded in Marondera yesterday after the Primary and Secondary Education ministry shut down eight unregistered schools operating in industrial and residential areas.

Recently, the ministry closed a number of early childhood development centres that were operating illegally in Wedza.

Mashonaland East provincial education director, Christopher Chihota said parents should desist from sending their children to unregistered schools.

“The closure of illegal schools is in line with the Education Act. For one to build a school, he should meet certain conditions to operate a legal learning institution. In January last year, I wrote a notice that was placed at several public points to the effect that parents should check whether they are sending their children to a registered school or not,” he said.

“In February, we also notified the public on the mushrooming of illegal schools in the province and that parents should not be caught unaware, when we shut down such institutions.

“These schools are not examination centres, so these pupils will sit for their exams at a registered school. I know there will be an outcry from parents over this move. The parents are welcome to our offices and we will help them enrol their children at proper schools across Marondera. Most of these schools have unqualified teachers and the atmosphere is not conducive for learning,” he said.

NewsDay observed that most of the affected private schools had inadequate facilities, with others operating close to beerhalls and funeral parlours.

The clampdown affected Beautiful Beginner Group of Colleges, Garvey School of Excellence, Springhood Junior School, Aptec International College, United Success College, New Hope College and Rockhopper Education Centre. By Jairos Saunyama. source-newsday