Zimbabwe private school raises fees to $11.3 million
Falcon College, one of Zimbabwe’s most prestigious private schools, has caused a stir on social media after announcing a massive hike in school fees for the 2023 academic year. Parents were left reeling after receiving a letter from the headmaster and chairman of the Falcon College Board of Governors, stating that the fees for the second term would be an eye-watering ZWL $11,330,000.00 (US$10,589 or R193,000) per term, making it one of the most expensive schools in the country.
While parents around the country are struggling to keep up with rising prices, Falcon College defended the fee increase as a necessary measure to keep the school running. The letter from the school stated, “It is never pleasant to communicate fee increases but, as you have seen, it is absolutely necessary if we are to continue to not only survive but thrive, in this economy.”
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Shock Among Zimbabweans On Social Media
The announcement of the fee increase has sparked shock on social media, with many Zimbabweans taking to social media to express their shock and awe. One social media wrote on Twitter, “How can they justify charging such an exorbitant amount for school fees? It’s ridiculous!” Another parent said, “I can barely afford to send my child to a decent school, let alone one that charges $11.3 million per term. This is outrageous!”
Payment in US Dollars
The letter from Falcon College also stated that parents could choose to pay the fees in US dollars. However, even with the official exchange rate, the fees would still be a staggering $10,589 per term. On the black market, the fees would be approximately $4,500 per term.
Despite the backlash, Falcon College seems to be holding firm on the fee increase, with no indication that they will be lowering the fees any time soon. For parents who cannot afford to pay the fees, it may mean having to look for alternative schools for their children, which is a daunting prospect for many.
In the words of one outraged parent, “It’s like they’re saying ‘rich kids only!’”