Parents, Teachers clash Over ECD Extra Lessons

HOUGHTON Park Primary School parents and guardians have clashed with teachers over ECD extra lessons. ‌

In a school WhatsApp group, some parents and guardians expressed their unhappiness about charges for extra lessons as well as payments for chairs and desks.

The school head, only identified as Mudzingwa, barred a meeting organised by the School Development Committee (SDC) on Saturday where parents wanted to question him over the charges.

Mudzingwa has since ordered parents and guardians charged for chairs and desks to be refunded.

“We are not happy that the headmaster denied the SDC access to the school to hold a meeting.  “Some teachers have been communicating with parents and guardians behind the headmaster’s back demanding incentives.

“Imagine a teacher asking for money to conduct extra lessons for ECDs,” one of the parents posted in the group.  The parent also complained about school fees.

“We paid school fees for our children to attend lessons during school learning time.  “Teachers have not been entertaining pupils who did not pay for extra lessons, and they are conducting these lessons during normal working hours.

“Parents and guardians are worried about the education of their children because some can’t afford fees for extra lessons.  “This is totally unacceptable considering that we are paying school fees.

“Teachers have been threatening a sit-in if parents and guardians refuse to pay for extra lessons and other charges like those of chairs and desks demanded from newcomers,” said the parent.

Some parents exchanged unprintable words, threatening each other with unspecified action during discussions in the group.

Many feel they’re being left with no choice, as going against school authorities would result in their children failing examinations.