Zimbabwe Education Ministry Clarifies Policy on Pregnant Students

Zimbabwean Education Minister David Coltart said Wednesday that the government will maintain its its current policy allowing for the continued education of girls who become pregnant in primary or secondary school, depending on the circumstances of each individual case.

The ministry has proposed to let school girls to take time off from studies to give birth. But Coltart said some learners who become pregnant may not be admitted back to classes.

The minister said the law says school children may be suspended, excluded or expelled from school for misconduct, but an exception can be made in the case of girls who become pregnant. Boys expelled for fathering a child may be transferred or readmitted after 12 months.

Despite these options, Coltart said, the ministry is not granting maternity or paternity leave.