By A Correspondent – The cancellation of a Grade 4 educational trip at Victoria Primary School in Masvingo has once again exposed the politicisation of school resources in Zimbabwe.

On 22 October 2026, learners were denied a planned educational excursion to Gweru after buses earmarked for the trip were reportedly diverted to ferry ruling party supporters to welcome President Emmerson Mnangagwa and to attend the Great Zimbabwe University graduation ceremony.

Parents said they received a late-night notification that the trip had been cancelled indefinitely after the school was allegedly instructed to release the vehicles for political activities. Some parents, unaware of the cancellation, arrived at the school in the early hours of the morning with their children, having already paid and prepared for the trip.

For the learners, the cancellation was more than an inconvenience. Educational trips are a critical part of learning, providing practical exposure, reinforcing classroom lessons and supporting social development. When such opportunities are sacrificed for political purposes, children’s right to education is undermined.

The Masvingo Women Rights Advocacy Group (MWRAG) says this is not an isolated case. Community monitors have repeatedly documented instances where schools, school transport and educational facilities are diverted for political activities, especially during high-profile visits and ruling party events. Despite repeated public outcry, the practice continues to disrupt learning.

MWRAG further notes that the problem is being worsened by the growing politicisation of School Development Committees (SDCs). In many schools, SDC members are reportedly prioritising political interests over educational needs. Instead of focusing on improving learning outcomes, strengthening child protection and ensuring safe learning environments, some are allegedly facilitating political interference in schools.

The impact is particularly severe for girls, who already face multiple barriers to education, including poverty, early marriage, caregiving duties and gender-based discrimination. Disruptions to learning schedules and diversion of resources further undermine efforts to keep girls in school.

Schools are public institutions meant to serve the best interests of learners, not political mobilisation. The use of school resources for partisan activities erodes public trust, violates children’s constitutional right to education and puts politics ahead of learners’ welfare.

MWRAG has called on education authorities, school administrators and government institutions to protect school facilities, transport and resources from political interference. The organisation says SDCs must remain accountable to parents and communities, with their core mandate being to promote educational quality, child protection and the best interests of every learner.

Every child deserves uninterrupted access to education. Schools must remain centres of learning, not instruments of political expediency.