The Unforeseen Consequences, A Looming Crisis of Job Cuts and School Dropouts

By Shingirai Vambe

The recent suspension of USAID funds to Zimbabwe has sent shockwaves throughout the country, with far-reaching consequences that threaten to undermine the very fabric of society. While the immediate effects of the fund suspension have been well-documented, the long-term impact is only beginning to unfold, revealing a devastating picture of job cuts, economic instability, and a looming crisis of school dropouts.

The USAID fund suspension has already led to a significant reduction in aid programs, including those focused on health, education, and economic development. The immediate consequence of this reduction has been a wave of job cuts, as NGOs and local organizations reliant on USAID funding are forced to downsize or shut down operations entirely.

The job cuts have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, including women and youth, who are often the primary beneficiaries of USAID-funded programs. Without these jobs, many families are left without a steady income, forcing them to make impossible choices between basic necessities like food, shelter, and education.

One of the most devastating consequences of the job cuts is the impact on education. With families struggling to make ends meet, many children are being forced to drop out of school to help support their families. This not only undermines the country’s efforts to promote education and skills development but also perpetuates a cycle of poverty that will be difficult to break.

According to the Ministry’s report, the number of school dropouts has been steadily increasing over the past few years. In 2022 alone, over 20,000 children dropped out of school, with many more cases going unreported. The report attributes this trend to a combination of factors, including teen pregnancy, poverty, and lack of access to education.

Teen pregnancy is a significant contributor to school dropouts in Zimbabwe. Many girls are forced to leave school after becoming pregnant, often due to stigma, shame, or lack of support. The Ministry’s report reveals that in 2022, over 5,000 girls dropped out of school due to pregnancy.

Poverty is another major factor driving school dropouts. Many families struggle to provide adequate resources for their children to attend school, including uniforms, stationery, and transportation. The report shows that in 2022-2024, over 10,000 children dropped out of school due to lack of resources.

Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union president, Obert Masaraure said the suspension of USAID funds will only worsen this crisis.

“USAID has been a critical partner in supporting Zimbabwe’s education sector, providing funding for programs aimed at increasing access to education, particularly for vulnerable children. With the suspension of these funds, many of these programs will be forced to shut down, leaving thousands of children without access to education,” added Masaraure.

Progressive Teacher Union of Zimbabwe president, Takavafira Zhou told the Post On Sunday that the crisis of school dropouts is particularly acute in rural areas, where access to education is already limited. Without USAID funding, many rural schools are struggling to remain operational, leaving children without access to even basic education.

“The long-term effects of the USAID fund suspension are dire. Without access to education, Zimbabwe’s youth will be ill-equipped to participate in the economy, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and dependence. The country’s economic development will be severely hindered, and the gains made in recent years will be reversed,” noted Zhou.

Furthermore, the consequences of this crisis will be far-reaching. Without education, these children will be denied the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and improve their socio-economic prospects. This will not only perpetuate poverty but also undermine Zimbabwe’s economic development and stability.