BEAM arrears climb to US$292 million

Government arrears under the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) have risen to US$292.49 million. The Treasury issued a fresh warning to schools not to expel students whose fees the scheme covers. Parliament heard the debt on 21 August as schools increasingly demand payment upfront. Officials said they are processing disbursements but did not provide a timeline for clearing the arrears. The widening debt threatens access to education for thousands of vulnerable children.