‎ ‎Harare,  (New Ziana) – In a bold move to ensure quality education while addressing syllabus recovery, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has officially granted permission for schools to conduct Vacation School classes this August for examination candidates in Grade 7, Form 4, and Upper 6, a senior Government official has said.

‎In a statement, the ministry’s spokesperson, Taungana Ndoro said running from 18 to 29 August 2025, the holiday lessons span ten working days, with a clear focus on remedial learning, catch-up activities, and foundational skills strengthening.

‎He emphasised that this measure is a targeted intervention—designed not as a return to traditional, overburdened vacation schools, but as part of a broader education reform effort aligning with the country’s Heritage-Based Curriculum and the now mainstream Competence-Based Curriculum.

‎”The school calendar has been carefully designed to ensure learners get adequate rest and time to recharge, while also giving parents a chance to prepare for each new term,” said Ndoro.

‎He stressed that the role of teachers has shifted from being the primary source of knowledge to facilitators of independent learning, adding that to support this evolving landscape, schools are being encouraged to embrace blended learning models and leverage emerging technologies.

‎”The Ministry is making strides to enhance foundational learning skills, digitise teaching and learning, improve the safety of pupils and staff at learning institutions, as well as promote the active role of parents in the education of their children. ‎In this context, the traditional approach to vacation schools has to be aligned to the Ministry’s strategy for ensuring the continuity of learning at all times including in emergencies,” said Ndoro.

‎As part of its comprehensive education strategy, Ndoro said the Ministry has also introduced programmes such as clinical remediation, strengthening literacy skills, and Annual Science, Sport, and Arts Festivals. ‎

These are aimed at optimising classroom time, easing syllabus pressure, and enhancing overall learning outcomes. ‎However, Ndoro acknowledged that some schools face unique challenges in syllabus coverage due to varied contextual factors, necessitating a structured vacation learning programme for candidates facing national exams.

‎In a bid to ease the financial burden on families—especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds—the Ministry has set standardised and affordable fees of US$2 per subject for grade sevens, while Form 4 students are expected to pay US$3.00 per subject with Advanced Level pupils paying US$5.00 per subject.

‎Boarders will pay an additional US$5.00 per day for upkeep, said Ndoro with payments being made in equivalent Zimbabwe Gold currency at the prevailing bank rate. ‎He said schools are mandated to issue receipts upon payment, maintain accurate financial records, and ensure full compliance with audit requirements.

‎”We recognise the need to support learners without escalating the cost of education. Every effort should be made to engage families so that no pupil is left behind,” said Ndoro.

New Ziana ‎ ‎