Online Reporter
Precious Manomano and Takudzwa Karowangoro
THE 2025 third term school calendar begins today, with boarders having travelled to their respective schools yesterday and teachers reporting for duty.
In Harare, it was a hive of activity as scores of learners converged at their usual pick-up points, including the Harare Exhibition Park and the Civic Centre car park off Gamal Abdel Nasser Road.
School buses started leaving Harare as early as 6am.
Parents and guardians, who escorted their children to the respective pick up points, said they did not encounter any challenges in paying fees and buying school requirements for their children.
Robert Mugabe Square and Market Square transformed into vibrant gathering points, filled with learners, parents and buses departing for various corners of the country.
Shops specialising in educational supplies were a hive of activity as parents bought uniforms and stationery.
One vendor, Ms Ashley Mubaiwa, spoke on the noticeable surge in traffic.
“It’s been hectic, but it’s good for business. Parents want to make sure their children have everything they need to start the term on the right foot,” she said.
Chido Sarai, a Form Three learner at Langham Girls’ School, expressed her excitement about returning to school.
“I am happy to be going back to school where I will meet my friends again. I’m determined to work harder than I did last term,” she said.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education issued a circular warning schools against turning away learners due to non-payment of fees.
The directive encouraged school heads to engage with parents and negotiate flexible payment plans to facilitate uninterrupted learning. Yet, the reality on the ground indicates that some institutions have not adhered to these guidelines.
Mr Wellington Muvundura, whose child attends Daramombe High School, shared his gratitude for the opportunity to send his children back to school.
“We need to thank God for making it possible for our children to return to school despite the difficult times. I have four children, and all of them are going to school,” he said.
Mr Muvundura noted that parents had agreed with the school to pay fees in United States dollars, a shift from the previous arrangement that allowed payments in local currency.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo reassured the public that all necessary preparations for the school opening are complete.
“I’m more than ready to open schools on Tuesday. In fact, the preparations have been done. All our teachers have completed their scheming for the term,” he stated.
He also mentioned that public examinations are set to begin this month.
The ministry’s director of communications and advocacy Mr Taungana Ndoro emphasised the importance of vigilance as the public examination period approaches.
“We urge every parent to be vigilant as we head towards the public examination period,” he advised.
“Make sure you have your child’s statement of entry and know the candidate number and centre number. We will have monitoring and enforcement teams moving around the country to ensure that all examination centres comply with policy.”
As the sun sets on the school holiday, the focus shifts to ensuring that students are equipped and ready for the challenges ahead.
