Moffat Mungazi
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
LESS than a month into the new Advanced Level academic year, a worrying trend has emerged as hordes of Lower Six learners are already flocking to extra lessons, with teachers alleging that they are lagging behind in their syllabus.
This development has set tongues wagging among education authorities, parents and guardians and learners – prompting the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to reiterate its ban on charging for extra tuition.
A spot-check by this publication in Mutare revealed that a staggering number of learners, across all levels, are supplementing their regular classes with extra lessons, particularly during weekends.
While some teachers conduct the extra lessons at their homes, others do them at their respective schools, with learners attending while dressed in their formal uniforms.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has reiterated its stance against paid extra lessons.
Manicaland Provincial Education Director, Mr Richard Gabaza said while teachers can voluntarily assist learners outside normal hours, charging fees for such sessions is prohibited.
“Extra lessons in school are not permitted if they demand a fee, but if they are done for free, there is nothing wrong with that. As a ministry and Government, we do not allow extra lessons to be charged, and once we know of any such school or teacher conducting paid extra lessons, we will take action,” he said.
Mr Gabaza noted that cases of extra lessons being conducted at private homes fall under the police jurisdiction, as they constitute a criminal matter.
The debate over extra lessons has been ongoing, with some educators arguing that the curriculum is too demanding to be covered within standard school hours.
However, others believe some teachers deliberately withhold key concepts during normal lessons to create demand for paid sessions.
Ms Chido Mufusire, a parent whose child recently started Lower Sixth, expressed frustration over the pressure to pay for extra lessons.
“One wonders how our children are already behind schedule when it is only a month into the new school year. My daughter was barely a week into school when her teachers started talking about extra lessons. They say they need to move quickly to cover the syllabus, but we all know these lessons come at a cost. I am already struggling with school fees and other expenses. Now, I am being forced to pay extra just so my child does not lag behind,” said Ms Mafusire.
With parents feeling the financial strain and learners caught between the need for extra learning and the pressure of additional costs, the parent ministry faces the challenge of ensuring that quality education is delivered equitably without exploiting families.
Another parent, Mrs Priscilla Dube echoed similar sentiments.
“I understand that A-Level studies require a serious commitment, but even Grade Six learners are attending extra lessons at their schools during weekends. I think the issue is that teachers are prioritising extra lessons over the normal timetable.They rush through topics during regular lessons and then insist that learners attend paid lessons for a better understanding. This is unfair to us as parents who cannot afford the extra cost,” she said.
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