Online Reporter
Amos Mpofu [email protected]
AS schools close this week for the August holiday, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has described the second term as a productive learning period, marked by significant progress in the rollout of digital smart education, infrastructure development and preparations for national examinations.
The Ministry said the term saw steady progress in implementing its digitalisation agenda, particularly in ensuring that rural schools were not left behind.
In an interview, the Ministry’s Director of Communications and Advocacy, Mr Taungana Ndoro, said a number of schools, including those in remote areas, had been equipped with solar-powered ICT tools, offline learning content and Starlink kits.
Teacher orientation sessions on digital pedagogy were also conducted in all provinces as part of efforts to strengthen the use of technology in teaching and learning.
“While we are not yet at full coverage, the foundation laid this term is encouraging, and we remain on course to expand access in a phased and sustainable manner to enhance full swing in the digitalisation of our education,” said Mr Ndoro.
Reviewing the second term, Mr Ndoro said the Ministry had continued investing in both infrastructure and human capital to improve learning conditions across the country.
“We had notable developments this term, which include the completion of classroom blocks in several districts, the distribution of teaching and learning materials, and the ongoing rehabilitation of sanitation facilities in selected schools. These efforts are part of our routine commitment to improving the learning environment,” he said.
On the Heritage-Based Curriculum (HBC), Mr Ndoro said schools had embraced the curriculum with enthusiasm.
“The push for full implementation of HBC has generated positive responses from teachers, learners and communities. Our position remains that HBC is now the standard framework for teaching and learning. Schools are expected to align their programmes accordingly,” he said.
He added that the Ministry continued to provide support and guidance to schools to ensure compliance and was satisfied with the progress being made.
Looking ahead to the third term, Mr Ndoro confirmed that the Ministry had issued Secretary’s Circular Number 7 of 2026, authorising schools to conduct vacation classes during the August school holiday.
The programme is specifically targeted at examination classes — Grade Seven, Form Four and Upper Six — to provide focused academic support ahead of this year’s national examinations.
“This initiative is specifically targeted at examination cohorts—namely Grade 7, Form Four, and Upper Six candidates—and is designed to provide focused academic support in the lead-up to their national examinations.”
He said the circular was guided by the Ministry’s broader educational philosophy, which promotes blended learning, independent study and the integration of emerging technologies, while recognising that some schools experienced challenges during the term that affected syllabus coverage.
Mr Ndoro said the vacation school programme was therefore intended as a strategic intervention to strengthen candidates’ preparedness for national examinations rather than a routine extension of the school term.
The lessons will run from 7 to 20 August 2026 over 10 working days.
Schools will observe the Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day public holidays on 11 and 12 August respectively, with no lessons to be conducted on those days.
To accommodate schools that observe Saturday or Sunday as their day of worship, the Ministry has permitted the use of either or both weekend days to complete the 10-day programme, provided all activities are concluded by 20 August.
“This flexibility ensures that schools can meet the instructional requirements while respecting religious observance and national commemoration,” he said.
Mr Ndoro said the Ministry had also set fee limits to ensure parents and guardians were not subjected to excessive charges.
“Primary schools are permitted to charge US$2.00 per learning area per Grade 7 pupil, while secondary schools may charge US$3.00 per learning area for Form Four candidates and US$5.00 per learning area for Upper Six candidates. In all cases, these amounts may also be paid at the equivalent bank rate in Zimbabwe Gold currency. For boarders, an additional US$5.00 per day is allowed to cover upkeep during the vacation period. Schools are expressly prohibited from charging any amounts beyond these stipulated figures.”
He said all payments must be receipted at the point of collection, with schools maintaining proper books of accounts to ensure accountability.
“The collected funds, aside from boarding expenses, must be allocated according to a fixed formula: 30 percent for utilities and stationery, 20 percent for administration, and 50 percent for teacher appreciation, with this breakdown applying equally to both day and boarding institutions.”
Mr Ndoro said the vacation school programme would be monitored by the Inspectorate, working together with District Literacy Coordinators and Remedial Tutors under the supervision of the Chief Director for Provincial Education Services.
Schools have also been instructed to submit reports on the implementation and outcomes of the programme to the Permanent Secretary by 31 August.
“In addition, schools are reminded that pupils are required to wear their school uniforms throughout the period, and teachers must dress appropriately. The principles of the Safe to Learn framework, as outlined in earlier Pupil Safeguarding Circulars, are to be upheld at all times to ensure the wellbeing and protection of all learners,” he said.
He urged schools to engage parents and guardians to ensure all examination candidates, particularly vulnerable and marginalised learners, benefit from the programme.
“This collaborative approach is intended to foster shared responsibility for student success and to strengthen the partnership between schools and families,” he said.
The Ministry also reminded schools to ensure all school-based project marks are moderated within the timeframe prescribed by ZIMSEC so that candidates receive complete examination results.
Mr Ndoro said the third school term will begin on 8 September and end on 3 December, urging schools to use the holiday period to complete outstanding syllabus coverage and continuous assessment submissions.
He applauded teachers, learners, parents and all education stakeholders for contributing to a successful second term and, on behalf of the Ministry, wished them a restful and enjoyable holiday.
