Chronicle Editor
Amos Mpofu and Ashley Phiri, Chronicle Writers
AS schools open for the third term today, parents and learners have expressed optimism for smooth learning with the Government urging teachers to ensure completion of the syllabus on time to ensure readiness for examination classes.
In Bulawayo, the city centre was a hive of activity yesterday as parents did last-minute shopping for learning materials while some rushed to pay school fees.
The heightened activity gave brisk business to stationery and uniform dealers including vendors who also cashed on the situation.
Most boarding school learners travelled to their destinations yesterday while some are expected to travel today.
Parents who spoke to Chronicle said they were happy their children were returning to schools with some saying they struggled to pay school fees and meet other basics.
Said Mrs Thandekile Bhebhe: “I have three children that I have to send to school, two are in Form Three and one is in Upper Six. I had to make payment plans for the two that are in boarding school and tomorrow (today) I have to go and make a payment plan for the day scholar.”
Another parent, who identified herself as Mrs Sibanda from Burnside said: “The challenge with the back-to-school period is that it often catches parents off guard. Even if you’re prepared with the fees, there are other expenses such as transport, break money, stationery required. These expenses become difficult to manage during this period.”
Mr Norbert Mahlangu who has two children at Dinyane High School in Tsholotsho, sending children to boarding was a huge sacrifice.
Learners in writing classes also expressed excitement about the new term but said they were anxious about the examination time.
They expressed gratitude for the extra two weeks of the holiday, which helped them cover more ground on the syllabus.
An Upper Sixth learner from St James High School said she was eager to sit for the exams and hoped to do well.
“I have spent time preparing for my exams and I am now confident with one subject, the other two I am yet to be satisfied but no one can ever be fully ready for Zimsec, I am hoping to get 15 points,” said the learner.
A uniform trader, Mrs Thenjiwe Hlatshwayo said: “I always hire extra help when schools open. This is the busiest I get every term. The third term is however the least busy, probably because parents do not see the need to buy new uniforms unless the old ones are in really bad shape, the first term is our busiest.”
Director of communications and advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mr Taungana Ndoro, said the Government was satisfied with learning progress so far, following the granting of an additional two weeks to the writing class last term.
The extended period allowed educators to delve deeper into critical topics and ensure that students have a solid understanding, he said.
“Teachers are now expected to prioritise the completion of the syllabus while ensuring that essential concepts are thoroughly understood,” said Mr Ndoro.
“We encourage them to focus on key areas that have been highlighted in previous assessments. We believe this approach will enhance the learning experience and provide a fair opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.”
Mr Ndoro said schools should abide by set regulations including acceptance of the local currency in payment of school fees and levies.
“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education firmly upholds the national regulations that mandate the acceptance of local currency for all school-related payments. This policy is designed to promote economic stability and ensure that all families can access education without financial barriers,” he said.
In cases where schools refuse to accept local currency, Mr Ndoro said the ministry will take appropriate punitive measures and urged parents to report those who are defiant.
“Schools found to be non-compliant will face appropriate disciplinary measures, which may include warnings or other actions as deemed necessary to uphold the regulations,” said Mr Ndoro.
“The ministry will engage with school governing bodies and parent associations to ensure that all stakeholders understand the importance of this policy and its role in supporting the national economy.”
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