The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) has permitted schools across Zimbabwe to conduct holiday lessons under the banner of Vacation School Sessions (VSS) during the upcoming August holidays, specifically for examination classes.
In a circular, the Permanent Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education, Moses Mhike, highlighted the importance of balancing study with rest within the annual school calendar.
He acknowledged the necessity for pupils, parents, and teachers to have time for school preparation and relaxation.
The holiday lessons will take place between August 19 and 30, spanning ten days.
The government has previously blocked schools from conducting extra lessons and charging exorbitant amounts.
“All must be cognizant of the need to prevent the ever-escalating cost of teaching and learning for parents, particularly in view of the disadvantaged pupils who otherwise wouldn’t benefit from extra support. Therefore, for the year 2024, authority is granted for schools to conduct vacation school during the August holidays for the examination classes of Grade 7, Form Four (4), and Upper Six (6),” said Mhike.
Primary schools will charge US$2 per learning area per Grade 7 pupil or its equivalent bank rate in Zimbabwe Gold currency. Secondary schools will charge US$3 per learning area for Form 4 and US$5 per learning area for Upper 6, or its equivalent bank rate. All boarders will pay an extra US$4 per day for their upkeep during the Vacation School period.
Mhike stated that parents and guardians should receive receipts at the point of payment, and proper books of accounts must be effectively managed and maintained for audit purposes.
He added that Vacation School should be fully supervised and monitored by the Inspectorate, together with the District Literacy Coordinators and the Remedial Tutors.
“Pupils should turn out in their school uniforms and teachers should be appropriately dressed. The tenets of Safe to Learn principles with reference to the pupil safeguarding Circulars should be upheld and made reference to. Every effort should be made to engage parents and/or guardians so that all candidates benefit from the Vacation School,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry stated that the collected funds, other than those for boarding expenses, should be utilized as follows:
| Day School | Boarding School |
|---|---|
| 30% for utilities, stationery | 30% for utilities, stationery |
| 20% administration | 20% administration |
| 50% teacher appreciation | 50% teacher appreciation |
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) national president, Obert Masaraure, welcomed the move to grant permission for schools to hold vacation classes.
“The Ministry’s effort of pegging uniform fees is also commendable to prevent overcharging for education, which would discriminate against the poor. Authorizing payment of an appreciation fee to teachers is also welcome,” he said, adding that, “Our education was being pushed to the black market through banning incentives for teachers.”
Masaraure urged the Ministry to formalise the incentive system for teachers to remove education from the black market.
He estimated that Zimbabwe needs $10,660,550 to pay for vacation school for all 2024 candidates.
“In the context of this drought, the government has an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to education,” said Masaraure.
