Government Bans Vacation Classes
…Prioritizing Student Rest and Independent Learning”
by Priviledge Zviregei
The government has declined schools’ requests to hold vacation classes for both examination and non-examination classes during the April holiday. The government believes that students deserve a break to rest and engage in independent learning, which will benefit their physical and mental well-being. They need time to recharge and be prepared to resume classes on May 7, 2024.
In a recent statement, Mr. Moses Mhike, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, announced that after extensive consultations, the government has decided not to permit vacation classes during the upcoming holiday.
The ministry acknowledged the requests received from some sectors to allow vacation classes for Grade 7, Ordinary, and Advanced level examination classes. However, considering that the teaching and learning process was not disrupted during the term, schools were not granted permission to organize vacation classes for all students including examination classes.
“The ministry notes with appreciation the requests that have been received from some of its sectors to allow for the uptake of the vacation school for examination classes of Grade 7, Ordinary and Advanced level during this April holiday.
“Having consulted widely on the matter and taking cognisant of the fact that the school term had no disturbances at all to the teaching and learning programme, therefore, authority is not granted that schools facilitate a vacation school during the April school holidays for the Grade 7, Ordinary and Advanced level candidates, as well as for the non-examinations classes.” Said Mr Mhike
Mr. Mhike emphasized the importance of the holiday break for students to rest and engage in independent learning, including utilizing alternative learning strategies such as the Zimbabwe Learning Passport. He commended the smooth progress of the educational term and expressed gratitude for the dedication and hard work of teachers in creating an engaging and inspiring learning environment for students.
“Pupils need this holiday break to rest and engage in independent learning where need be, including utilisation of the Zimbabwe Learning Passport amongst other alternative learning strategies,”
“The dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to educating and nurturing the young minds of our pupils have not gone unnoticed. The creativity and passion brought about by all our teachers in the classrooms that made learning engaging, interactive and inspiring for our pupils is commended and the ministry remains grateful.”
Mr. Mhike urged all Provincial Education Directors to enforce this directive strictly, ensuring that no vacation classes take place during the upcoming holiday saying that the government’s decision to ban holiday lessons stems from concerns about teachers abusing the system and not fulfilling their teaching responsibilities during regular school hours.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has been taking measures to enforce the ban on privately-paid extra lessons, as some teachers have been neglecting their duties to earn additional income from parents.
