Government lifts ban On Extra lessons

by Priviledge Zviregei

Stakeholders in the education sector, including teachers, parents, and learners, have welcomed the government’s decision to lift the ban on extra lessons, which will now be conducted during the August school holidays.

The government has sanctioned the conducting of extra lessons between August 19 and 30, with fees pegged at US$2 per learning area (subject) for Grade Seven learners, US$3 per O-Level subject, and US$5 per A-Level subject for the entire duration. Boarding students will be charged an additional US$4 daily.

In a statement, the Permanent Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education, Mr. Moses Mhike, said the vacation lessons will provide students with a valuable opportunity to get ahead of their studies during the summer break.

“The ministry looks forward to improving pupil performance through the running of the Vacation School as it will offer a focused environment for candidates to prepare for their upcoming examinations,” Mhike said.

Dr. Sifiso Ndlovu, the chief executive of the Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (Zimta), described the move as a welcome development, stating that the need for extra tuition will always be prevalent as long as competency measurement is based on examinations.

“We welcome this development, as it is what most educators, who want to see their learners pass and excel, love to see,” Ndlovu said.

However, Ndlovu urged teachers to refrain from viewing the extra lessons as a money-spinning venture and instead focus on assisting learners to achieve their utmost best.

Mr. Munyaradzi Majoni, the secretary-general of the Zimbabwe National School Heads Union, also commended the government for heeding unions’ calls to allow vacation lessons, but expressed reservations about the criteria used to determine the fees.

Parents and guardians have also welcomed the decision, acknowledging that some children are slow learners and require extra support.

“This was long overdue,” said Mr. Everson Gwaze from Warren Park. “I had hoped they would start during the first term, but I’m grateful that the government has gazetted vacation lesson fees, as schools often take advantage of us.”

The vacation lessons are expected to provide a much-needed boost for students, particularly those preparing for their upcoming examinations, as they aim to address the learning gaps and improve overall academic performance.