Zimbabwe Government Bans Vacation School For Exam Classes During April Holiday, Says Pupils Need Holiday Break

In a move that has taken many by surprise, the Zimbabwean government, through the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, has announced a ban on “vacation school” for the forthcoming April holiday. This decision will affect all schools across the country, including those preparing students for critical examinations like Grade 7, ‘O’ Level, and ‘A’ Level.

The Ministry emphasized the importance of rest and relaxation for students after a term of uninterrupted learning.

“Our pupils need this holiday break to rest,” stated the announcement. “They have had 56 days of continuous learning, and it’s essential that they take this time to recharge.”

Teachers and Pupils’ Efforts Acknowledged

The Ministry’s announcement also appreciated the efforts of teachers and pupils during the first term of the year.

“The dedication and hard work of our teachers and students have not gone unnoticed,” the announcement read. Their creativity and passion have made learning not just effective but also engaging and inspiring.”

Alternative Learning Encouraged

While the ban on vacation school might be disappointing for some, the Ministry encourages pupils to explore alternative learning strategies during their break. The Zimbabwe Learning Passport, an online learning platform, is suggested as one tool students can use to continue their studies independently.

Ensuring Compliance

To ensure that the directive is followed, Provincial Education Directors have been tasked with ensuring compliance across all schools. “This directive must be complied with to the letter,” the Ministry stated, underlining the importance of adhering to the new rule.

As the second term is set to begin on May 7, 2024, the government’s decision aims to ensure that students return to school refreshed and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

What Did The Announcement From The Government Say?

“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education acknowledges the conduct of teaching and learning in all schools which went seamlessly during the first term of the year, fully embracing the 56 days set aside for that process.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“Provincial Education Directors are to make sure that this directive is compiled with to the letter.

“We all look forward to the resumption of the second term set to begin on the 7th of May, 2024.”