Government finalises preps for exams

The Government is finalising modalities for Grade Seven, Form Four and Upper Sixth examinations that are starting next month.

Schools opened on Tuesday last week, marking the final lap of the 2025 academic year. Thousands of learners are expected to sit the exams.

The Government has also confirmed a smooth start to the third term, with no complaints received regarding schools demanding payment of fees exclusively in foreign currency. This is a notable development given past concerns where parents and guardians accused some schools of insisting on foreign currency payments despite Zimbabwe’s multicurrency system. Such demands previously forced parents to resort to the black market for US dollars, often at a higher rate than the official exchange.

“Since the opening of schools last week, Government has not received complaints from parents facing challenges of being compelled to pay fees in foreign currency only. Schools are accepting both foreign and local currency, and so far, the start of the third term has been smooth,” said Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Mr Taungana Ndoro.

The official exchange rate for the United States dollar currently hovers around ZWG32 per US$1 in major supermarkets and ZWG33 on the parallel market. Mr Ndoro further revealed that preparations for the public examinations are progressing well, noting that this year they expect to significantly improve the pass rate at all levels.

“We anticipate that everything will proceed without any glitches. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education expects the best pass rate,” Mr Ndoro added.

Meanwhile, more than 600 new schools have been constructed nationwide since 2022, and the Government is optimistic about achieving the target of building 200 more before the end of this year. This ambitious school-building programme seeks to address urgent infrastructure gaps and broaden educational opportunities for children nationwide.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo highlighted in the National Assembly the success of the multi-stakeholder approach in delivering desired results.

“We carried a study in 2022 and the findings of the study were that we had a deficit of 3 000, but now, I can happily inform this House that we have constructed more than 600 schools,” he said.

“Since 2022 until now in 2025, we have built more than 600 schools. This year, we are targeting to build not less than 200 schools in 2025.”

Minister Moyo added that the term “construction” encompasses projects undertaken not only by the Government but also by development partners, private organisations, churches and individuals, all operating under the ministry’s regulatory framework. He detailed the broad coalition of partners.

“I wish to inform this House that one organisation, the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints has built seven schools this year.

“The Church of Johane Marange is building more than eight schools this year. The Government itself has received funding from NBS and we have started constructing 25 schools,” Minister Moyo said.

He further confirmed substantial international support, including a US$20 million pledge from the OPEC Fund for International Development and partnerships with governments like Algeria. With school construction being a key performance indicator for his ministry, Minister Moyo expressed confidence in meeting the 2025 target.

“I can confidently say that this year, come 31 December, we would have constructed not less than 200 schools,” he said. The massive infrastructure drive is a crucial step towards alleviating classroom overcrowding, reducing long travel distances for learners in rural areas, and ultimately improving the quality of education delivery nationwide. Sunday Mail

https://chat.whatsapp.com/IiQcAa8l9W1HfaZYYPy0mK?mode=ac_t

The Government is finalising modalities for Grade Seven, Form Four and Upper Sixth examinations that are starting next month.

 

Schools opened on Tuesday last week, marking the final lap of the 2025 academic year. Thousands of learners are expected to sit the exams.

 

The Government has also confirmed a smooth start to the third term, with no complaints received regarding schools demanding payment of fees exclusively in foreign currency. This is a notable development given past concerns where parents and guardians accused some schools of insisting on foreign currency payments despite Zimbabwe’s multicurrency system. Such demands previously forced parents to resort to the black market for US dollars, often at a higher rate than the official exchange.

 

“Since the opening of schools last week, Government has not received complaints from parents facing challenges of being compelled to pay fees in foreign currency only. Schools are accepting both foreign and local currency, and so far, the start of the third term has been smooth,” said Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Mr Taungana Ndoro.

 

The official exchange rate for the United States dollar currently hovers around ZWG32 per US$1 in major supermarkets and ZWG33 on the parallel market. Mr Ndoro further revealed that preparations for the public examinations are progressing well, noting that this year they expect to significantly improve the pass rate at all levels.

 

“We anticipate that everything will proceed without any glitches. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education expects the best pass rate,” Mr Ndoro added.

 

Meanwhile, more than 600 new schools have been constructed nationwide since 2022, and the Government is optimistic about achieving the target of building 200 more before the end of this year. This ambitious school-building programme seeks to address urgent infrastructure gaps and broaden educational opportunities for children nationwide.

 

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo highlighted in the National Assembly the success of the multi-stakeholder approach in delivering desired results.

 

“We carried a study in 2022 and the findings of the study were that we had a deficit of 3 000, but now, I can happily inform this House that we have constructed more than 600 schools,” he said.

 

“Since 2022 until now in 2025, we have built more than 600 schools. This year, we are targeting to build not less than 200 schools in 2025.”

 

Minister Moyo added that the term “construction” encompasses projects undertaken not only by the Government but also by development partners, private organisations, churches and individuals, all operating under the ministry’s regulatory framework. He detailed the broad coalition of partners.

 

“I wish to inform this House that one organisation, the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints has built seven schools this year.

 

“The Church of Johane Marange is building more than eight schools this year. The Government itself has received funding from NBS and we have started constructing 25 schools,” Minister Moyo said.

 

He further confirmed substantial international support, including a US$20 million pledge from the OPEC Fund for International Development and partnerships with governments like Algeria. With school construction being a key performance indicator for his ministry, Minister Moyo expressed confidence in meeting the 2025 target.

 

“I can confidently say that this year, come 31 December, we would have constructed not less than 200 schools,” he said. The massive infrastructure drive is a crucial step towards alleviating classroom overcrowding, reducing long travel distances for learners in rural areas, and ultimately improving the quality of education delivery nationwide. Sunday Mail