All systems go for second term opening

Schools are set to spring back to life today as the 2026 Second Term kicks off, with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education assuring guardians and learners that everything is in place for a smooth opening.

With high attendance expected on the first day, classrooms across the country are ready to welcome learners for the new term and hit the ground running.

As part of preparations yesterday, Harare, Bulawayo and other major towns and cities were a hive of activity as parents, guardians and learners flooded the central business districts and usual pick-up points in a frantic last-minute rush to prepare for the new school term.

From crowded clothing shops and packed stationery outlets to bustling transport pick-up points, the annual back-to-school scramble breathed life into the economy, with formal businesses and informal traders cashing in on soaring demand for school essentials.

Parents carrying bulky shopping bags squeezed through crowded pavements in search of uniforms, stationery, groceries and transport, while excited learners proudly clutched new school bags ahead of the new term.

Informal traders said the reopening of schools marked a critical business opportunity after weeks of subdued sales.

Vendors lined the streets displaying school uniforms, stockings, jerseys, satchels and stationery items, hoping to attract last-minute buyers.

At the Robert Mugabe Square in Harare, buses ferrying learners to various parts of the country were fully booked as parents and guardians accompanied children back to school following the April holiday.

The usually busy transport hub witnessed increased activity from early morning, with transport operators loading luggage and learners boarding buses destined for major towns and rural areas.

Learners said they were ready for the new term and promised to do well to please their parents and guardians, who fork out large sums of money to send them to school.

Parents interviewed at the Robert Mugabe Square in Harare expressed satisfaction with the smooth reopening process and availability of transport services.

Mrs Rumbidzai Moyo, whose daughter was returning to a boarding school in the Midlands Province, said she was hopeful learners would have an uninterrupted term.

“We are happy that buses are available and organised. Our wish is for children to focus on their education and have a productive term,” she said.

Another parent, Mr Tawanda Chikowore, said parents remain committed to investing in their children’s education despite the challenges they encounter in raising school fees.

“We have prepared our children for school and we hope the term progresses well. Education remains important for every child,” he said.

Learners also expressed readiness to resume classes after the holiday break.

Form 4 learner Melissa Dube said she was focused on improving her academic performance this term.

“I am ready for school and prepared to work hard, especially because examinations are approaching,” she said.

Takudzwa Nyathi, another learner, said he was looking forward to continuing his studies and extracurricular activities.

“I missed school during the holiday, although I had a couple of refresher lessons. I am ready for the new term,” he said.

A Bulawayo street vendor, Mrs Veronica Moyo, said business picked up significantly since the weekend, especially for winter school wear.

“It’s been a busy morning for us as parents are buying new school uniforms, especially winter wear, because of the cold weather expected,” she said.

“Our uniforms are affordable and of good quality, just like those sold in established shops. Since 8am, I have already sold four pairs of school shoes and several pairs of stockings.”

At major supermarkets and wholesalers, long queues snaked through tills as parents stocked up on groceries and boarding school provisions.

Banking halls were equally busy, with parents queueing to pay school fees and finalise other school-related expenses before classes resume today.

At the City Hall area, one of Bulawayo’s busiest transport hubs during school opening periods, buses lined up as early as 7am to ferry learners to boarding schools across Matabeleland and other provinces.

Parents could be seen helping children load trunks, groceries and blankets onto buses amid emotional farewells.

A similar scene unfolded at the OK Mart parking lot in Raylton, where buses and trucks destined for boarding schools loaded luggage and groceries throughout the day.

The high demand for transport reportedly forced some schools to outsource buses from local institutions.

Despite the excitement associated with the beginning of a new school term, some parents expressed concern over road safety following a recent surge in fatal road traffic accidents across the country.

Mr Reason Sibanda, whose daughter is in Form 3 at Matopo High School, said parents were praying for the safety of children travelling long distances.

“We pray for journey mercies for our children,” he said.

Another parent, Mr Amkela Ncube, whose child recently enrolled for Form One at Mzingwane High School, said: “There is no need for speeding because drivers have the whole day to reach their destinations.

“What matters most is that our children arrive safely.”

Mrs Oppah Siziba said she had only paid three-quarters of her son’s school fees and would clear the balance at the end of the month after reaching an agreement with the school.

Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Mr Taungana Ndoro said the opening of schools would proceed without major challenges.

“No hiccups whatsoever (are expected). The opening will be smooth, just the usual noise from the usual suspects.

“Schools are fully operational, learners are back in class tomorrow (today) and everything is running as it should. Ignore the sideshows; the ship is steady,” he said.

Mr Ndoro said they expect teaching and learning activities to commence immediately in all schools.

“We continue to urge parents and guardians to ensure that learners attend school consistently and on time so that they fully benefit from the learning process,” he said.

The Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) has raised concern over increasing cases of drug and substance abuse among school-going children and youths as schools reopen.

In a statement yesterday, ZNOART national chairman Mr Shalvar Chikomba urged learners to remain focused on education and avoid destructive behaviours.

“Children must go back to school to learn, build their future and make their parents proud. Young people are the future and vanguard of our nation, and education remains the backbone of development in every country,” he said.

Mr Chikomba said surveys they have conducted indicate that youths and urban communities are among the groups most affected by drug and substance abuse.

“The increasing accessibility of dangerous substances among school-going children threatens not only the education sector but also the future productivity and stability of the country,” he said.

Mr Chikomba said peer pressure continues to negatively affect many young people, leading some learners into harmful habits that affect their education, discipline and health.

He called for collective action involving parents, schools, churches, communities and law enforcement agencies to combat drug and substance abuse.

Mr Chikomba also urged authorities to intensify the fight against drug trafficking, strengthen awareness campaigns in schools and communities, and introduce tougher penalties for drug-related offences.

He encouraged the Government to increase rehabilitation centres and vocational training programmes for recovering youths. *_-Herald_*