THE government has brought forward the August holiday lesson dates by a week, beginning August 8, but urged school authorities to respect the national holidays.
The lessons were supposed to run from August 18 to 29.
In a circular addressed to chief directors, provincial education directors, school heads and teachers, Primary and Secondary Education secretary Moses Mhike said vacation school for Grade 7, Form 4 and Upper 6 will run from August 8 to 21.
He, however, called on schools to recognise challenges faced by parents and guardians, urging authorities to keep the costs affordable.
“It is recognised that schools have different challenges that may have affected their syllabus coverage and necessitated the conduct of vacation school for examination classes.
“All must be cognisant of the need to prevent the ever-escalating cost of teaching and learning for parents, particularly given the disadvantaged pupils who otherwise would not benefit from extra support,” Mhike said.
“Therefore, for the year 2025, authority is granted for schools to conduct vacation school during the August holidays for the examination classes of Grade 7, Form 4 and Upper 6.
“All schools must take cognisance of the Heroes and Defence Forces Day and not conduct lessons during the two national holidays.
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“Schools can opt to utilise a Saturday, Sunday or both to get their 10-day stretch within the authorised time-frame. No vacation will be authorised beyond the 21st of August 2025.”
Mhike said primary schools should charge US$2 per learning area for each Grade 7 pupil, while secondary schools will charge US$3 per learning area for Form 4 learners and US$5 per learning area for Upper 6 students, payable at the equivalent bank rate in Zimbabwe Gold.
All boarders will pay an extra US$5 per day for their upkeep during the vacation school period or the equivalent at the bank rate in ZiG.
“The collected funds other than those for boarding expenses should be utilised as guided herewith; 30% for utilities, stationery, 20% administration and 50% teacher appreciation in both day and boarding schools,” Mhike said.
He said parents and guardians should be given receipts at the point of payment, while proper books of accounts should be maintained and managed for an audit trail.
Learners should attend vacation school in uniform and teachers must dress properly.
