As students across the country prepare to return to their classrooms this week for the third term, there is a familiar excitement in the air. New uniforms are pressed, shoes polished, and backpacks packed with fresh notebooks. But beyond the usual back-to-school buzz, this term carries an important message from the government, a renewed focus on supporting teachers, enforcing fair school fees, and creating better learning environments.
At the heart of any successful school term is the teacher. Recognising this, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has committed to building the capacity of teachers through intensive training workshops, mentorship programmes, and subject-specific panels.
As Minister Torerai Moyo explained, these efforts aim to guarantee the successful delivery of the heritage-based curriculum. The government has also promised to distribute updated syllabuses and digital resources to all schools by the end of 2025, ensuring that teachers are well-equipped and aligned with the curriculum.
While these promises are encouraging, it is important that they are matched with real, tangible improvements on the ground. The back-to-school season is not simply about students walking back into classrooms it is about renewing and strengthening the entire education system.
Education begins and ends with teachers. No matter how advanced the curriculum or how modern the resources, the impact of a school depends largely on the quality and preparedness of its teachers. They are the ones who interpret the curriculum, inspire curiosity, manage classrooms, and nurture students’ potential.
When teachers receive regular, relevant training and mentorship, they become more confident and effective in their roles. This leads to better engagement with students and improved learning outcomes.
The Ministry’s plan to conduct intensive training workshops and create subject-specific panels is a positive step. It signals an understanding that teachers need ongoing professional development, not just occasional refresher courses.
However, training must be practical and continuous. Teachers in rural and underserved areas often face unique challenges from large class sizes and lack of materials to limited access to technology. Professional development programmes must address these realities and equip teachers with tools and strategies that work in their specific contexts.
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The government’s emphasis on a heritage-based curriculum is another important aspect of the education agenda. Education is not just about facts and figures it is also about culture, identity, and values. A curriculum that reflects a country’s heritage helps students connect with their roots and understand their place in the world.
For the heritage-based curriculum to succeed, every teacher must be well-versed in its content and objectives. Distributing updated syllabuses and digital resources is crucial. But it is equally important that these materials reach all schools promptly and that teachers are trained to use them effectively.
Delayed or uneven distribution risks widening educational inequalities, especially between urban and rural schools. As such, a commitment to fairness and access must guide the rollout of these resources.
The promise of digital resources for schools is exciting. Technology has the power to transform learning by providing interactive content, expanding access to information, and enabling personalized learning experiences. However, the introduction of digital tools must come with careful planning.
Many schools, especially in rural areas, struggle with electricity outages, poor internet connectivity, and a lack of devices. Providing digital resources without addressing these infrastructure challenges may create frustration and limit the potential benefits.
To truly harness the power of digital learning, investment must also be made in infrastructure ensuring reliable electricity, internet access, and maintenance support. Training teachers in using digital tools is equally important. Only then can technology be a true enabler of quality education.
The government’s commitment to ensuring compliance with the school fees structure is commendable. Standardizing fees helps maintain fairness and prevents exploitation of parents by some schools charging exorbitant amounts.
However, enforcing fees compliance must be done with sensitivity. Many families continue to face economic hardships, exacerbated by ongoing global and local challenges. Strict fee enforcement without consideration of individual circumstances risks pushing some students out of school.
A balanced approach could include flexible payment options, fee waivers for vulnerable families, and increased government support for schools struggling to maintain operations without high fees. Engaging communities in dialogue about fees and transparency will also help build trust.
A conducive learning environment goes beyond textbooks and lessons. It includes safe classrooms, clean water, proper sanitation, nutritious meals, and emotional support for students. All these factors contribute to a child’s ability to focus, participate, and thrive at school.
The government’s promise to provide better learning environments is essential. Many schools still lack basic facilities, which affects attendance and learning. Improving school infrastructure must be a priority alongside teacher training and curriculum reform.
Furthermore, learning environments should foster inclusivity and respect. Schools should be safe spaces free from bullying and discrimination, where all children feel valued and supported.
Back to school also means renewed opportunities for communities and parents to engage with education. Schools cannot function effectively in isolation. Parents, local leaders, and community members all have roles to play in supporting learners and schools.
Parental involvement, whether through attending meetings, supporting homework, or participating in school activities, has been shown to improve student performance and motivation. Communities can also help by advocating for better resources and monitoring the quality of education provided.
The government’s policies should encourage and facilitate this community engagement, recognizing that education is a shared responsibility.
As the third term begins, it is important to recognize the positive intentions behind the government’s plans. Building teacher capacity, enforcing fair fees, and improving learning environments are all critical components of a strong education system.
But words and policies are only the beginning. The real test will be in how these commitments are implemented. Will teachers receive the training and resources they need on time? Will digital tools reach all schools and be used effectively? Will families feel supported rather than burdened by fees? Will schools become safer, healthier places for students to learn?
Success requires coordination, adequate funding, and ongoing monitoring. It also requires listening to teachers, students, and parents those who experience education every day.
Back to school should never just mean reopening classrooms and restarting lessons. It should mean renewal, growth, and hope for a better future.
This term presents an opportunity to transform education by prioritizing the people at its heart the teachers and learners. When teachers are empowered and supported, students flourish. When schools provide safe and welcoming environments, learning thrives.
The government’s commitments are a solid foundation. Now, it is time to build on them with action that reaches every corner of the country. Let this back-to-school season be the start not just of another term, but of real progress in education.
