Govt cracks down on school fees, uniform abuses! School reopening guidelines

Source: Govt cracks down on school fees, uniform abuses! School reopening guidelines – herald

Zimpapers Reporter

GOVERNMENT has issued fresh guidelines for schools ahead of the start of the third term next Tuesday, directing education stakeholders to prioritise quality teaching, learner safety and examination preparedness.

Grade Seven, Ordinary Level and Advanced Level candidates will return to class for one of the most crucial periods of the academic year as preparations intensify for end-of-year examinations.

In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education called on learners, teachers, school heads, administrators, parents and other stakeholders to recommit themselves to providing quality, inclusive and equitable education while ensuring that teaching and learning remain the central focus in every school.

The ministry reiterated that every child has a right to education and urged schools to ensure that learners with disabilities, vulnerable children and those returning to Zimbabwe from abroad are welcomed, enrolled and adequately supported.

“No eligible child should be denied the opportunity to attend school. The ministry appeals to parents and guardians to pay approved school fees and levies on or before the opening of schools to ensure the smooth running of school operations and the provision of essential educational services.

“The obligation to pay approved fees and levies remains with parents and guardians. The ministry emphasises that fees and levies are payable in accordance with Zimbabwean fiscal and monetary laws and regulations,” said the ministry.

The ministry also reminded schools that parents and guardians are free to purchase uniforms and stationery from suppliers of their choice, provided the items meet school specifications. School heads and responsible authorities, whether Government or non-Government, have been warned against compelling parents to purchase uniforms and stationery exclusively from schools.

The third term will also see the continued implementation of the Heritage-Based Curriculum, with schools expected to promote the holistic development of learners through national values, heritage, knowledge, skills and competencies.

At the same time, schools are expected to maintain a strong focus on preparing candidates for Zimsec examinations and other approved national assessments.

The ministry said examination centres must ensure candidates are adequately prepared and supported, while non-examination classes undertake their school-based end-of-year assessments.

“As we begin this important term, let us ensure that every child is in school, every teacher is teaching, and every school remains focused on quality teaching, meaningful learning and improved educational outcomes,” said the ministry.

Schools and examination centres have also been urged to safeguard the integrity and credibility of examinations by ensuring that preparation and administration processes are conducted smoothly and in accordance with established regulations.

The safe transportation of learners has been identified as another key priority, particularly for day scholars who commute between home and school.

“All arrangements for transporting pupils must prioritise their safety and well-being. Parents and schools are urged to ensure that vehicles used to transport pupils are roadworthy, properly licensed and not overloaded,” said the ministry.

Transport operators have been urged to strictly observe road safety regulations, while parents and schools have been encouraged to exercise due diligence when selecting and monitoring transport providers.

The measures are intended to reduce the risk of road accidents, overloading and other dangers associated with learner transportation.

The ministry called for collective responsibility among school authorities, teachers, parents, guardians, communities, development partners, civil society organisations, teacher unions and other stakeholders to ensure a successful third term.

Learners have been urged to return to school with renewed discipline, commitment and determination, while teachers and administrators have been encouraged to foster safe, inclusive and productive learning environments.

With the new term beginning next week, the ministry said its priority remains ensuring that every child is in school, every teacher is teaching and every school is focused on delivering quality education and improved learning outcomes.

The ministry has also urged schools to protect instructional time despite a calendar that includes several national and educational events.

These include commemorations of World Teachers’ Day, World Literacy Day and the National Annual Science, Sport and Arts Festival (NASSAF), among other programmes.

While schools are encouraged to participate meaningfully in such activities, the ministry said they should be organised in a manner that does not disrupt teaching and learning.

Government said adherence to the guidelines would help create inclusive, compliant and stable learning environments while ensuring a productive and successful third term for all learners.

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