The government has revised the dates for vacation school lessons, which will now run from August 8 to 21.The sessions were initially scheduled for August 18 to 29. The vacation school targets examination classes, namely Grade 7, Form 4, and Upper 6.
This adjustment was communicated by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mr. Moses Mhike, through a circular addressed to chief directors, provincial education directors, school heads, and teachers.“Therefore, for the year 2025, permission is granted for schools to conduct vacation school during the August break for the examination classes of Grade 7, Form 4, and Upper 6,” said Mr. Mhike.
The Permanent Secretary instructed schools not to hold lessons during the Heroes and Defence Forces Day holidays.“All schools must acknowledge the significance of Heroes and Defence Forces Day and refrain from conducting lessons on these two national holidays,” he said.Zimbabwe commemorates Heroes and Defence Forces Day on August 11 and 12, held at the National Heroes Acre and Rufaro Stadium, respectively.
His Excellency, President ED Mnangagwa, is expected to officiate the celebrations on both occasions.Schools have been permitted to hold classes over weekends to make up for the holiday break. The vacation school will span ten days within the stipulated period. The session concludes on August 21 and cannot be extended.
The fee structure for the vacation school is as follows: Primary schools will charge US$2 per subject for each Grade 7 learner, secondary schools will charge US$3 per subject for Form 4 learners, and US$5 per subject for Upper 6 students. Payments are to be made at the equivalent bank rate in Zimbabwe Gold.An additional US$5 per day has been set for the upkeep of boarding students.
The authorisation to run vacation schools is based on the imperative to complete the syllabus. The approved fee structure is designed to ensure inclusivity, safeguarding against disadvantaging any learners.Guidelines for the use of collected funds were also provided: 30% for utilities and stationery, 20% for administration, and 50% for teacher incentives, applicable in both day and boarding schools.
