shloboe boe
Raymond Jaravaza, raymondjaravaza@gmail.com
THOUSANDS of learners, from Early Childhood Development (ECD) to Advanced Level, returned to schools across Bulawayo yesterday, marking the start of the 2025 academic year. Heavy rains in the city did not disrupt the smooth reopening of schools.
Most boarding school students departed for schools in Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South provinces on Monday, with some travelling on Tuesday.
The headmaster of Angels Primary School, Mr Mduduzi Tshuma, reported a significant increase in ECD enrolments this year.
“Last year, we enrolled 21 ECD pupils, but this year, we’ve already welcomed 33 learners on the first day of the term. We expect the number to rise to about 38 by the end of the week, as parents continue to inquire about vacancies,” he said.
To maintain a desirable teacher-to-pupil ratio, the school plans to divide learners into two classes if enrolments exceed 35. The school, which achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in last year’s Grade Seven examinations, credits its success to smaller class sizes and focused teaching.
“We don’t accept new Grade Six learners mid-year because we believe the foundational work for Grade Seven exams begins a year in advance,” added Mr Tshuma.
Across Bulawayo, the first day of the term was a milestone for thousands of children starting ECD classes.
At Growing Minds Academy, 10 new ECD learners began classes on Tuesday, with more expected to enrol throughout the week.
“Our ECD classes have a strict teacher-to-pupil ratio of 1:20, with one teacher and an assistant per class.
We also offer flexible payment plans for parents struggling to pay fees in full,” said the academy’s marketing manager, Ms Samantha Manyathela.
In Mzilikazi suburb, Mrs Angelina Ndlovu, an ECD teacher, observed that most children adapt to the school routine by the end of their first week.
“Parents collect their children at 12.30pm, and for security purposes, only individuals registered with the school are permitted to pick them up,” she said.
Despite the heavy rains, the Bulawayo Fire Brigade reported no school-related emergencies on the first day of term. However, parents were reminded to prioritise safety during the rainy season.
Chief fire officer, Mr Mhlangano Moyo, advised parents to avoid flood-prone areas when collecting children.
He highlighted waterways such as Phekiwe Stream in Nkulumane, Nketa and Rangemore; Mazayi River; and Sakhile Stream in Nketa and Emganwini as posing significant drowning risks.
Mahlabezulu Primary School in Tshabalala suburb, which suffered partial roof damage from a December storm, remains the only school reported to have been affected by the recent downpour.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Mr Torerayi Moyo, announced that the Government would complete the training of teachers on the new Heritage-Based 5.0 Curriculum (HBC) by February, ensuring they are prepared to implement it in their schools.
The Minister, a teacher by profession, toured three schools—Shingai Primary School in Chitungwiza, Borrowdale Primary School and Churchill Boys’ High School in Harare.
During his visit to Churchill Boys’ High, Minister Moyo engaged Upper Six Arts students in a lively discussion about the French Revolution, encouraging active participation and bringing historical events to life. He also assigned group projects, supervised their work and marked their presentations, fostering collaboration and deeper understanding.
“The training of teachers on the Heritage-Based 5.0 Curriculum starts at the district level, moves to clusters and eventually reaches individual schools,” he explained.
“Since the training has already commenced, we will not need more than two months to complete the process. By February, all teachers in the country will have been trained in the HBC.”
The Minister expressed satisfaction with schools’ preparedness for the new term.
“Our observations indicate that schools are 100 per cent ready for reopening. Lessons began promptly at 7:30 AM and significant progress has been made. Teachers are actively engaged in lesson planning, particularly for the new heritage-based curriculum.”
He commended teachers for integrating innovative teaching approaches and applauded the 2024 results at the schools he visited, with Shingai Primary School achieving an 87 per cent pass rate, Borrowdale Primary School 95 per cent and Churchill High School 95 per cent for A-level results.
Minister Moyo urged schools to maintain high standards and focus on cleanliness and adherence to standard operating procedures, particularly in light of the cholera outbreaks in Mashonaland Central. He emphasised the importance of running water and protective measures in schools to combat the disease.
He also stated that the ministry would investigate schools reported by parents for violating Government statutes. — Additional Reporting by Harare Bureau.
