HARARE – The ministry of primary and second education on Tuesday released the revised 2022 school calendar, with the first term lasting just 45 days.
The government last week said schools would open on February 7 following delays it blamed on a spike in Covid-19 infections, although teachers’ unions identified the late marking of Grade 7 examinations as the reason for the deferment.
The first term will close on Thursday, April 7.
After a 26-day vacation, schools will re-open on Tuesday, May 3, closing on Thursday, August 3. The number of school days will be 69.
A longer interval of 30 days will follow before the third term opens on Monday, September 5, terminating on December 8 after 71 days.
The first term in 2023 will open on Monday, January 9, the ministry said in a notice.
The 2021 Grade 7 examination results will be released sometime this week, the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council said last week.
Parents have just a few days and the weekend to find placement for their children before schools open next week.
Teachers’ unions have threatened strikes over poor pay.
The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe said: “Everyone must know that whereas the ministry has produced a revised calendar, the number of learning days per term will not be decided by the calendar, but by the Public Service Commission and treasury‘s seriousness in dealing with the issue of teacher remuneration. US$540 or no learning.”
