Reopening of schools for all learners by November

The Ministry of Information has confirmed that all learners will be able to start attending classes by November and reopening of schools will be in three phases. This will allow monitoring of the covid-19 infections which seems to have been increasing at a lower rate since last stage of lockdown Exam classes for CAMBRIDGE IGCSE reopened on the 14th of Sept, whilst ZIMSEC candidates are expected to reopen on the 28th of SEPTEMBER 2020. According to the ministry, there were no cases recorded in schools since the 14th. The classes expected to start on the 28th are GRADE 7, FORM 4 and FORM 6 exam classes

The next phase will be for GRADE 6, FORM 3 and FORM 5 classes. The government promises to provide personal protective equipment for schools and enforce covid19 regulation to reduce the chances of infections. However, the success of this will depend on the ability of teachers to report for duty, especially in rural areas. The teachers unions demand that the Government increase salary that matches poverty datum line to enable teachers travel to schools and afford basics. According to the unions, many teachers are incapacitated to attend classes given the current salary.

Exam Starting date confirmed

The date for starting Zimsec exams has been confirmed according to post cabinet briefing of 1st September 2020. After consultation with the relevant stakeholders, the ministry has reached the decision to schedule the first examination for 1st December 2020. The schools closed in March of 2020 due to covid19 pandemic and are expected to re-open on the 28th of September this year to resume learning for exam classes. However, some teachers unions are pleading with the ministry to shift the exams to February of 2021 when the effects of the pandemic have eased. This will also compensate learning time lost when the schools were closed. The