HARARE – In a surprising turn of events, the Zimbabwean government has reversed its decision to cancel the traditional early school holiday for Grade Seven pupils who had just completed their national examinations.
The Grade Seven pupils concluded their examinations last week, and the initial directive from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education had canceled the holiday.
Instead, the ministry ordered the current Grade Sevens to continue attending school until the end of the third term in December, participating in so-called “compulsory organized learning” aimed at facilitating their transition from primary to secondary education.

This move was intended to provide students with guidance and counseling as they prepared to enroll in secondary school.
However, the government has since made a U-turn on this order.
A circular numbered 18 was issued by the Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education, Moses Mhike, announcing the cancellation of the previous directive.
According to Mhike, Grade 7 pupils should now be allowed to close school and enjoy their well-deserved break.
Furthermore, the circular makes provision for schools that had planned and budgeted for educational school trips to proceed with their arrangements as outlined in Circular P54.
The reversal has been widely discussed among stakeholders, and it reflects the importance of flexibility in educational policies to accommodate the well-being and expectations of students, especially during significant transitional periods in their academic journey.