The Government has expressed satisfaction with the orderly start of the 2026 school calendar following inspections carried out at selected schools across the country last week.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education conducted nationwide inspections to assess readiness and ensure a smooth commencement of the academic year. The exercise, which is conducted at the beginning of every school term, is aimed at promoting the delivery of quality education in line with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo visited schools in Manicaland, Masvingo and Matabeleland South provinces, while Deputy Minister Angeline Gata toured schools in the Midlands Province to evaluate conditions on the ground.
Speaking after the inspections, the Government said it was encouraged by the level of preparedness, compliance and infrastructure standards observed at most of the schools visited. Minister Moyo said the exercise demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring access to quality education for all learners.
He said the reopening of schools signals not only the continuation of academic activities but also a renewed commitment to nurturing future leaders. Minister Moyo expressed confidence that schools are ready to provide safe, inclusive and supportive learning environments for learners.
The minister said the ministry has worked closely with various stakeholders to ensure that learning materials, infrastructure and teaching staff are in place to meet the needs of pupils and students.
At St Michael’s Mambo Primary School in Buhera District, Minister Moyo said he was impressed by the level of preparedness, noting that all teachers had completed their schemes of work for the entire term and that lessons began on the first day.
In line with the Government’s digital transformation agenda under the Second Republic, the school also received 20 tablets, eight laptops and seven multimedia projectors to enhance the use of information and communication technologies in teaching and learning under the Heritage-Based Curriculum.
In the Midlands Province, Deputy Minister Gata said schools in Gweru and Kwekwe had opened smoothly, with most institutions showing adequate preparation for the new term. She also noted positive developments in infrastructure upgrades.
Chaplin High School in Gweru was singled out for praise after upgrading its practical halls and equipping them with modern facilities. Deputy Minister Gata said while significant progress has been made, there is still a need for continued infrastructure development, particularly at newly established schools.
She said the Government remains committed to expanding education infrastructure to reduce walking distances for learners and improve access to education, especially in rapidly growing communities.
