Government has appealed to parents, guardians and communities to put the safety of learners first in provinces affected by persistent heavy rains, as flooding continues to cut off access to schools in several parts of the country.
The appeal comes amid reports that at least 41 schools nationwide have been affected, with Matabeleland South among the worst-hit provinces. Swollen rivers and streams have left many learners stranded, unable to cross safely to attend lessons, while some schools have suffered damage to infrastructure.
Since December 2025, continuous rainfall has caused widespread flooding in parts of Matabeleland South, displacing communities and disrupting learning. In some areas, school premises and access roads have been rendered impassable, forcing learners to remain at home.
Director of Communication and Advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mr Taungana Ndoro, said preliminary assessments show that five provinces are experiencing serious disruptions.
“Reports from our provincial and district offices indicate that a number of schools have been affected by flooded rivers, damaged infrastructure and access challenges,” he said. “The most affected provinces include Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Manicaland, Matabeleland South and parts of Masvingo. Assessments are ongoing as the situation continues to evolve.”
Mr Ndoro stressed that learner safety remains the ministry’s top priority, urging parents not to expose children to danger.
“No parent or guardian should allow a child to attempt crossing flooded rivers or streams. Safety comes first. Learners should stay at home and schools must be notified of their absence. No learner will be penalised for missing school under these conditions,” he said.
He also urged schools and communities to follow guidance from the Civil Protection Unit and local authorities, warning against using routes that have not been officially declared safe.
To minimise learning disruptions, the ministry has activated its Catch-Up Strategy, which includes remedial lessons, weekend and holiday classes, as well as the distribution of self-study materials to learners in affected areas.
“We are also exploring the use of digital platforms to broadcast lessons online so that learning can continue even when physical attendance is not possible,” Mr Ndoro said.
In areas where school infrastructure has been damaged, tents have been provided to serve as temporary learning spaces as authorities work on longer-term reconstruction plans.
Meanwhile, the Civil Protection Unit has reiterated warnings against crossing flooded waterways and highlighted the growing risk of urban flooding, worsened by blocked storm drains that have made some roads and pavements impassable.
As heavy rains persist, Government has called for collective vigilance, emphasising that protecting lives remains paramount while efforts continue to restore normal learning conditions.
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