ISAMA President Wycliffe Chimwendo was reacting to news that some schools are planning to close earlier than the government set school calendar as a way of cutting the costs.

“It is unfortunate that the devaluation is affecting the operations of schools. However, schools should also stick to government stipulated calendar because closing earlier would affect covering of certain topics especially in examination classes that need ample time to prepare for the examinations and to cover syllabus among others.

“I know the devaluation has affected schools especially boarding schools. I believe that next term there will be revision of fees but it is my prayer and plea to the schools’ management to consider the students,” he said.

Ministry of education spokesperson, Mphatso Mkuonera, says the ministry has recommended calendar where first term closes on 22 December, 2023 and it is their hope that the calendar will be followed.

On the other hand, reacting to the devaluation, one of the private schools, Maranatha Academy, has asked parents and guardians for an additional K70 thousand to wind up this term.

“This decision has been made in order to match with the market prices of services and commodities for students. Management will communicate revised fees structure for second term in due course,” says Aaron Banda, the Academy’s headteacher.