Ministry steps in over extra lessons uproar

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is set to engage parents at Houghton Park Primary School following mounting concerns over compulsory extra lessons and related fees imposed on learners.

In a letter dated June 2, 2026, school headmaster Gift Muzenda informed parents that an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) will be held on Tuesday at 9am at the school premises, with ministry officials expected to attend.

"The Ministry officials will convene an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) on Tuesday 9 June 2026 at Houghton Park Primary School at 9am," the letter reads. "Agenda: Extra lessons concerns. Please be there on time."

The meeting comes amid growing complaints from parents who say extra lessons have become mandatory and costly, even for Early Childhood Development (ECD) learners. Parents argue that the practice has shifted from academic support to what they describe as a "fundraising initiative" by some schools.

Tensions have reportedly escalated at Houghton Park Primary, with disagreements between parents and teachers spilling into school WhatsApp groups.

While the school has attracted particular attention, parents from other missionary and government schools have also come forward, saying similar practices are widespread across the education sector.

The upcoming meeting is expected to clarify the ministry's position and address concerns over the regulation and affordability of extra lessons in public schools.