Story by Elroi Ngara & Buhlebenkosi Makwelo
WITH the second term of the 2025 academic year set to begin on Tuesday, a wave of last-minute shopping swept through Harare’s Central Business District as a similar scene unfolded in Bulawayo, this Saturday as parents and guardians scrambled to prepare their children for school.
Shops teemed with customers purchasing school stationery and winter uniforms, while vendors lined the pavements with educational supplies.
Parents in the capital voiced the financial pressure of balancing school-related expenses with other household needs. Despite the challenges, their determination to send children back to school remains unwavering.
“I am thrilled about the back-to-school season because some are selling uniforms at affordable prices, which really helps me save money,” one parent said.
“Going back to school is tough for me this time. I have many children and grandchildren to take care of, but I am trying my best,” said a guardian.
“We are trying our best to ensure our children return to school,” another parent echoed.
Uniform suppliers in Bulawayo welcomed the late influx of customers, noting an uptick in business after weeks of slow sales.
“It has been reasonably slow the last couple of weeks. As you can see, we’re getting a lot of late shoppers, so it is starting to pick up today. There is an improvement, so I am happy. We accept all forms of payment,” said one supplier.
Retailers in Harare also reported a noticeable surge in customer traffic, prompting many to adjust prices to accommodate cash-strapped families.
As the winter chill sets in, parents in both cities are braving the season’s demands to prioritise their children’s education, underlining a shared national commitment to schooling.
