The National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) will today mid-day announce the results of the candidate who sat for the 2024 national exams which will mark the beginning for the academic year 2024/2025.

So far, the students across the country are highly anticipating the exam results as they enjoy the last days of their holidays while preparing for the new academic year. The end of leisure holidays is coming with a mixture of feelings as students jet in into another hectic academic year 2024/2025 school year. For the parents, the costs of education that they owe to the learning institution on their shoulders is what they look to.

The Campus spoke with students and parents ahead of the new school year.

Fabrice Kamanzi, a senior three students at the Gatenga School Group is ready to begin the year with determination.

"I'm entering a hard year, the one that determines my promotion to the next class. It's not going to be easy, and I know I have to work hard because an exam is waiting for me," he said.

Despite the demands of helping his parents during the vacation, Kamanzi didn't let revisions slip away from him. "I didn't waste this vacation. I took time to review my notes, meet my classmates, and discuss what we learned at school," he added.

Jeanne Mutamba, a student pursuing Hotel Management at Exodus TVET in Nyagatare District, echoed her colleague emphasizing that the holiday was shorter than expected. Mutamba had ample time to review her coursework and these helped her on the academic lane.

"I took advantage of the vacation to visit hotels and observe the work environment. It helped me connect what I learned in class to the real world," Jeanne said, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience in her education.

Nonetheless, parents are not excited in a way that some are merely pessimistic particularly on the tuition.

Calixte Nsanzabaganwa a foster parent with two children one in secondary and another in primary expressed her concerns about the rising cost of education.

"Everything has become so expensive from school materials to tuition fees. It's becoming harder to ensure the children are well-prepared for the school year while also managing our daily needs," she said, highlighting the financial strain many families are facing as they prepare for the new term.

Meanwhile, as the 2024/2025 school year approaches it seems parents are grappling with the financial issues.