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Conrad Mupesa Mashonaland West Bureau
AT least 100 new primary and secondary schools are needed in Mashonaland West for the Education Ministry to improve accessibility of education to learners in rural and urban areas of the province.
This was revealed by the Mashonaland West deputy director in the Primary and Secondary Education Ministry, Mr Jason Dzveta during the provincial Indaba on Schools Deficit Programme held between Government and the corporate world in Chinhoyi.
The indaba was meant to find solutions to reduce the deficit of 126 schools, with private players having been roped to play their role as part of their corporate social responsibilities.
Mr Dzveta said out of the seven districts, Kariba was in dire need of new schools as exhibited by poor pass rates, high staff turnover and structure of facilities.
The district is also in need of staff accommodation, another reason why teachers were shunning Kariba rural side.
“Kariba has a total need of seven schools. This is so because the district is small. The district is the remotest in the province with teachers shunning it,” he said.
At already established schools, Government noted that more classrooms and laboratories were needed as the population continues to rise.
Some of the schools that were given as references include Nemakonde High School in Chinhoyi’s high-density suburb of Chikonohono with a total enrolment of 2700 students and over 100 teachers.
The school needs at least 20 new classroom blocks.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution permanent secretary, Mr Josphat Jaji said a call was being made to the corporate world to join hands with Government.
The indaba was attended by players from banking sector, the manufacturing industry, and various Government departments, among other stakeholders.
Online Reporter