Online Reporter
Obey Sibanda, [email protected]
THE long-awaited dream of a secondary school for the people of Wililisa in Matshetsheni area, Gwanda, is finally becoming a reality after Gwanda North businessman and Zanu-PF shadow MP, Cde Lungisani Costa Ncube, handed over roofing materials to complete classroom blocks at the new learning institution.
For the past 23 years, land had been set aside for the construction of a secondary school in Wililisa Village.
However, with no development taking place, the project appeared destined to remain a pipe dream as the site gradually became grazing land for livestock.
The absence of a local secondary school had forced learners from Wililisa and surrounding communities to travel more than 15 kilometres to the nearest schools each day.
Community leaders and villagers had repeatedly appealed for the construction of a school to ease the burden on children, but their calls went unanswered for more than two decades.
Determined to change the situation, Cde Ncube stepped in after learning of the hardships faced by learners who walk the long distance to attend school.
A recent tour of the construction site revealed significant progress as a four-classroom block has reached roof level while ablution facilities have been completed, and a teachers’ cottage is at foundation stage.
“Since 2002, villagers of Wililisa had nothing but a piece of land to show where the school would be built,” said Cde Ncube.
“Their biggest concern was that the lack of a local secondary school was forcing many children to drop out before completing their studies. Even among those who make it to O-Level, the pass rate remains low because of the long distances they travel every day.”
Cde Ncube said his involvement in the project was inspired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call for businesspeople and community leaders to contribute towards national development by supporting projects that improve people’s lives.
A respected miner in Matabeleland South Province, Cde Ncube said education remains one of the most important investments any community can make.
“Today we are handing over roofing trusses for the completion of the school. It’s my dream to see smiles all over the village as their dream of having a secondary school turns to reality,” he said.
“What I’m doing is just a response to our President’s call to give back to our communities. Education is the foundation of development, and the children of Wililisa deserve the same opportunities as every other child in Zimbabwe.”
Cde Ncube also praised the local community for its commitment to the project, describing villagers as hardworking and determined to see the school completed.
Veteran educator and villager Mr Themba Ndlovu welcomed the development, saying it would help address high dropout rates in the area.
“Long walking distances are a major contributor to school dropouts, and the completion of a secondary school in Wililisa will help reverse that trend,” said Mr Ndlovu.
“Having both a primary and secondary school within the same ward will motivate learners to stay in school and complete their education,” he said.
“In the future, it would be ideal for Wililisa Secondary School to grow into a fully-fledged high school.”
Community members are also playing their part by providing free labour and supplying building materials such as river sand sourced from local waterways.
