2nd Republic rolls out model schools

Victor Maphosa Mash East Bureau

MAKUMIMAVI Primary School in Chivhu, Mashonaland East province, is one good example of the state-of-the art schools that the Second Republic is building, as Government puts measures to improve the education system and learning environment for learners across the country.

Prior to the building of this model modern school, learners would gather and receive lesson on the veranda of a farm house, which doubled as a teachers’ quarters.

Some dilapidated compound huts were also converted to temporary classrooms and these did not provide conducive environment for learners and adversely affected their performance.

However, the Second Republic, which is fully aware that appropriate infrastructure is crucial for a conducive learning environment, then came to the aid of the learners and staff, and built the modern school, with the model now expected to be replicated across the province.

The school has classroom blocks which cater for ECD classes up to Grade Seven.

Teachers’ houses are also in the premises, and what is now left is for water and electricity to be connected, while a borehole has already been drilled.

Now that Government does not consider quality education for learners lightly, classrooms at this school have been equipped with modern tools to facilitate teaching and learning processes.

On Wednesday this week, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes Dr Joram Gumbo visited the model school, prior to its expected official commissioning.

He said Government embarked on deliberate programmes aimed at accelerating infrastructure development and rehabilitation of schools.

“This comes at a time when educationists have warned that appropriate infrastructure is a crucial element for providing a conducive learning environment in our schools,” said Dr Gumbo.

“This is because there is growing recognition and acceptance that a positive correlation exists between the quality of infrastructure, better instruction and improved student performance.

“Government is, therefore, acutely aware that in order to sustain the impressive literacy rate, efforts should be made to accelerate infrastructure development and rehabilitation in our schools.

“For the purposes of clarity and common understanding, when we talk about educational infrastructure, we refer to the material things which facilitate teaching and learning processes in schools and they include buildings, equipment, which covers teaching aids, computers and computer science and laboratory equipment.

“From the tour we just conducted, I noticed that the school has since been equipped with modern technology in all the 13 classrooms including interactive whiteboards, internet and projectors. In addition, there is a fully functional computer laboratory.

“It is heartening to note that the use of these modern teaching tools and techniques has increased learner motivation and improved the Grade 7 pass rate at the school. I am also pleased to learn that the good facilities have contributed to teacher retention and led to an increase in enrolment from 163 in 2019 to the current 280 learners.”

Dr Gumbo said his office will engage with relevant authorities to address the challenges affecting the new school, which include lack of water and electricity.

He commended the Chivhu community for their contribution towards the construction of the primary school.

Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East Mr Tavabarira Kutamahufa, in his remarks thanked Government for channelling funds towards establishing the school.

“We are thankful that such a school has been built in our province,” he said.

“It is pleasing to note that Government is fulfilling the promises of improving the learning environment of learners and the teaching environment for teachers.

“The Second Republic should be commended for that.”

Makumimavi Primary School headmaster Mr Tonderai Mandidewa said since the construction of the school, enrolment had improved, so as is the pass rate.

“Before this school was built, our children were using makeshift rooms as classrooms, they did not have chairs and desks and would sit on the floors,” he said.

“There was no space. However, ever since this school was built, we have modern smart classrooms and movable computer laboratory among other teaching and learning tools.

“We started with four teachers but now we have eleven. Our enrolment improved also and now we have more than 280 learners. We are also pleased to say our pass rate has greatly improved. We are thankful to the Government for this modern school and we will utilise this school and make sure it lasts for the benefit of the future generation.”

Grade Six learner, Emmanuel Manunure, said the school was beautiful and thanked Government.

“I am happy that we have been built a nice school. I thank Government and also want to recognise our teachers for being there for us,” he said.

Another learner, Lynn Chidanire also commended authorities for the school

“I am happy that now we are at a beautiful school, thanks to the Government and all those who made this possible,” she said.