Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
ST John’s Primary School Mapfumo head says the school is transforming into a modern learning institution.
This follows the introduction of major infrastructure and innovation projects aimed at improving education standards and learner welfare.
The school head, Grace Chingwenese-Mashizha, said for more than eight decades, the Anglican-run institution has stood as a beacon of faith, discipline and service under the guidance of the Anglican Diocese of Harare.
Last week, the school earned a recognition not only for its rich spiritual foundation, but also for its remarkable transformation in infrastructure, technology and academic development.
The school received the 2026 Bishop’s Merit Award in the primary category.
“This award is proof that excellence knows no geography.
“We are also proud to play a role in shaping the future of Zimbabwean education by hosting eight vibrant student teachers from Madziwa Teachers’ College, who inject fresh energy and contemporary ideas into our classrooms.
“Through robust infrastructure development, we are transforming our landscape, more importantly, we bridging the digital divide through the extensive computerisation of the school.
“Our learners are no longer just reading about technology in textbooks, they are interacting with it, ensuring that a child from Mapfumo stands an equal footing with a child anywhere else in the world.”
She made history by becoming the first female head in the school’s 85-year history.
The school currently has an enrolment of about 1,600 learners, a situation that had resulted in hot sitting due to limited classroom space.
The school constructed a new four-classroom block and renovated older classroom blocks to ensure that all learners now have proper learning spaces during lessons.
The school has taken significant steps towards embracing digital learning after securing 70 ICT gadgets for learners.
In addition, the institution has installed a power back-up system and unlimited Wi-Fi access to improve digital learning and ensure uninterrupted access to technology.
Construction is also underway for a double ICT laboratory and office complex, which has already reached slab level.
The project is expected to further strengthen the school’s digital literacy programme and equip learners with modern technological skills.
The school is also investing in practical and sustainable projects. St John’s Primary Mapfumo now has a viable poultry project and a productive vegetable garden which are helping learners gain agricultural and entrepreneurial skills. Speaking during the awards ceremony, Letwina Warinda-Ndanga said Anglican schools are now focusing on innovation, industrialisation and practical life skills in line with Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Curriculum and Education 5.0 model.
She said schools are expected to promote digital literacy, entrepreneurship, teamwork and sustainable development while maintaining Anglican values and quality education standards.
Plans are already underway to turn St John’s Mapfumo into the first Anglican primary boarding school in the region, with dormitories already in place awaiting learners.
The school is also seeking to acquire a 75-seater bus to ease transport challenges during educational tours, sporting activities and church-related programmes.
Mathew Masinge