Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
PRIMARY and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo last Thursday commissioned a computer and science laboratory at Bengo Secondary School in Gwanda District, a significant milestone for the school. The latest development will pave the way for the introduction of pure sciences and computer lessons at the school.
Established in 2002, Bengo Secondary School has an enrolment of 264 learners and has been teaching combined science without a laboratory.
The construction of a computer and science laboratory was funded by the Premier Portland Cement (PPC) Company as part of its corporate social responsibility. The facility, with 21 computers, has been equipped with internet to enable learners to conduct research. A garden has also been established at the school.
The cement company recently established similar structures at Sojini Secondary School in Matabeleland North and Chadzamira Secondary School in Masvingo Province.
Speaking at a ceremony to commission the laboratories, Minister Moyo said the development of science and computer laboratories is crucial in the implementation of the Heritage Based Education 5.0 curriculum which recognises the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
He said teachers will be capacitated with the knowledge to use these gadgets.
“This is a significant milestone in our journey towards enhancing educational facilities across our nation. This act of corporate generosity exemplifies a powerful partnership between the private sector, industry and education, one that promises to shape the future of our youth. These furnished laboratories are not just physical structures, they are sanctuaries of knowledge where scientific curiosity will be nurtured, where hypotheses will be tested, and where breakthroughs will be made,” said Minister Moyo.
He said the private sector plays a critical role in complementing Government efforts in terms of providing quality education and achieving Vision 2030.
“The ministry has just adopted the Heritage Based Education 5.0 curriculum and we have recognised the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in preparing students for the future,” said Minister Moyo.
He said his Ministry seeks to forge more private partnerships aimed at enhancing education infrastructure.
“The target is to have modernised classrooms equipped with cutting-edge technology, extensive libraries stocked with diverse resources and dynamic recreational facilities,” said Minister Moyo.
He urged schools to utilise their income-generating projects to sustain their operations. Speaking during the same event, Premier Portland Cement (PPC) managing director, Mr Albert Sigei said the cement company in 2021 embarked on a project to develop infrastructure in rural schools.
“In 2021, PPC embarked on a journey to complement work done by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, particularly in STEM with the focus being on rural schools. Under this project, we have established computer and science laboratories in three schools,” he said.
“We have also established income generating projects income-generating projects to help the schools sustain their operations. Here at Bengo Secondary School, we have established a garden where the school will be expected to grow crops which will give them income.”
Mr Sigei said the garden will serve as a centre for pupils to develop their skills in agriculture.
He said the programme is targeting rural schools because of the shortage of learning infrastructure as well as ICT and Science equipment. Mr Sigei said the organisation remains committed to supporting Government’s development agenda for the realisation of Vision 2030.
He said this intervention is also part of efforts by the cement company to give back to the community.
In a speech read on her behalf by the provincial deputy director for administration, Mr Ndodana Dlamini, Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Dr Evelyn Ndlovu said private-public partnerships are crucial in the implementation of the devolution agenda.
“We acknowledge the significant strides by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to ensure improved access to education. The Second Republic is always demonstrating success in infrastructure development through public private partnerships like the one we are witnessing today,” she said.
“This intervention which we are seeing today will go a long way in improving the education landscape in the province.” — @DubeMatutu
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