Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa
Mashonaland West Bureau Chief
The Roman Catholic Church has broken ground for the construction of Karoi College of Education, the first dedicated teacher-training institution for Mashonaland West Province.
Karoi College of Education becomes the 20th teacher training centre in the country and will significantly expand access to tertiary education in the province.
Construction commenced after the commissioning and is expected to be completed next year.
The college will help address the country’s demand for qualified educators while stimulating economic growth in Hurungwe District.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Government officials, church leaders, councillors and community members, who hailed the development as a major milestone for both education and local development.
Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chinhoyi, Bishop Raymond Mupandasekwa, said preparations for construction were already underway and expressed confidence that the institution would open its doors next year.
“This institution will help shape future generations, nurture innovation and equip students with the skills required to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo welcomed the initiative as a demonstration of the effectiveness of partnerships between faith-based organisations, government and communities in accelerating development.
“We commend the Roman Catholic Church and all stakeholders involved for investing in the future of our young people and contributing towards the attainment of national development goals,” she said.
The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development’s Director, Mr Darlington Damba, said the project dovetailed with the Government’s thrust of expanding access to quality tertiary education and producing a skilled workforce capable of driving economic transformation.
Karoi Town Council Mayor, Councillor Kudakwashe Chigomo, said the institution would not only enhance educational opportunities but also bring significant economic benefits to the town.
“Beyond improving access to education, the project will create employment opportunities, increase business activity and broaden the town’s revenue base as Karoi continues to grow into a key education hub,” he said.
Residents and local leaders welcomed the development, saying it would spare many students the burden of travelling long distances to pursue teacher training.
Councillor Tichaona Mungwariri said Hurungwe District, one of the country’s largest administrative districts, had waited many years for such an institution.
“This college is long overdue. It will create opportunities for our young people while attracting investment and business activity that directly benefits local communities,” he said.
ZANU PF Mashonaland West Provincial Youth Chairperson, Cde Tapiwa Masenda, said the institution would provide new opportunities for young people and contribute to efforts to address social challenges affecting youth.
The college is expected to become a catalyst for growth in Karoi, boosting demand for accommodation, transport, retail services and other supporting industries while strengthening the province’s contribution to Zimbabwe’s education sector.
The project also advances the Government’s National Development Strategy 2, which prioritises human capital development as a key driver of sustainable economic growth and industrialisation.
