Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Chief Bureau
THE Masunda community in Runde District, Midlands Province, has partnered with the Government to enhance educational infrastructure, with the construction of three new classroom blocks at Muvungani Primary School expected to be completed by next month.
The development forms part of wider efforts under the Second Republic, to promote infrastructure growth in line with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which targets the construction of 3000 schools across Zimbabwe.
Community members from the Vengesa, Vaka and Masunda areas have united to spearhead the establishment of the new school in Juta village. The project aims to reduce the long distances children must walk to access education at Siboza, the nearest existing school.
The initiative is inspired by President Mnangagwa’s philosophy, Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo, which has sparked grassroots participation in national development.
Commenting on the progress, Chief Masunda, who is leading the initiative said he was impressed by the community’s unity and commitment.
“I am pleased to note the positive progress being made in the construction of three classrooms at Muvungani Primary School by members of the community. I am confident the school will play a pivotal role in reducing the distances travelled by learners, while also improving learning standards in the area,” he said.
Chief Masunda added that the project aligns well with Vision 2030 and the goals of inclusive development.
“We are hopeful that by the beginning of the next school term, we will have three grades ready to be accommodated.
Everyone is playing their part and this teamwork is key to the success of the project. The goal is to provide a conducive learning environment for our children,” he said.
A local community member, Mrs Vivian Moyo, commended the community for uniting to support a cause that complements Government efforts to improve educational infrastructure.
“We are very pleased with the progress. Looking back at where we started, we can confidently say we’ve come a long way. Our hope is to complete the three classroom blocks within the next three weeks, and we believe we’ll manage it,” she said.
Mrs Moyo said the school project would bring much-needed relief to families whose children had to walk long distances each day to attend school.
“We are delighted that the structure is taking shape and hopeful that it will be ready for use this coming term,” she said.
The Government, under the Second Republic, has intensified efforts to improve access to education—particularly in rural areas—through the construction of new schools and the rollout of ICT infrastructure aimed at bridging the digital divide between rural and urban learners.
Under NDS1, the Government has launched a programme that will see 3000 schools built across the country.
