Construction of classroom blocks hailed

Talent Bope recently in CHINHOYI
The construction of new schools and/ or classroom blocks by the private sector is a welcome development expected to advance the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which seeks to improve infrastructure as part of efforts to attain Vision 2030 of an empowered upper middle income economy.

This was said by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Permanent Secretary, Mrs Tumisang Thabela, recently during the handover ceremony of a classroom block at Cheuchi Primary School in Chinhoyi.

The classroom block was constructed by Delta Corporation as part of its social corporate responsibility at a cost of US$80 000.

It is expected to benefit up to 400 pupils in Makonde.

Mrs Thabela said under their ministry’s mandate and performance contract, access to education is one of the top priorities.

“So we have to provide the education service, albeit under severely constrained resource conditions.”

“The Government chipped in by deploying qualified teachers to this school as soon as it was established. The intervention by Delta in providing solid structure thus came as a very important enabler to the fulfilment of providing a conducive learning environment to our learners.”

The project was kick-started by Lead Inspire Connect (LINC) headed by Mrs Patricia Murambinda. LINC is a network of women employed in the Coca-Cola system that is focused on engaging, inspiring and developing them to drive total business performance, and establish a strong reputation as a great place to work for women.

The Zimbabwe LINC chapter draws its membership from The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Beverages and Schweppes Zimbabwe Limited.

The group is an affiliate of Delta Corporation. Mrs Thabela urged parents to support the school through encouraging their children to enrol.

She also commended Delta Corporation for the gesture, adding that the project was in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision of providing education to all.

“Now that our learners have access to education, we look forward to providing quality, inclusive and relevant education and I would like to encourage parents to ensure that all children of school going are enrolled at this school so that we are true to the Government’s rallying call that we should leave no one behind.”

Mrs Thabela said education was a basic tool for development which can change the socio-economic status of communities.