Fortune Makoni [email protected]
A NURSE working in the United Kingdom is turning her commitment to her rural home into an investment in early childhood education, with her Graceland ECD Centre in Mawabeni growing from just 10 learners at its launch to an enrolment of 40.
The institution, founded by Ms Silibaziso Sibanda in 2023 and which began operating in 2024, celebrated another milestone on Thursday when 13 learners graduated during a ceremony attended by parents, community members, local leaders and representatives from neighbouring schools.
The growth of the centre reflects how Zimbabweans in the diaspora can contribute to the development of their home communities through investments that create opportunities for children and strengthen local education.
Speaking at the graduation, Umzingwane District Schools Inspector, who was the guest of honour, Ms Thokozani Dube, commended Ms Sibanda for investing in her home community despite living abroad, describing the initiative as an expression of patriotism.
She said love for one’s country should be demonstrated through meaningful contributions that improve people’s lives.
“Education is the key to our success. You have demonstrated that success should not only be measured by what one accumulates for oneself but also by what one contributes to the lives of others,” said Ms Dube.
She urged parents to take an active role in their children’s education, saying the responsibility of nurturing learners rested on parents, teachers, school leadership and the wider community.
“Education is a shared responsibility and I urge parents to attend school meetings, take an interest in their children’s schoolwork and maintain communication with teachers,” said Ms Dube.
She also challenged the school management to maintain high standards as the institution expands, saying growth should be measured not only through enrolment and infrastructure but also by the quality of learners produced.
Ms Dube urged the graduating learners to remain disciplined and focused as they progressed to the next stage of their education.
“Completing ECD education is only the beginning of your academic journey. Dream big, work hard and remain disciplined,” she said.
Speaking at the same event, Ms Sibanda said education was among the most meaningful investments in the future of children and communities.
She appealed to Zimbabweans living abroad to remain connected to their communities and contribute to local development, particularly by supporting education.
“To those who have travelled abroad in search of better opportunities, I encourage you not to forget your roots. No matter how far we go or how successful we become, our communities back home still need us,” said Ms Sibanda.
She said diaspora contributions did not necessarily have to involve large sums of money, encouraging people to support schools through donations of computers and learning materials, infrastructure development, sponsorship of disadvantaged children and the sharing of professional skills.
“You do not have to be extremely wealthy to make a meaningful difference. Sometimes, a small contribution can change a child’s life,” she said.
Graceland principal Ms Oztie Gumede said the increase in enrolment reflected the confidence parents had placed in the institution and the commitment of its staff.
“We are not only preparing children for examinations; we are preparing them for life,” she said.
The centre offers classes from toddlers to Grade One and embraces the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 Curriculum, incorporating practical activities intended to develop learners’ knowledge and skills beyond the classroom.
Its activities include computer studies, agriculture, environmental management, sport and vocational skills, alongside the development of social skills, discipline and responsibility.
On October 14, Grade One learners planted maize as part of their practical learning activities. They were expected to water, weed and care for the crop while also learning about vegetable production.
The centre has also commissioned a heritage site to help learners appreciate the history and cultural identity of their local community.
The facility is intended to provide a practical learning space where children can engage with local history through visits, play and other educational activities.
By incorporating the heritage of Mawabeni into its learning environment, Graceland is seeking to nurture an appreciation of local history and culture while encouraging young learners to value and preserve their community’s heritage.
