Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE establishment of an Early Childhood Development (ECD) block at Filabusi Government Primary School in Insiza District has brought relief to learners who were previously forced to travel long distances to other schools due to limited infrastructure.
The block, which consists of three classrooms, was constructed through collaboration between the school and its School Development Committee (SDC). The project, which commenced in 2023, has transformed the school—originally established in 1946—allowing it to increase enrolment in response to growing demand.
The school currently has an enrolment of 960 learners and had previously completed another classroom block in 2022.
Speaking recently at the commissioning of the new ECD block, school bus, and main gate entrance, as well as the unveiling of the Secretary’s Bell award, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mr Moses Mhike, urged schools to develop more infrastructure to accommodate increasing enrolment figures.
He encouraged schools to consider constructing high-rise buildings to maximise available land and commended Filabusi Government Primary School for expanding its classroom infrastructure.
“The new ECD classroom block will help reduce the classroom deficit. Due to limited land for continued expansion, building upwards will be the way forward in the future. This newly constructed classroom block represents the ministry’s investment in foundational learning,” said Mr Mhike.
“Research shows that early learning is vital in laying the foundation for lifelong education. The commissioning of this classroom block reflects our belief in the power of education.”
He further stated that the school bus acquired by the institution would alleviate challenges faced by learners travelling long distances or under unsafe conditions. Additionally, the development of the school’s entrance has enhanced its overall appearance.
Mr Mhike also congratulated the school for maintaining an improved pass rate, averaging over 70 percent for the past six years. He attributed this success to a variety of effective teaching strategies, including the adoption of e-learning, daily homework, and the efficient implementation of catch-up programmes.
“Filabusi Government Primary School has successfully met the ministry’s key priority areas, demonstrating the collective responsibility and achievement of its community—comprising parents, teachers, and pupils,” he said.
“This event not only marks the expansion of physical infrastructure but also represents a significant milestone in the commitment to nurturing excellence and fostering a culture of lifelong learning in the community.”
Matabeleland South Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mrs Lathiso Dlamini-Maseko, said the school’s self-financed development aligns with the Second Republic’s vision of an improved education sector in pursuit of Vision 2030.
She noted that development-oriented institutions like Filabusi Government Primary School would contribute to enhancing the education system in the province and improving learning outcomes. Mrs Dlamini-Maseko also urged other schools to invest in improving their infrastructure and image.
“The progress we are witnessing today is a result of strong collaboration between the school administration and parents. This is the kind of partnership we need across all learning institutions in our province, with a shared goal of improving the welfare of learners,” she said.
Filabusi Government Primary School headmaster, Mr Odreck Moyo, stated that the school plans to introduce technical and vocational subjects in response to the broadening curriculum. He added that the institution would continue mobilising resources to construct additional classrooms.
@DubeMatutu
