Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
A REMOTE community in Jotsholo, Matabeleland North Province, has taken a significant step towards improving access to education, thanks to the commissioning of two classroom blocks and a teachers’ cottage at Gobakhulu Primary School.
The development, funded by Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme to the tune of US$72 000, is set to ease the burden of long-distance travel for learners.
For years, children in Ward 8 endured treacherous 10km walks to the nearest Government school, a journey that was particularly difficult during the rainy season. Now, with the new infrastructure, learners like Grade Six pupil Sisasenkosi Nyoni can finally focus on their studies without the fear of long and exhausting trips.
“We were excited when construction of the two blocks started. Before then, I used to walk long distances to the nearest school, but now, I live within a stone’s throw of the school. I can now concentrate on my lessons instead of worrying about the distance,” said Sisasenkosi.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony yesterday, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, in a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Minister Albert Mavhunga, said that deliberate investment in school infrastructure was key to fostering quality education.
“We believe that good education is the key to a bright future. These new classroom blocks will help our children learn better and achieve their goals, while the cottage will provide decent accommodation for teachers,” he said.
Minister Garwe affirmed the Government is committed to ensuring every child, regardless of background, has access to quality education. He also paid tribute to teachers, calling them the backbone of the education system.
“Teachers are the backbone of our schools, and we greatly appreciate their efforts and determination. Let us continue to support our schools and build a better future for our children,” he said.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Mr Shinichi Yamanaka, who reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s education sector.
“Let me take this opportunity to highlight that the support for this project is part of Japan’s broader approach to Zimbabwe, focusing on providing quality school infrastructure and promoting the positive nurturing of young people in schools, as our government believes education is key to the future development of this country,” he said.
Ambassador Yamanaka revealed that since 1989, one-third of Japan’s grassroots development projects in Zimbabwe have been in the education sector.
Speaking during the same event, Regent Chief Zanele Khumalo made an impassioned plea for the provision of piped water at the school to ease the burden on teachers and learners.“I am so grateful to all the parties that contributed to this project, particularly the Embassy of Japan and Hand to Hand Zimbabwe. However, I appeal to Honourable Deputy Minister Mavhunga to assist in the provision of piped water to the school. There is no water here and the little learners, as well as our teachers, are having difficulty in that regard,” she said.
The new classroom blocks and cottage are expected to not only improve learning conditions but also attract and retain dedicated teachers, ensuring a brighter future for the children of Jotsholo.
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