Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Zimpapers Reporter
IN a significant boost to the education sector, the Government has commissioned the US$600 000 state-of-the-art Globe and Phoenix Primary School in Kwekwe.
The new school marks a new era for over 1 000 pupils, who had been learning in makeshift tents since the original school was decommissioned two years ago after classroom floors collapsed into a mineshaft as a result of illegal mining activities.
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerai Moyo, handed over the new school during a commissioning ceremony held at the school.
Built by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Minister said the school stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership.
“The Church’s role in education in Zimbabwe has a rich history that traces back to the colonial era. Missionaries played a pivotal role in establishing schools, often setting up institutions in remote areas to provide access to education where it was scarce.
They laid the groundwork for a formal education system, believing that education was essential for both spiritual and intellectual empowerment. Missionary organisations such as the Methodist Church, the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Church were instrumental in building schools throughout Zimbabwe,” he said.
Minister Moyo said in recent years, new players in the educational landscape, such as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have emerged as significant contributors.
“Today, we gather to commission one of the many schools they have built in Zimbabwe, marking a commitment to expanding educational opportunities in the region. With more schools in the pipeline, their efforts reflect a dedication to nurturing growth and development in our communities. As we reflect on this enduring legacy, we recognise the collective impact of churches in empowering our youths through education — shaping a brighter future for Zimbabwe,” he said.
The Government, under the visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa, he said, has placed a strong emphasis on education as a pivotal driver of national development, aligning with Vision 2030 adding that the vision encapsulates aspirations for a prosperous and empowered nation.
“In this journey, we recognise the invaluable role of private partners in complementing Government initiatives. Through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), we are harnessing resources, expertise and innovation to significantly enhance education delivery across Zimbabwe,” he said.
He said before the intervention of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Globe and Phoenix Primary School faced significant challenges that ultimately led to its decommissioning. The Minister noted the school’s infrastructure was severely impacted by illegal mining activities, culminating in the collapse of one of the classrooms due to ground destabilisation.
“This unfortunate event affected a total of 1 348 learners — 698 females and 650 males — along with 45 teachers (39 females and 6 males),” he explained.
Minister Moyo said in response to this crisis, the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) implemented temporary measures, relocating students to Russell Primary School. However, the temporary setup was fraught with challenges.
“The school faced a critical shortage of toilets and adverse weather conditions, which made learning difficult. In addition, the absence of sporting facilities, combined with heavy dust and noise pollution, created an unsuitable environment for education,” he said
Minister Moyo said regular damage to furniture and textbooks due to insecure setups in tents further hampered the learning process, leading to a significant decline in enrolment as parents withdrew their children from the compromised learning environment.
“Recognising the urgent need for a sustainable solution, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stepped in to address these issues. They undertook the construction of seven learning blocks, an administrative block and an ablution block, equipping the classrooms with a 10kVA solar system, 600 desks, 600 chairs and 14 tables with chairs for teachers,” he said.
With the developments, he added, the new Globe and Phoenix Primary School is now poised to support 785 learners — 409 females and 376 males.
He said the transformation exemplifies the power of PPPs, showcasing how collaborative efforts can lead to substantial improvements in educational infrastructure.
“We call upon additional partners to join us in this critical mission. As our President often reminds us, Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” — the nation is built by its people. Together, through collaborative efforts and shared resources, we can forge a brighter future for our children and, consequently, our nation,” he said.
He commended The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for its significant contributions to education in Zimbabwe, including building schools in various provinces, thereby improving access to quality education and empowering communities.
“As more projects are underway, the positive impact of their work will undoubtedly continue to resonate throughout the nation, inspiring hope and opportunity for generations to come. We look forward to continued collaboration,” he said.
Addressing the same gathering, the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube, said the project scope of works, which included installation of a solarised borehole complete with water tanks, construction of seven by two classroom blocks, one administration block and an ablution block for boys and girls, aligns with the Second Republic’s commitment to modern infrastructure development that underpins the provision of quality education through an improved teaching and learning environment.
“The construction of Globe and Phoenix Primary School dovetails with the United Nations SDG 4 on ensuring access to quality, inclusive and equitable education regardless of gender or disability and the NDS1 pillar on human capital development and innovation, which recognises and strengthens the role of the church, local authorities, private sector and individuals in the ownership, administration and management of schools,” he said.
He commend the unity of purpose exhibited during the timely mobilisation of financial and material resources towards the construction of Globe and Phoenix Primary School and in particular, the invaluable support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“In view of the foregoing, the Globe and Phoenix Primary School project adds to several programmes and projects implemented by the Second Republic in the education sector under the able and visionary stewardship of President Mnangagwa,” he said.
Minister Ncube commend the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for implementing the heritage-based curriculum, which develops essential skills for learners through research, digital skills, innovation and community service, as the country glides towards attainment of an upper middle-income society by 2030 — underpinned by resource-based and knowledge-driven socio-economic empowerment and transformation.
