Government commissions US$157k classroom block in Gweru

Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau

THE Government has commissioned a new US$157 500 classroom block at Stanley Primary School in Gweru, a development aimed at improving the quality of infrastructure and reducing the shortage of learning space at the institution.

The project forms part of ongoing national efforts to expand education infrastructure and it aligns with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which places emphasis on science, technology, innovation and human capital development as key pillars in strengthening the country’s education system.

The classroom block was officially opened by the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, as part of broader infrastructure development programmes intended to improve the quality of education across the country.

Minister Ncube said the new block would significantly enhance the learning environment for pupils at Stanley Primary School, offering them improved facilities to support their studies.

“Today’s event dovetails with the Second Republic’s NDS2 Pillar on Science, Technology, Digital, Innovation and Human Capital Development, which entrenches a quality education system, builds a knowledge-driven economy through modern education infrastructure and development of a highly skilled and adaptable workforce as we gravitate towards attainment of a prosperous and empowered upper-middle income society by 2030,” he said.

Minister Ncube added that President Mnangagwa made a strategic shift from the colonial education system towards Heritage-Based Education 5.0, integrating cultural heritage with modern infrastructure and technologies. He also commended the Stanley Primary School Development Committee, staff and parents for their resource mobilisation efforts, which helped construct the block and reduce overcrowding, eliminate hot seating and improve access to sanitation.

Minister Ncube further applauded the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) for providing labour towards the project, noting its alignment with the ZPCS community assistance programme and the national development philosophy, Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo.

He said tangible education and ICT programmes have been rolled out in the Midlands Province and nationwide since 2017.

“These include adoption of Smart Solutions in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism, construction, education, healthcare and governance and bridging the digital divide through donation of computers, printers, projectors and white boards to both rural and urban schools under the Presidential computerisation programme, among many other programmes,” said Minister Ncube.

He also raised concerns over the impact of drug and substance abuse among learners.

“In our schools, bullying, child pregnancies, poor performance, dropouts, suicides and premature deaths have largely been attributed to drug and substance abuse. I urge learners and youths from the Midlands Province to desist from taking mbanje, mutoriro/guka, ganja cakes, bronco and applying skin lightening creams, among others.”

Minister Ncube expressed appreciation for the work being done by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa in tackling drug and substance abuse through awareness campaigns, rehabilitation and empowerment initiatives at the Angel of Hope Foundation Centre.

“I assure you that attainment of Vision 2030 under the astute leadership of His Excellency the President Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa is unstoppable and achievable,” he said.

“Accordingly, the Midlands Province reaffirms its resolute, steadfast and unwavering support for Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3 of 2026 to operationalise attainment of Vision 2030 under the visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa as duly gazetted on February 16. As the Bill enters its public consultation stage, our vigilant, progressive, loyal and patriotic Midlands community should turn out in their numbers in a show of solidarity and support.”

Stanley Primary School headmistress, Mrs Christine Magwegwe, said the new facilities would help address long-standing challenges such as hot-sitting.

“We are very grateful to our parents who helped with the financing towards the construction of these facilities. We have been grappling with hot-sitting, which meant fewer hours of learning for our learners. The facility will help deal with the problem. Our school has been doing well in terms of pass-rates, but with these facilities, we intend to do more.”

Parents and guardians attending the ceremony welcomed the development, saying the improved infrastructure would significantly enhance the learning environment.

Mr Andrew Tshuma described the new block as impressive, noting it was refreshing to see children learning under proper conditions.

“We are confident that our children will have better passes going into the future,” he said.
Ms Vimbai Tigere said: “I want to thank the good works of our hardworking President Mnangagwa. Since the coming on board of the Second Republic, the country has been experiencing some massive developments. This is part of the good efforts by our principled leaders.”