Govt boosts education through PPPs

Sunday Mail Reporter

PUBLIC-PRIVATE partnerships continue to play a crucial role in transforming the country’s educational infrastructure, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo has said.

The Government, he said, continues to create a conducive environment for schoolchildren by facilitating modern educational facilities as part of improving access to quality education.

Addressing guests at the 12th Annual Speech and Prize Giving Day and official opening of a newly built girls’ hostel at Maranatha Christian High School in Harare yesterday, Minister Moyo said, with a backlog of at least 2 800 new schools as of last year, partnerships are vital in addressing Zimbabwe’s pressing educational infrastructure needs.

“The Government’s commitment to promoting these partnerships is crucial for our ministry as we strive to provide quality education, especially in resettlement areas and high-density suburbs.

“Through collaborative efforts, we can establish new schools and enhance existing ones.

“With strategic engagement, it is feasible to construct at least two full-fledged schools per province annually, or even more, with the assistance of private sector players,” he said.

He praised the Maranatha Group of Schools for building infrastructure conducive for schoolchildren.

“This initiative is part of Zimbabwe’s efforts to improve access to education, particularly for girls, who have been disproportionately affected by gender inequality,” he added.

Maranatha Group of Schools chief executive officer Mr Samuel Mudavanhu said, as part of fostering innovation, economic growth, social progress and contributing to Zimbabwe’s goal of becoming an upper middle-income society by 2030, they continue to build and expand their presence across the country.

“To exemplify the Government’s vision, we will continue to build. Currently we have two high schools and two junior schools in Harare and Kadoma.

“We are now expanding into higher and tertiary education with a university in Kadoma, aligning with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030,” he said.

He said the university will equip youths with competencies to thrive in a competitive global landscape.