Online Reporter
Obey Sibanda, [email protected]
SCORES of young children are set to benefit from improved access to early childhood education following the planned construction of three Early Childhood Development (ECD) learning centres by Gwanda North Shadow Member of Parliament, Cde Lungisani Costa Ncube, in Ward 6 of Sibona, Gwanda North.
The initiative aims to bring learning closer to children who have been walking long distances, some as far as six kilometres, to access preschool education, a challenge that has placed a burden on both learners and their caregivers.
Concerned parents and community members initially approached Cde Ncube seeking assistance to erect makeshift learning shades where their children could learn closer to home. However, what began as a request for temporary shelters has evolved into a significant educational infrastructure project.
“We didn’t want to simply put up temporary structures. Our goal is to provide these children with a solid foundation for their future through proper learning facilities that will serve generations to come,” said Cde Ncube.
Each of the three ECD centres will consist of two classrooms, catering for ECD A and ECD B learners respectively.
The facilities will also include storerooms for teachers and learning materials, creating a more organised and conducive environment for teaching and learning.
Construction materials have already been delivered to the sites, with ground-breaking ceremonies scheduled for Thursday.
Community members have embraced the project with enthusiasm, pledging labour and offering their skills to ensure the successful completion of the centres.
The development has also been warmly welcomed by parents and villagers, who expressed appreciation for Cde Ncube’s decision to build permanent structures rather than temporary shelters.
“We approached him asking for help to construct simple makeshift classrooms, but he went beyond our expectations and decided to build standard classroom blocks. We’re truly grateful for his generosity and commitment to our children’s future,” said Mrs Nomazulu Ncube, a parent from the area.
Education advocates have long highlighted the importance of early childhood learning in preparing children for primary education and improving long-term academic performance. Access to quality ECD facilities is particularly critical in rural communities where educational resources are often limited.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony for school leavers organised by Christian Youth Towards Vision (CYTV) 2030, an affiliate of the ruling party Zanu PF, Cde Ncube emphasised the importance of the project, stressing that education is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
“Every child has the right to education. Education is an enabling right that empowers children to fully enjoy other social and economic rights. By investing in education, we’re investing in the future of our communities and our nation,” Cde Ncube said.
The ECD centres are the latest in a series of education-focused initiatives undertaken by Cde Ncube in Gwanda North. He has previously overseen the renovation of classroom blocks at Sibona High School to improve learning conditions and has also been working towards the completion of several long-standing educational projects in the constituency. In addition, he has contributed R20 000 to each school towards assisting vulnerable learners across 58 schools in the constituency and has personally supported numerous students through the payment of school fees.
More recently, Cde Ncube handed over roofing materials to help complete classroom blocks at a newly established secondary school in Wililisa, bringing renewed hope to a project that had remained unfinished for 23 years.
