Gwanda school celebrates self-funded bus milestone

ST Christopher’s Primary School in Gwanda has commissioned a 72-seater bus, marking a major milestone in its drive towards self-reliance and improved learner welfare.

The acquisition of the bus, two years ago, is set to ease transportation challenges for the school’s 1 200 learners and staff, particularly for educational tours and excursions that previously relied on expensive hired transport.

The school headmaster, Mr Themuso Dube, said the dream to acquire a school bus had been three years in the making.

“It all started as a vision to have our own bus, which would cut costs on educational tours. This is a great relief for both the school and the parents,” said Mr Dube.

Initial efforts to raise the required funds through a once-off US$180 levy per parent fell through due to affordability issues. However, a breakthrough came after the school partnered with ZB Bank, which agreed to finance the bus purchase. Under the agreement, the school is to repay the loan termly over nine school terms, with the final instalment expected in May next year.

Mr Dube said the arrangement with ZB Bank turned their vision into a reality. The school is now repaying the loan term by term. He said with only a few terms left, they are confident they will meet their obligations.

“Thanks to the vision of the administration, the monies which we raise through the bus hire are now assisting in the loan repayment.

Come May 2026, the school would be paying its last instalment for the bus project, with these brains leading this esteemed institution, the sky is the limit,” said Mr Dube.

To supplement loan repayments and cover operational costs, the school offers the bus for private hire. The funds raised help finance the bus’ insurance, valued at US$10 000 annually and contribute towards project sustainability.

“Our administration had the foresight to ensure the bus pays for itself. We also use the income to support our other initiatives,” said Mr Dube.

The school, established in 1954, has over the years transformed into a model institution, boasting a 99,7 percent pass rate from 175 learners who sat for Zimsec examinations last year.

Beyond academic excellence, St Christopher’s has successfully diversified its operations into income-generating projects such as poultry, piggery, fish farming and crop production. These projects feed into the school’s daily operations, especially for the boarding section, which consumes eggs and other produce from the school farm.

Mr Dube said the school’s tuckshop, funded by local businessman Mr Mthuseng Moyo, laid the foundation for the school’s income-generating projects. Proceeds from the tuckshop were used to kick-start farming initiatives, further reducing the school’s reliance on fees.

Mr Dube said with their visionary initiatives, they are no longer entirely dependent on school fees. He said the school is now in a position to drive development through creativity, community partnerships and innovation.