Hatcliffe Friendship High School construction begins

Bianca Leboho and Abigail Mawonde
Construction of Hatcliffe Friendship High School by the Chinese has taken off with Primary and Secondary Education Minister Dr Lazarus Dokora officially laying the foundation stone. Speaking at the China-Africa Friendship construction project in Hatcliffe recently, Dr Dokora hailed the partnership between Zimbabwe and China, saying it was promoting the country’s education sector.

“I feel a sense of gratitude at this momentous occasion of the official corner-stone laying ceremony at Hatcliffe Friendship High School.

“The construction of the school will be instrumental to the fulfilment of my ministry’s mandate premised on the lofty vision of provision of quality and relevant education for socio-economic transformation,” said Dr Dokora.

“Indeed, this occasion marks a milestone in the provision of quality education as infrastructure forms one of the key pillars of the new curriculum blueprint,” he said.

Dr Dokora said relations between Zimbabwe and China were bearing fruit.

“We want to express our sincere gratitude to the Chinese government and the China State Construction Engineering Corporation.

“They have shown that they are all-weather friends by joining hands with the Government of Zimbabwe through my ministry in making a dream come true, especially because the school was long overdue considering the growth and expansion of Hatcliffe Extension,” he said.

Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Huang Ping said China would continue supporting Zimbabwe’s education system.

“I am amazed by the education system in Zimbabwe.

“It does not only enjoy the highest literacy rate in Africa, which is around 92 percent, but also has so many esteemed high schools and prestigious universities that produce a great number of competitive full bar professionals every year; not only for the country, but also for Southern Africa and the world beyond.

“This shows the ambition and potential of young Zimbabweans. As Zimbabwe’s all-weather friends, we are more than willing to co-operate with you and help show your potential and leverage your strength in education and cultivate more talent in this competitive age in the labour market,” he said.