Online Reporter
HWANGE Rural District Council, in partnership with the local community, has channelled US$70 000 towards the construction of Nechenambe Secondary School, a development expected to revolutionise access to education in the district.
The school, located in the arid Nechenambe area under Chief Shana’s jurisdiction, will ease long-standing challenges for learners who previously travelled more than 20 kilometres daily to attend classes — often risking encounters with wildlife and flooded rivers.
The project, funded through contributions from the Hwange Rural District Council, the local community, and development partners under initiatives such as the Buy a Brick for Foundation, has already seen the completion of one classroom block, while another block and four teachers’ cottages are under construction.
The new school is expected to reduce absenteeism and dropout rates, particularly among girls who often found the long, unsafe journeys to other schools discouraging.
Learners and parents expressed optimism that having a school nearby will help pupils focus on their studies and balance academic work with household responsibilities.
“We are happy for such a development. Our young girls were failing to go to school due to the long distance from home to other schools,” said Ms Mildred Saushowa.
Hwange District’s education sector has long battled challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, dilapidated infrastructure and teacher shortages — problems worsened by the remoteness of many rural communities.
“Some learners were not going to school due to human-wildlife conflict, where elephants have been a menace along routes to school,” said Mr Matthew Mwemba of Nechenambe.
He added that the construction of Nechenambe Secondary School represents a critical intervention in bridging these educational gaps and aligns with the Government efforts to promote inclusive rural development and equitable education access in line with Vision 2030, which prioritises inclusive rural development, improved access to education and reduction of child marriages through sustained school enrolment.
“By fostering an environment conducive to learning and retention, the school is poised to reshape the educational landscape, producing future nurses, teachers and community leaders from Hwange,” he said.
Mr Mwemba added that the project goes beyond bricks and mortar, symbolising a community’s collective investment in sustainable development and youth empowerment through education.
Under the Second Republic, the Government has accelerated the development of education infrastructure in rural areas, with funding support from devolution allocations and community-driven initiatives.
In Matabeleland North, similar projects are underway in Binga, Lupane and Tsholotsho to ensure that no child walks more than five kilometres to the nearest school. The school is expected to open its doors to learners next year. — New Ziana.
