Online Reporter
Peter Matika
A 35-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo based educationist has established a growing network of private schools in the city, reflecting the steady expansion of Zimbabwe’s education sector since the attainment of Independence in 1980.
Mr Milton Maphosa, proprietor and director of Faith Christian Colleges (FCC), has over the years built a credible education brand offering both local and international curricula, positioning the institution among the country’s emerging centres of academic excellence.
Established in 2007, the group has steadily expanded and is now planning to set up a private boarding school in one of Bulawayo’s western suburbs.
The proposed boarding facility is expected to broaden access to quality education, particularly for learners from diverse socio economic backgrounds, as part of a deliberate effort to challenge long held perceptions that boarding schools are the preserve of the elite.
In an interview, Mr Maphosa said his vision is anchored in the broader national aspirations ushered in by Zimbabwe’s Independence, which marked a turning point in access to education for black Zimbabweans and participation in national development.
“Before Independence, the education system was deliberately structured to exclude the black majority. Many of our parents and grandparents were denied the right to quality education, and in some cases, any education at all. Schools were segregated, under resourced, and opportunities were limited,” he said.
“Independence brought a new dispensation where education became a fundamental right for all Zimbabweans, regardless of race or backg-round. What we are doing today is building on that foundation, ensuring that every child, whether from a high density suburb or rural area, has access to quality learning institutions.”
Mr Maphosa said the establishment of Faith Christian Colleges in 2007 was motivated by a desire to contribute to national development through education, at a time when more indigenous Zimbabweans were beginning to invest in private educational institutions.
“Starting in 2007, we were responding to a growing demand for quality education that balances both academic excellence and moral values. Over the years, we have grown into a group of schools that offers both Cambridge and Zimsec curricula, ensuring our learners are globally competitive while remaining grounded in local realities.”
Mr Maphosa said the forthcoming boarding school will cater for learners from across the country and will be equipped with facilities that support holistic development.
“The idea is not just to build a school, but to create an environment where learners can thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. Importantly, we want to break the stereotype that boarding schools are only for affluent families. We are working on models that make boarding education more accessible and inclusive.”
He commended the Government for introducing policies that have enabled the growth of private educational institutions, noting that collaboration between the public and private sectors has been critical in expanding access to education.
“We applaud the Government for its continued support of the education sector through progressive policies and programmes. The Second Republic has shown commitment to improving infrastructure and creating opportunities for private players to complement national efforts.”
Mr Maphosa also acknowledged the role played by local authorities in facilitating investment in the education sector through land allocation.
“We are grateful to local authorities in Bulawayo for availing land for development. Without such support, it would be difficult for institutions like ours to expand and meet the growing demand for educational services,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s education sector has undergone significant transformation since Independence, with Government prioritising universal access in the early years through extensive school construction programmes and teacher training initiatives.
At Independence, the country inherited a racially skewed education system that largely favoured a minority, leaving the majority of black Zimbabweans with limited access to formal schooling. However, deliberate post Independence policies resulted in increased enrolment, improved literacy rates and the establishment of new institutions nationwide.
Today, Zimbabwe boasts one of the highest literacy rates in Africa, reflecting sustained investment in education and human capital development.
The growth of private schools such as Faith Christian Colleges complements Government efforts by providing alternative learning pathways and easing pressure on public institutions.
Mr Maphosa noted that increased participation by indigenous entrepreneurs in the sector marks a major shift from the colonial era, when ownership and control of educational institutions were largely confined to a minority.
He said as an indigenous educationist, he is motivated by the need to ensure that future generations do not endure the exclusion that characterised the colonial period.
“It’s important for us, as black Zimbabweans, to take ownership of education and shape it in a way that reflects our values and aspirations. We cannot forget where we are coming from, a time when our people were deliberately denied knowledge because it was seen as a tool of empowerment. Now, we have the responsibility to expand access, improve quality, and ensure that no child is left behind. That is the legacy of Independence, and that is what we must continue to build on.”
Mr Maphosa expressed optimism that the future of education in Zimbabwe remains bright, underpinned by strong partnerships, innovation and a firm commitment to inclusivity.
“Our growth is not just about numbers, but about impact. We want to produce well rounded individuals, who can contribute positively to society and uphold the values of our nation. Education remains the cornerstone of development, and we are proud to play our part,” he said.
