Japan hands over school buildings

Herald Reporter

The Japanese Embassy yesterday handed over school buildings at Muvande Primary School in Seke District that were constructed in partnership with Nhaka Foundation through a US$90 906 grant from Japan.

The buildings included a four- classroom Early Childhood Development block and furniture, a four bedroomed teacher’s house, 10 blair toilets and a solar powered drinking and irrigation water system.

Japan’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Tanaka Satoshi, handed over the buildings to Mashonaland East Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Apollonia Munzverengi, at a ceremony that was attended by the local community, pupils, officials from the ruling Zanu PF party and the district’s leadership.

In his remarks, Ambassador Tanaka thanked the community for providing various materials towards the construction of the buildings, adding that the new structures will improve the learning environment.

“Let me tell you my hope for the future,” he said.

“I hope that each one of you (pupils) will enjoy learning at your improved school and bring out your unique talents and potential.

“I hope you will grow like the mazhanje tree and give forth wonderful fruit in the future.

“I hope to see future leaders coming from Muvande Primary School, maybe one of you will become ambassador of Zimbabwe to Japan.”

Ambasssador Satoshi urged the pupils to take care of the new infrastructure. Minister Munzverengi said construction of infrastructure was essential in increasing access to education.

“One of the key result areas for the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is improving access to education and provision is one of the pillars to improving that access,” she said.

Nhaka Foundation projects director, Mr Garikai Makokoro said the project was aimed at complementing Government efforts in the provision of education.

“This project will complement the efforts by the Government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education,” he said.

“This is part of the Zimbabwe 2030 Agenda set by His Excellency President Mnangagwa.”

Mr Garikai said his organisation had partnered various ministries in improving access to education, basic health and daily sustenance of children in rural communities.

Nhaka Foundation also supported the school with the establishment of a nutritional garden and fish farming, among other projects. Meanwhile, Zanu PF proportional representative member for Seke-Chikomba Cde Tatenda Mavetera donated ECD books to the school.