dyton mupawaenda
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
Plan International Zimbabwe, with funding from the Japanese embassy, has made a significant investment in education for rural communities in Zimbabwe.
New classroom blocks and solar-powered boreholes were built at Mgandani Secondary School in Zhombe and Sibangani Secondary School in Silobela.
These schools previously lacked proper facilities, forcing students to attend classes outdoors.
The project addressed this challenge by constructing two classroom blocks at each school, providing a safe and conducive learning environment.
Plan International highlighted its commitment to children’s rights and gender equality through this initiative said programme area manager for Midlands Mrs Lynah Matsikiti after committing US$ 400 000 in funding.
“We are excited about this project because as Plan International, we advance children’s rights and equality for girls,” she said.
“As Plan International Zimbabwe and our sister office Plan International Japan, we got funding which was over US$400 000 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan to construct two classroom blocks at Mgandani School as well as another two blocks at Sibangani. Solar-powered boreholes were also drilled as well as the purchase of furniture for the schools.”
Mgandani School head Mr David Dhliwayo said improvements in learning at the school have already been observed.
Mr Dhliwayo said the school has reported a significant increase in enrolment, from 186 in 2019 to 334 in 2024, with girls accounting for over half the student body.
He said the school’s pass rate has risen from zero in 2019 and 2020 to 7.8 percent in 2023.
“Before this intervention, the school was a satellite school and children would walk long distances of over 8km,” he said.
“In 2019 and 2020, we had a zero per cent pass rate, but after the construction of these classroom blocks, in 2021 the pass rate improved to 5 percent and 2023 to 7,8 per
Mr Dhliwayo also expressed gratitude for the Japanese support and requested further assistance in constructing affordable boarding facilities to accommodate students from remote areas.
This would eliminate the need for some students to travel long distances, fostering a more inclusive learning environment.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter