Japanese grant rescues school

Cletus Mushanawani Mashonaland Central Bureau
THE Japanese government has come to the rescue of Chemhondoro Secondary School pupils and teachers after it extended a grant of $73 000 that was used to construct a classroom block and two teachers’ houses. The grant was also used to complete another classroom and an ablution block.

It was also used to buy desks and chairs for 170 students and four teachers.
The completed facilities were handed over to Chemhondoro Secondary School in Shamwa District by Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Toshiyuki Iwado at a function held at the school last week.

He said the project was funded by the government of Japan and implemented by a local non-governmental organisation, Development Aid from People to People in Zimbabwe.

“Japan attaches great importance to basic education as a foundation for development,” said Mr Iwado.
“Previously, the 170 girls and boys and seven teachers at Chemhondoro Secondary School conducted their lessons in the incomplete classroom block, a dilapidated old store and a house belonging to a member of the community.

“There was insufficient furniture, the ablution block was incomplete and the teachers were cramped in unsuitable accommodation. The school’s educational environment was far from being acceptable for the girls and teachers of Chemhondoro.”

Mr Iwado praised the community, which started to build one of the classroom blocks and the ablution block through their own efforts.

“In my own country, Japan, many people lost their homes and livelihoods due to the earthquake and tsunami in 2011, but they worked together to provide food, shelter and support for each other,” he said.

“I am glad that such a community spirit is alive here in Chemhondoro too. Let us also celebrate the friendship between the people of Zimbabwe and the people of Japan.

“The people of Japan gave the money to complete this project and I am sure they wish that you the boys and girls at Chemhondoro have a good education as they wish for their own children.

“Please, think of these new buildings as a precious gift from your friends in Japan and look after them well. Many future generations of Chemhondoro children will then be able to enjoy them. We hope to see the future leaders of Zimbabwe coming from Chemhondoro.”

The Japanese funded Grant Assistance for Grassroots and Human Security Projects is a scheme which provides support to non-profit making organisations and NGOs in order to improve basic human needs, such as education, health, food and nutrition security, water, sanitation and hygiene.

It was launched in Zimbabwe in 1989, with 118 projects having been implemented to date and funding totalling over US$9 million.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Professor Paul Mavima, Mashonaland Central Provincial Education Director, Mr Lloyd Tapuwa Mudiwa, said schools in his province needed support from Government and developmental partners to improve their infrastructure.

“As we embrace the new curriculum, we need support from Government and developmental partners,” he said.
“Parents should also play their role by paying levies to the schools as they need infrastructure like classrooms and accommodation for the teachers.

“Most schools are in dire need of furniture, while Chemhondoro Secondary School needs piped water and electricity for it to function properly.”