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Walter Nyamukondiwa in MAKANDE, Kariba
A classroom block has been constructed at Chitete Secondary School in Makande, Kariba District where lessons were being conducted in makeshift grass-thatched structures.
At least 250 secondary school learners from Form 1 to 4 were conducting lessons in thatched makeshift classes that exposed them to bad weather conditions.
The classroom block was built through Government partnership with ActionAid under the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund (ZRBF).
Speaking at the handover of the classroom block which will accommodate Form 1 and 2 learners, chairperson of the school committee Mr Mark Chauke said the school started off with around 50 learners in a bid to reduce the distances that they walked to the nearest schools.
“Before establishment of Chitete Secondary School in 2020 our children had to walk distances of about 12km to Nyangwizhu, Makande and Kudzanayi Schools.
“They faced challenges of being cut off when rivers are flooded, with some even drowning or being attacked by wild animals,” said Mr Chauke.
Another villager Mr Tarben Chasara welcomed the development saying more blocks should be constructed to accommodate all learners.
ActionAid director Mr Joy Mabenge said the organisation seeks to promote resilience in communities and improved livelihood.
Provincial education director Mr Jason Dzveta said the school committee should also ensure that houses for teachers have been built to facilitate smooth registration of the school.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka welcomed the partnership with ActionAid saying it was producing tangible results.
Another two classroom block is expected to be constructed using Devolution Fund and support from Nyaminyami Rural District Council.
Online Reporter