Chronicle Editor
Midlands Bureau
KWEKWE Polytechnic has made significant impact in the community through its Integrated Skills Expanded Outreach Programme, which has assisted in the construction of a community clinic, doctor’s residence and the upcoming reconstruction of Globe and Phoenix Primary School.
Speaking during the 39th graduation ceremony last Friday, college principal Mr Evans Musara said they were focused on creating sustainable structures that benefit communities and support Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda.
“Being guided by this philosophy, we have reached out to our surrounding communities through the ministry’s funded Integrated Skills Expanded Outreach Programme,” he said.
“We have not deviated from our mandate of human capital development but we have gone an extra-mile to leave life-long structures in our communities, as we transfer skills to vulnerable members of the society without asking for any Ordinary Level passes nor altering their way of life but rather impacting on their lives positively.”
Mr Musara said in Sanyati Ward Five, Kwekwe Polytechnic was helping youths in the construction of a community clinic and the project is at window level awaiting availability of more building materials.
At Zhombe Mission Hospital, construction of a doctor’s residency is nearing completion at 80 percent.
“Kwekwe Polytechnic has also been earmarked to be one of the key players in the proposed reconstruction of Globe and Phoenix Primary School, which gave in to some mining activities.
“This is in addition to our local production of domestic and industrial chemicals, production of garments and PPEs, aspects, which have generated revenue for the institution, staff and students in one way or the other as we contribute towards industrialisation,” Mr Masara said.
In a bid to embrace new technologies and be up to date with international best practices and modern trends, he said the polytechnic wants its staff members and students to receive training in Iran and Belarus following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the college and institutions from the two countries.
“Kwekwe Polytechnic continues to look beyond borders to friendly nations with an ultimate view of exchange programmes, which are aimed at re-skilling and up-skilling both our members of staff and students,” said Mr Masara.
Other achievements recorded by Kwekwe Polytechnic include the construction of 230 metres of the proposed two kilometre-perimeter wall and the purchasing of three brand new Isuzu twin cabs to improve the motor vehicle fleet.
“We also drilled a borehole to improve the availability of clean portable water. We continue to improve the bandwidth of our internet, the acquisition of training consumables, laptops and other necessities so as to improve the teaching and learning,” said Mr Masara.
He said the college was also planning to erect a 1MW solar plant within the campus to trim the energy bill, bridge energy deficit and embrace net-metering by pumping excess energy into the national grid.
Online Reporter