Low-cost boarding schools boost education in Matobo

Amanda Mlevu, Sunday News Reporter

MATOBO District in Matabeleland South province is taking steps to address challenges faced by children from marginalised communities who have to travel long distances to attend school through the introduction of low-cost boarding schools.

The conversion of certain schools in the district into low-cost boarding facilities is especially beneficial for girls, as they are particularly vulnerable. Among the schools that have been transformed into low-cost boarding schools are Tshelanyemba High School, Silozwe High School, Mqabuko Nkomo

Secondary, Gohole Secondary in Maphisa, and Lubhangwe Secondary schools. The aim is to ensure that distance does not hinder the students’ academic success.

In an interview with Sunday News, Matobo legislator, who is also the Minister of Energy and Power Development, Hon Edgar Moyo, said the development was going to improve children’s education.

“The enhancement of low-cost boarding schools will ensure that students don’t walk long distances when going to school and I am sure that their education level will change since they will have more time to study and focus on their books,” said Minister Moyo.

The minister said when low-cost boarding schools were introduced they were mainly to benefit the girl child, however, the absence of parents, distances to school, unreliable caregivers, shifting of residence as well as shortage of financial resources for fees in formal Government and mission boarding schools have led to the sprouting of low-cost boarding in the country.

He noted that in Matobo district there is a lot of illegal mining and most girls tend to fall prey and end up getting pregnant while in school.

“These boarding schools are going to be a lot of help to girls the most as they are the ones affected by long distances, it will also reduce school drop-outs and help parents afford their children’s education,” said Moyo.

The District Schools Inspector for Matobo District Mr Headman Mpofu said low-cost boarding schools were made to ease access to schooling.