Online Reporter
Michelle Musandinyoze, [email protected]
MAJIJI Primary School in Bubi District, Matabeleland North Province, has received a significant boost after National Handling Services (NHS) handed over a fully furnished classroom block as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at supporting education in marginalised communities.
The new classroom block, which comprises two learning spaces, comes as a much-needed intervention to alleviate overcrowding at the school, which has an enrolment of 860 pupils.
Speaking during the handover ceremony yesterday, NHS board chairperson, Mr Godwin Nyengedza, said the donation reflects the organisation’s commitment to empowering communities through education.
“This classroom block stands as a testament to our belief in the potential of every child at Majiji Primary School.
Education is the cornerstone of a thriving society. It enables learners to become critical thinkers, responsible citizens and productive members of society,” he said.
Mr Nyengedza emphasised that the donation was more than an act of charity; it was a partnership for progress.
“We recognise the challenges faced by rural schools in Zimbabwe, from overcrowding to resource shortages, and we stand in solidarity with the hardworking teachers, parents and pupils. No one and no place should be left behind when it comes to accessing quality education,” he said.
Mr Nyengedza urged the school authorities and the local community to safeguard the infrastructure and to continue nurturing a culture of learning.
“To the parents, you are the first teachers. Encourage regular attendance and protect this facility as your own. And to the pupils of Majiji, this is for you. Whether you dream of becoming a doctor, teacher, engineer or farmer, these classrooms are your space to grow, learn and thrive,” he added.
School headmistress Mrs Rejoice Musakandah expressed heartfelt gratitude, noting that the new block would go a long way in easing pressure on existing infrastructure.
“We are extremely grateful to NHS for this donation. It will have a significant impact on the learning environment.
Previously, due to a shortage of classrooms, some pupils had to learn under trees, a situation that becomes impossible during the rainy season,” she said.
She noted that the school was initially short of 12 classrooms, and the new block reduces that number to 10.
However, the demand for more infrastructure remains pressing.
“Learners cannot perform at their best without proper learning spaces,” said Mrs Musakandah.
Parents also welcomed the gesture, saying it had reignited hope for their children and the entire community.
“Most of our old classrooms don’t even have desks or chairs, so this donation is a huge relief. The new classrooms came fully furnished with everything, which shows the seriousness of this intervention,” said Mrs Hilda Bhebhe, a parent.
Another parent Mrs Nomvelo Mpofu said the school struggles to develop its infrastructure because most parents were failing to pay the US$30 school fees.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Cde Simelizwe Sibanda, and Bubi Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer Mr Patson Milo, who both commended NHS for leading by example and encouraged other corporates to also invest in education.
