Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa
The Government has praised Makonde Rural District Council for establishing a boarding school and setting up a scholarship fund, saying the initiatives will enhance access to education in rural areas.
Matoranjera High School in Chitomborwizi had seen its enrolment plummet from a peak of 684 learners to just 64 in 2023 as parents withdrew their children due to deteriorating infrastructure and the opening of nearby satellite schools.
Speaking at the official launch of the boarding facility and scholarship fund, Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo urged councils to establish more boarding schools.
“This is a milestone achievement for Makonde District and the council, which has successfully set up a boarding facility at Matoranjera High School,” said Minister Chombo.
“We need more council schools to offer boarding facilities to enhance the quality of education and ensure the safety of our children, particularly girls, who are better protected in such environments.”
The introduction of boarding facilities has led to a steady increase in enrolment, with over 120 learners now attending the school.
At least 17 learners from Harare, Mutare, Mhangura, Chegutu and Chinhoyi, among other areas, are currently boarding at the school.
Makonde RDC chief executive officer, Dr Paradzai Munyede said the council decided to convert the school into a boarding institution in response to community concerns over declining standards and the risk of closure.
“We realised that the school had lost a lot of learners to nearby satellite schools and thought of converting it to a boarding school to attract people from all over the country,” he said.
