Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
EFFORTS to enhance access to quality education in Zimbabwe have taken a significant leap forward, with the Government having constructed more than 85 new schools throughout the country before the end of the year in line with its target to build at least 120 schools by December 31.
In an interview, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo, expressed optimism about the progress being made in terms of school infrastructure development across the nation.
“We are targeting not less than 120 schools. Right now, we are in September, and I can tell you that we have so far built more than 85 schools this year,” he said.
“We are going to meet our target come December 31, 2025, where I expect to have exceeded the target and have built around 200 new schools,” he said.
This ambitious goal is part of a broader strategy to address the critical 3 000 school deficit that was highlighted in 2022.
Minister Moyo commended President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa for his leadership in driving these extensive infrastructure projects, emphasising their importance in achieving Vision 2030.
“There are a number of infrastructural developments happening in Zimbabwe, and we need to commend our President for those massive projects,” he said.
The Government’s focus is not solely on building new schools; it also includes refurbishing existing classrooms and constructing accommodations for teachers.
A key aspect of this initiative is the Government’s commitment to ensuring that students, particularly in marginalised and underprivileged areas, do not have to travel more than five kilometers to reach their nearest school.
“According to international conventions, learners should not travel more than five kilometers, so priority will be given to those areas where learners are walking more than 5km to the nearest school,” Minister Moyo explained.
This approach aims to make education more accessible and reduce the burden on students who often face long and challenging journeys to school.
