More than US$100k raised in police boarding school fundraising drive

A GROUNDBREAKING initiative by police to construct a boarding school in Umguza District, Matabeleland North Province, has received a major boost after they raised more than US$100 000 at a fundraising event held at the Bulawayo Country Club on Friday.

The event, attended by senior police officers, business leaders and community stakeholders, marked a significant step in the ZRP’s efforts to complement Government programmes aimed at expanding access to education, particularly in marginalised rural communities.

Unlike conventional day schools, the proposed institution will operate as a boarding school, a deliberate move designed to address challenges of long travelling distances that have for years hindered consistent school attendance among rural learners.

Speaking at the fundraiser, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the initiative raised more than US$100 000 and thanked the stakeholders, adding that it reflects the ZRP’s broader commitment to national development beyond its traditional mandate of maintaining law and order.

“As the police service, we are part of the communities we serve. We have witnessed first-hand how distance and lack of facilities affect children’s education,” he said.

“This boarding school will provide a safe and conducive learning environment for learners who would otherwise be disadvantaged.”

Comm Nyathi noted that the project aligns with the Government’s thrust to ensure inclusive and equitable access to education across the country, in line with Vision 2030.

The planned school is expected to cater for both boys and girls, offering not only academic instruction but also a structured environment that nurtures discipline and personal development.

He said through research they derived that community leaders are eager for the initiative to kick off, describing it as a transformative development that will change the trajectory of many young lives.

“For years, our children have had to walk long and sometimes dangerous distances to the nearest school. Some dropped out along the way. A boarding school will be a game changer,” said Comm Nyathi.

The fundraiser drew support from various sectors, with pledges and donations expected to go towards construction, infrastructure development and procurement of essential learning materials.

Comm Nyathi said community members in the targeted communities have expressed optimism that the project will ease the burden on families while improving educational outcomes.

“This is a dream come true,” said one parent.
“Knowing that our children will have a safe place to stay and learn gives us great comfort.”

Beyond infrastructure, Comm Nyathi said police are also expected to work closely with education authorities to ensure the school is adequately staffed and meets required standards.

He said the event also highlighted the growing role of institutions in supporting social development initiatives, with stakeholders calling for more partnerships to accelerate progress in under-served areas.

Comm Nyathi said through this initiative, the ZRP continues to demonstrate that policing is not only about enforcing the law, but also about building stronger, more resilient communities anchored on education.