Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
CHAMUKWENJERA Primary School in Chikomba District, Mashonaland East Province, has received a major infrastructure and technology boost following the construction of a modern teachers’ residence, the drilling of a solar-powered borehole and the donation of information and communication technology equipment by Netherlands-based Mr Prince Matizha through the Friends of Zimbabwe Foundation.
The interventions are expected to improve the learning environment at the school, enhance teachers’ welfare and increase access to technology for both pupils and staff.
Chikomba West legislator Tatenda Mavetera, who is also the Minister of Information Communication Technologies, Postal and Courier Services, received and handed over the equipment and teachers’ residence to the school.
Speaking during the handover, Minister Mavetera expressed gratitude to Mr Prince Matizha, his wife and the Friends of Zimbabwe Foundation for complementing Government efforts to improve infrastructure and access to technology in rural communities.
“We are grateful to Mr Prince Matizha, his wife and the Friends of Zimbabwe Foundation for this important gesture,” she said.
“The construction of a modern teachers’ residence, the drilling of a solar-powered borehole and the donation of laptops will make a significant difference to the teachers and learners at Chamukwenjera Primary School.”
She said the provision of ICT equipment was particularly important as Government continues to promote digital literacy and ensure that learners in rural areas are not left behind in the digital era.
“As Government, we want every child, regardless of where they come from, to have an opportunity to access technology and acquire the skills needed in today’s digital economy,” she said.
“These laptops are therefore more than just equipment; they are an investment in the future of our children.”
Minister Mavetera also commended Mr Matizha and the foundation for responding to practical community needs, saying partnerships between Government, communities and development partners were critical in accelerating development.
“The support from Mr Prince Matizha and the Friends of Zimbabwe Foundation demonstrates what can be achieved when patriotic Zimbabweans and organisations come together to complement Government programmes,” she said.
“We sincerely appreciate this partnership and urge other well-wishers to emulate this example.”
Mr Matizha said it was important for him to give back to the community where he grew up, adding that the initiatives were driven by a desire to improve the lives of people in the area.
“I found it befitting to give back to the community where I grew up. This is home to me, and I know the challenges that people here face,” he said.
“ When you have an opportunity to make a difference, you must remember where you came from and play your part in developing your community.”
He said the decision to focus on education and health was deliberate because the two sectors were central to community development.
“We chose to support the school and the clinic because education and health are fundamental to the wellbeing of any community. We want to see our children learning in a conducive environment and our people accessing health services in decent facilities,” he said.
Mr Matizha said the projects should not be viewed as a once-off intervention, but as part of a broader commitment to supporting communities.
“This is about creating a lasting impact. The teachers’ residence, the boreholes and the ICT equipment are meant to benefit the community for many years to come.
“We are grateful to everyone who worked with us to make these projects possible,” he said.
At Chambara Clinic, Mr Matizha and the Friends of Zimbabwe Foundation assisted with repainting the health facility and refurbishing the mothers’ shelter, creating a more conducive environment for patients and expectant mothers.
A borehole was also drilled at the health facility to improve access to reliable water for patients and health workers.
At Chamukwenjera Primary School, the solar-powered borehole is expected to provide a reliable water source while reducing reliance on conventional electricity.
The donation of laptops and other ICT equipment is also expected to strengthen teaching and learning by increasing access to digital educational resources.
Traditional leadership from Chikomba District, including Chief Nyoka, nursing staff at Chambara Clinic and the community at large welcomed the gestures as a significant contribution towards improving basic services and infrastructure in Chikomba West, complementing Government’s broader development agenda.
