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Yeukai Karengezeka-Herald Correspondent
Deep within the rugged landscape of rural Muzarabani in Mashonaland Central lies a small, remote satellite school that was once testament to the challenges faced by communities in isolated areas.
For years, pupils at Musingwa Primary School endured cramped and dilapidated classrooms, inadequate sanitation, and lacked access to basic educational resources.
However, in a remarkable turn of events, the lives of these pupils were forever transformed when generous donors stepped in to provide critical infrastructure.
The school has emerged from the shadows, becoming a beacon of hope for the children of Muzarabani.
It is a hot Wednesday afternoon when this reporter spots a neatly dressed eight-year-old boy who was among learners in a classroom reading some work displayed on the board.
He looks excited and comfortable sitting on the bench. The overflow of joy is emanating from studying in a beautiful classroom that is well furnished for the first time in many years.
“We have always been used to studying under the shades and sitting on the ground due to the lack of classrooms. It is like a dream come true to be studying in a state-of-the-art classroom.
“Now I enjoy going to school every day because l will be comfortable and can study better in a conducive environment,” said Grade 5 pupil Anesu Marimo.
The Highlands Rotary Club visited Musingwa Primary School and learnt of the pupils’ plight 12 years ago. Club members then decided to enhance the facilities at the school and with time, registered the school as an examination centre.
The Rotary Club of Highlands in partnership with Institute of Architects Zimbabwe, World Vision Zimbabwe and the local community mobilised resources and built additional two classroom blocks of eight classrooms and 16 toilets.
A ceremony was held on Wednesday to witness the recent completion of the infrastructure that was attended by Chief Kasekete, village heads, Ward 3 councillor Onesmo Gono, community members, heads from surrounding school among other guests.
Previously the school only had two blocks, with six classrooms that were accommodating 348 pupils. School head Mr Innocent Manago thanked the donors and the community for their support.
He also thanked the10 village heads for mobilising people in the community to provide water, labour and materials during the construction project.
Mr Manago also appreciated their Member of Parliament Zhemu Soda who provided his 15 tonne truck to ferry building material to the school.
However, Mr Manago bemoaned electricity challenges which were affecting the pupils’ studies.
“It is sad to operate without electricity. It pains that a Grade Seven student here is supposed to write the same Science and Technology and ICT exams with those in urban areas. They hardly know these things and the majority cannot even operate a computer,” he said.
In terms of achievements, Mr Manago said parents at the school were making efforts to pay the fees of US$20 per term through a payment plan.
In addition, the teaching staff has increased from 6 to 10, making work easier. The school is now constructing a strong room that will allow them to have a three-tier security system. Money for the school registration has since been mobilised by the village heads.
Chief Kasekete who was among the key guests pleaded with the Rotary club to start working on water availability at the school to avoid outbreak of water borne diseases as well as having a proper road network in the area.
The school’s transformation has also caught the attention of Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Muzarabani District Schools Inspector, Mrs Matha Kudyahakudairwe, was grateful for the support given to the school and noted that it now met the requirements for registration as a fully-fledged primary school.
Muzarabani Rural District Council chief executive officer, Mrs Ennie Gwachiwa, said it was pleasing that Musingwa now qualified to be registered as a stand-alone school and applauded the development partners for complementing council and Government efforts in the provision of quality education and quality infrastructure for the communities.
She, however, said 12 schools within Muzarabani were affected by heavy winds last week.
“Last week here in Muzarabani we had strong winds that wreaked havoc and blew the roofs off 12 schools.
“We are appealing to well-wishers to come and assist us fix the classrooms. With the onset of the rainy season, if nothing is done urgently, many children will be affected as currently lessons are being held in the open,” she said.
The Highlands Rotary Club partnered with Rotary Club of Denver Mile High, Colorado, in the US and built a teacher’s house at Musingwa School. They also partnered with Rotary Club of Ocala, Florida District, US, to drill a borehole at the school.
Unfortunately, the nearly US$20 000 spent on the project did not yield fruit as the drillers did not get water.
The Musingwa Grant Project chairman, Mr Colin Kahuni, who is also a member of Highlands Rotary Club, said in order to build a state of art school they successfully applied for a grant of US$120 000 to the Rotary Foundation.
A masterplan for the school was developed which covers construction of 10 additional classrooms, provision of water and additional sanitary facilities, electrification, an administration block, additional teacher’s housing, sports field, play centre and other facilities.
Construction started in August 2021, but was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The two classroom blocks and the ablution block were completed last month.
Highlands Rotary Club president Mr Henry Tsambalagwa thanked the community and their leadership who exhibited strong leadership, commitment, dedication and worked tirelessly to mobilise local materials in the form of bricks, water, sand and stones.
Institute of Architects of Zimbabwe, led by Irene Masiyanise, provided technical support, guidance and monitoring the construction works at every stage right up to completion.
In order to promote efficiency and transparency and giving ownership of the project to the community, the Highlands Rotary Club conducted pedagogical training to the local community in April
The training focused on basic financial management and building maintenance and repairs. Another partner, World Vision Zimbabwe, conducted training on stock management and controls.
Online Reporter