Online Reporter
Leonard Ncube and Fairness Moyana, Chronicle Writers
A NEW primary school is set to be opened in Magoli Village, Dete in Hwange District, to bridge the shortage of schools and bring access to education closer to the previously marginalised communities.
The school is a brainchild of Mrs Elisabeth Valerio, the proprietor of Gwango Heritage Resort and her partners who have joined hands to plough back to the community.
Ground-breaking for the project was held last Friday to kick-start construction works in what is expected to be one of the few private institutions to offer inclusive learning services across Africa.
Officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, traditional and political leaders, tour operators and villagers witnessed the event.
The new institution will provide learning services to children from Grade Three to Seven and seeks to advance academic excellence aligning with the objectives of National Development Strategy 1, which emphasises the importance of skills development and human capital development.
In his remarks, project co-ordinator Mr Denzel Mhepo said the ceremony represents a major milestone for the community.
“Today marks a significant milestone not only for Gallus Academy but for the entire Magoli Village and the wider Hwange region. As we stand on the threshold of history, ready to lay the foundation for the very first chapter of the Gallus Academy Educational journey, I am overcome with a profound sense of hope and purpose because this is more than just sticking shovels onto the ground,” he said.
“It is the nurturing of dreams, the birth of possibility, and the promise of a future shaped by knowledge, courage and a unified community.
“We are committed to creating job opportunities for the community and enhancing educational landscape in Matabeleland North.
“We also commit to providing scholarships to some economically disadvantaged children in our area who would not be able to afford school fees.”
Mr Mhepo said Gallus Academy’s vision was to expand access to quality education across Africa, creating a boundless future for children.
The vision rides on the belief that every child, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to learn and thrive, giving them affordable, high-quality schools that provide an enriching learning environment.
Mr Mhepo said in the coming weeks and months, the school initiative will employ service providers, builders, welders, suppliers, teachers, caretakers, health practitioners, coaches and many others, thereby creating jobs and opportunities for the community region.
He said they will also continue to forge partnerships with local educators, businesses and community organisations to enhance educational offerings to ensure the school serves as a hub for community engagement and development.
Headman Bitu, who was representing Chief Nelukoba, thanked the project implementers for ploughing back to the community.
Councillor for the area, Olipah Lisutu, welcomed the new school initiative as a game changer.
Silewu ward development co-ordinator, Mrs Yeyani Ncube, hailed the project for its inclusive focus as it will cater for children with disabilities while also addressing the walking distances of learners and was contributing to school dropouts.
“This is the first school that we are constructing in the rural areas and will use transformative education in its endeavour to meet world class standards. Our curriculum, which will be crafted in conjunction with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education will be best informed by international education standards,” she said.
“Promotion and use of computer education will be at the highest levels of our curriculum with entrepreneurship and Stem programmes being part of the curriculum.”
As part of supporting sustainable projects, Mrs Valerio has pledged to give 20 percent of the profit made by the school to the community. A committee comprising stakeholders and traditional leaders will form an advisory panel that will assist in the identification and selection of learners for full scholarships that will cover both academic fees and boarding costs.
The school initiative will employ service providers, builders, welders, suppliers, teachers, caretakers, health practitioners, coaches and many others resulting in the capacitation of local residents with employment.
