Andrew
Veronica Gwaze
PLUMTREE’s Tjemahale community is on a drive to raise at least US$50 000 for the construction of a new secondary school.
The community currently does not have a secondary school.
With its diaspora heavily involved, the Tjemahale community’s project will see the construction of three classroom blocks and two staff cottages.
The project dovetails with Government’s National Development Strategy (NDS1) and Vision 2030.
Mr Misheck Moyo, chairperson of the project in the diaspora, said the school will cater for more than 300 learners who graduate yearly from Khame, Zuzaphi, Ntambana, Huwana and Ndutshwa primary schools.
Currently, these five primary schools feed into Ndolwane’s Siyaphambili and Phakama secondary schools, which are situated 14km and 18km away from Tjemahale community, respectively.
Due to the long distances that learners have to walk daily, there has been an increase in the number of school dropouts and child marriages in the area.
“Currently there is one block under construction that is yet to be roofed, and one staff cottage at footing level.
“So, we are racing against time to ensure three more classroom blocks, and two cottages are constructed,” he said.
According to Mr Moyo, Khame primary school – which is closest to Tjemahale – each year produces over 100 pupils, who then struggle to find a nearby secondary school.
“Further, the distance issue aside, the two secondary schools are overwhelmed because all primary schools feed into them, so we had to do something about it. We are appealing to well-wishers to assist us in this noble cause,” added Mr Moyo.
To ensure the country forges ahead towards an upper middle-income economy by 2030, Government recently constructed two schools for the San community.
Online Reporter