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Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
ZION Christian Church (ZCC) is set to construct three state-of-the-art schools in Chipinge and Chimanimani districts in an effort to complement Government efforts to provide quality and affordable education to rural communities.
The church, which also runs some leading schools in Masvingo Province, said it will establish two schools in Chipinge and one in Chimanimani.
Speaking during a church service in Steksroom, Chipinge last Thursday, ZCC leader Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi said key infrastructure such as schools is instrumental in ensuring that Government’s goals in education come to fruition.
“As a church we are keen to complement Government’s efforts in fulfilling its policies and goals in education. We are in total support of Education 5.0 and are, therefore, building two schools in Chipinge and one in Chimanimani. This will ensure that rural communities in the two districts get access to quality and affordable education, which will immensely contribute towards the pursuit of Vision 2030 through National Development Strategy. We want every child to get an education despite their religious affiliations,” he said.
Bishop Mutendi added that the church will pray for peace ahead of this year’s harmonised elections.
The ZCC leader urged citizens to be united for a common cause of developing the country to ensure economic growth and social transformation.
He revealed that the church is set to erect a plaque along Jopa-Skyline Road in memory of the 36 victims who perished in a bus disaster on their way to the Mbungo Shrine in Masvingo during the Easter holidays last year.
Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Deputy Minister, Honourable Raymore Machingura, who is also Chipinge Central legislator, commended the church for backing the Education 5.0 programme.
“As Government, we are happy that the church is in support of Education 5.0 which seeks not only to provide knowledge to learners but also teaches them to be innovative and come up with solutions to the challenges we are facing to spur the country’s development,” he said.
Chimanimani East legislator Honourable Joshua Sacco, who is a member of ZCC, hailed the gesture by the church to establish a school in Chimanimani, saying it will help to decongest schools in the district.
“We are excited by the plans announced by the church that it will initiate various development projects in line with Government’s education policy. The establishment of more schools will facilitate smooth learning among our children, some of whom are travelling long distances to and from school,” he said.
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