Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE community of Ngoma in Gwanda district has mobilised resources to construct a secondary school in the area as part of efforts to address the challenge faced by local children who walk long distances to access education.
So far, a classroom block has been completed and the school has started enrolling Form One and Two learners, and a second classroom block is under construction.
The school is an annexure of Tshanyaugwe Secondary School.
Construction of a teacher’s cottage and five toilets is underway.
Local children were forced to walk about 24km to access the nearest school.
A parent from the area, who is also a member of the school project committee, Ms Bridget Moyo, said they decided to take the initiative to address the plight of their children.
“We started contributing money towards the school project in 2021. We sat down as a community after realising that our children were forced to walk long distances to access education at the nearest school,” she said.
“This has a severe impact on the performance of learners and it also exposes children, especially the girl child to several risks. Some children end up dropping out of school because of this long distance.”
Ms Moyo said they contributed R100 per household per month towards building the school.
She said members of the diaspora have also contributed towards the project.
Ward 20 councillor, Joram Ndlovu said the community has shown commitment to the project.
He said villagers are also providing labour for the project.
Clr Ndlovu said his ward has six primary schools and one secondary school.
“My ward has six feeder schools and learners that are churned out of these institutions have been relying on one secondary school. I’m very impressed by how the community has shown a willingness to make this project a success,” said Clr Ndlovu.
“We need all the assistance we can get, be it from Government or other partners to ensure that this project is completed.”
Gwanda Rural District Council chief executive officer, Mr Ranganai Sibanda said the local authority has come in to assist the community with technical advice. He said the initiative by the Ngoma community is commendable.
He said the construction of Ngoma Secondary School will go a long way in improving access to education in the district.
“An improved education sector is one of the key deliverables under the NDS1 and as a local authority, we are impressed that the community members are playing an active role in ensuring that this becomes a success. This school will go a long way in improving the pass rate as learners will be able to focus better in school,” said Mr Sibanda.
“Communities need to take an initiative and not just wait for Government and other partners to develop their areas. As a local authority, we need the input of various stakeholders to improve service delivery.” — @DubeMatutu
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