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Blessing Karubwa
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has said it is proud of Sibhata Secondary School, in Insiza North, Matabeleland South Province because it was moving in the right direction and performing to the ministry’s expectations.
This was said last Friday, by the Matabeleland South Provincial Education Director (PED) Beatrice Manjere during an event which was held at the school, celebrating the commissioning of a classroom block.
Built with funds from school fees, the cutting-edge classroom block is worth US$27 000. The ramped and tiled classroom block was commissioned under the theme “Building foundations for a drug-free future and investing in infrastructure for the provision of quality and inclusive education.” Addressing the crowd during the event, guest of honour PED Manjere enumerated the initiatives which were previously championed by the school, citing that the school was moving in the right direction.
In a side interview, the PED hailed Sibhata Secondary School, adding that it was performing to the ministry’s standards.
She encouraged local schools to emulate Sibhata, underscoring the importance of teamwork among the community parents, and School Development Committees (SDC).
“The ministry is proud of Sibhata Secondary School because it is moving in the right direction and performing to the ministry‘s expectations. On the day of commissioning, Cluster Heads supported the school and it is expected that they had ideas to take home. Teamwork among the community, parents and School Development Committee is encouraged in all schools to ensure positive development,” said the PED.
In a separate interview, the school’s SDC Chairperson, Cephas Ndlela, said the building of the classroom block started in September last year and was completed in September, this year.
The chairperson enumerated a number of challenges they faced, adding that although most parents were co-operative, it was not everyone who positively cooperated.
“We did not get any donation towards the building of this classroom block. Our sponsors were community parents. Each and every closing day we send pupils with payment invoices to their homes. In circumstances where parents fail to pay fees for their children, we then give them some work to do at the school. The community, and parents are now aware that the school does not turn them away even if they have little amounts of money, we accept that money as we wait for full fees. At times we also allow parents to do payment plans at the school. We work in harmony and solidarity.
“Thina lapha eSibhata sibambene kakhulu. In this area we are all united and we do all things in harmony and agreement. In terms of labour, the parents also came with their scotch carts and wheelbarrows among other construction vehicles to help builders by bringing sand, and other construction materials.”
A student at the school who doubles as junior councillor for ward 19, Samantha Bushe (14), hailed the community, parents and the teachers for their unwavering support towards the building of the classroom block.
“Parents and teachers, words are not enough for the classroom block standing proudly erect. Had it not been for your love, support and selfless determination, we would be exposed to the scorching sun,” she said.
The school’s Principal, Tennyson Moyo, underscored the importance of accountability.
“The parents in this community have tasted development and now know they are capable of doing something. If these parents see how their money is being used at the school, they gain confidence in the school administration and therefore they do not hesitate to pay school fees. More so, our greatest strength is unity,” he said
Sibhata Secondary School which was established in 2001 and is located on the northern side of the Skuta Business Centre, along the 135-kilometre stretch of the Bulawayo-Masvingo Road. It commissioned its restrooms in 2022, becoming the first school in that district to have flash-system toilets.
-@TeamKarubwa
Online Reporter