marble nkomo
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
LEARNERS from 58 primary schools in Gwanda North Constituency are set to benefit from an education bursary, with some schools already receiving funding. Each school will receive R20 000, which will be distributed among needy learners.
The initiative, spearheaded by the constituency’s ZANU PF shadow Member of Parliament, Cde Lungisani Costa Ncube, seeks to reduce school dropout rates caused by financial challenges.
It targets orphans and vulnerable children, children living with disabilities, and those from poverty stricken families.
Cde Ncube has rolled out several initiatives aimed at strengthening the education sector in Gwanda North Constituency, including the construction of Wililisa Secondary School. Once completed, the school is expected to ease pressure on learners who currently walk approximately 30 kilometres to access the nearest secondary school.
Speaking on Monday during a ceremony where he handed over R20 000 to Wililisa Primary School to support underprivileged learners, Cde Ncube said education remains key to empowering young people to contribute meaningfully to community development.
He said many parents and guardians were struggling to pay school fees after losing livestock to drought. Cde Ncube added that the constituency has orphaned children in need of support, noting that the bursary would complement Government programmes targeting vulnerable learners.
“I realised a need in the constituency when it comes to educating our children. A number of children are not going to school because their parents and guardians can’t afford to pay school fees.
“Most of the villagers lost their cattle to drought and they are still trying to recover. Under this education fund I will hand over R20 000 to all 58 primary schools in the constituency
“So far, I have handed over the funds to 16 primary schools, inclusive of Wililisa Primary, which is benefiting today. We will monitor disbursement of these funds to ensure that they serve its purpose,” he said.
Cde Ncube said Government has emphasised the principle “Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo / Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo,” meaning that communities have a responsibility to uplift themselves. He added that primary education is critical, as it lays the foundation for a learner’s future development.
“We applaud the Government under the leadership of President Mnangagwa for rolling out several initiatives that seek to support education of under privileged children. Government has set a good precedence and I have also seen it fit to play a part. By so doing we are developing the nation,” he said.
Speaking after receiving the funds, Wililisa Primary School Development Committee chairperson, Ms Nomagugu Ndlovu, said the bursary would enhance the school’s operations. She noted that a school cannot function effectively if learners fail to attend classes or pay school fees, adding that many guardians were facing financial challenges.
Wililisa village head, Mr Amos Ndlovu, expressed gratitude to Cde Ncube for extending financial support to children in the area. He said school drop outs were destroying the future prospects of many young people.
“Children dropping out of school because of financial challenges is a serious challenge being faced in our area and this intervention will go a long way. It’s important for children to attend school as it can help to develop our community in the future.
“Dropping out of school has serious challenges as girls can fall pregnant and youngsters can also engage in drug and substance abuse or other criminal activities. We have children at primary level who are now engaging in these immoral activities. We thank Cde Ncube for this intervention,” he said.
Online Reporter