admin
Lovemore Kadzura, Manicaland Bureau
Matsika Primary School in Makoni West Constituency, yesterday got high-quality learning infrastructure funded to the tune of US$150 000, which is set to facilitate better instruction, reduce dropout rates and improve the pass rate.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, who is also Makoni West legislator, commissioned the infrastructure.
He unveiled the plaque for an Early Childhood Development classroom block, and a state-of-the-art computer laboratory, all of which are crucial elements of a great learning environment.
A combination of the Government, World Vision, Dr Muswere and the local community, contributed towards construction of the infrastructure.
Dr Muswere said Government is prioritising the construction of standard infrastructure in schools, while also pushing for the digitisation of marginalised areas to bridge the divide between urban and rural schools.
“We have commissioned a number of key infrastructure projects to transform the entire population and rural infrastructure in order to propel the whole nation towards Vision 2030, while at the same time making sure that we leave no one and no place behind,” he said.
“Today (yesterday), I have commissioned a number of infrastructure projects which include a classroom block. We are working together with World Vision in their complementary role.
“They have played a key role in supporting a number of projects. The Presidential National e-Learning Strategy is one of the projects we have commissioned. The programme is there to support the full digitalisation and transformation of the education sector.”
The Presidential National e-Learning Strategy is also aimed at equipping learners and capacitating teachers for them to be able to impart those skills across the country.
“We are also refurbishing infrastructure within the constituency, including here at Matsika Primary School in order to provide a comfortable environment for teachers and learners.
World Vision finance and support services director, Mr Elia Madondo, said they were complementing Government’s efforts in improving the quality of infrastructure and further commended the Matsika community for its contribution towards the success of the projects.
“Cumulatively, the investment in developing this school reached US$115 000. The community’s contribution in the form of labour, bricks, aggregates and other local materials for the construction project, in monetary terms, was valued at US$33 000.
“We have also provided furniture, teaching and learning materials and safe drinking water to ensure that learners have everything they need to succeed. These facilities are more than just physical structures, they represent a commitment to the future of our children and the well-being of the community,” he said.
Mr Madondo said at World Vision, they believe every child deserves access to quality education, hence the commitment to support schools to make that vision a reality.
“These facilities and resources are a testament to what can be achieved when we work together towards a common goal,” he said.
Matsika Primary School head, Mr Reuben Mamhunze, hailed the partners for the development, which he said has transformed the face of the school.
“We greatly appreciate the intervention being done here by Government, Dr Muswere and World Vision. Honourable Muswere chipped in with the construction of an 18-hole ablution block after the old one was destroyed by Cyclone Idai in 2019.
“He also set up a computer lab so that our learners can acquire digital skills, which are critical in this digital era. World Vision constructed the ECD classroom block and a standard flush system toilet, the first of its kind in a rural set up like ours,” said Mr Mamhunze.
Chief Chiduku was impressed by the developments at the school in particular and the community at large.
“We are witnessing impressive development in the constituency due to the contribution of Dr Muswere.
“He is a focused, hardworking and down to earth leader. He consults widely and involves all stakeholders in the development of the constituency,” said Chief Chiduku.
Online Reporter