School reaps big from Pfumvudza

Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
A primary school in Mhangura, which embraced the Pfumvudza/ Intwasa programme and planted maize on three hectares of land, expects up to 15 tonnes and will channel some of the proceeds towards the construction of a two-classroom block.

Officiating at the school’s field day and ground-breaking ceremony of the classroom block, some 40km from Chinhoyi, Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister, Edgar Moyo, praised Tendera Primary School for the hands-on approach to education.

“I am impressed by the school’s involvement in Pfumvudza and the integrated approach where Agritex has been supporting the school in its endeavours by providing technical assistance,” said Deputy Minister Moyo.

“The role, which has been played by the school does not only demonstrate the capability of teaching agriculture, but as an inspiration to motivate the rest of the schools in the district, province and indeed the whole nation.

“Each school should therefore utilise its land.”

Schools are allocated at least 12 hectares of land for their needs including agriculture, recreational facilities and accommodation.

Deputy Minister Moyo encouraged communities to be involved in schools’ activities, through ploughing and even using their oxen, spraying and grass cutting.

He added that Government recognises and appreciates the intervention by communities to the fulfilment of Vision 2030.

“All of us should play our part as individuals and as institutions. “Under National Development Strategy (NDS1), the Primary and Secondary Education Ministry is encouraging schools to execute technical-commercial venture projects through vocational and technical subjects including wood technology and design, metal technology and design and agriculture, which support learners to acquire valuable skills for economic development,” said Deputy Minister Moyo

However, he warned parents and officials against exploiting children for economic benefits.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Moyo said the school’s plea for examination centre registration was almost complete.

Grade Seven pupils at the school have been writing their examinations at Murereka Primary School in Lions Den, some 20 kilometres away.

Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, said schools in the province had been rising to the occasion in support of Government activities.

“Our schools are producing PPE towards the fight against Covid-19 and here we are, with one of the schools producing grain towards food security,” she said.

Proportional representative for Makonde and Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Deputy Minister, Jennifer Mhlanga called on the school to increase its production to six hectares for the 2021-2022 season, adding that Government was ready to support such initiatives.

School head, Ms Stella Sichevo, said the community will benefit from the new block.

Presently, the school has four classrooms being shared by over 300 pupils from Early Childhood Development stage up to Grade Seven.

Agritex area supervisor, Mr Lawrence Nyachowe, said at least 15 tonnes of maize would be realised from the three-hectare demo plot.