Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
GWANDA South legislator, Dr Omphile Marupi, who is also the Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, has called for stakeholder involvement in developing infrastructure in rural schools for the successful implementation of the Heritage-Based Curriculum.
Speaking during a recent event to commission a newly constructed classroom block at Sengezane Primary School, which coincided with speech and prize-giving day, Dr Marupi urged School Development Committees to prioritise the construction of science and computer laboratories.
“We are now under the Heritage Based 5.0 curriculum, an educational framework that aligns learning with the country’s cultural heritage, traditions and philosophical principles,” he said.
“It also seeks to equip students with skills relevant to their local context while preparing them for the modern world.
“It also incorporates subjects like science and technology. For us to successfully implement the Heritage-Based Curriculum, there is a need to focus on infrastructure development and this means that we shouldn’t rely on the Government and donors, but we have to spearhead development,” he said.
Dr Marupi said infrastructure development should also take into consideration where teachers are staying, and the learning environment, which children are exposed to, such as learning space, stationery and furniture.
He said parents and guardians should play their part in developing schools by paying school fees and also supporting SDC projects.
“Government says education is the right of every child and as parents and guardians, we shouldn’t deprive our children of this right. Let’s pay school fees and levies so that the school is able to run development projects,” said Dr Marupi.
“If we don’t pay fees, we will also be frustrating our children and disrupting the learning process.
“Let’s also ensure that our children go through school and let’s not keep them at home, as they are the future of tomorrow. As a community, we have to nurture and support the future leaders of our community, who are these children, by supporting their education.”
Dr Marupi also urged teachers to remain committed to their work as they play a crucial role in developing human capital, which becomes the backbone of economic development.
He urged wealthy people to go back to their former schools and take part in development initiatives. Dr Marupi also donated stationery to the school.
“I’m impressed by the role being played by parents in this school. You have not only waited for the Government, but you have also played a role in developing your school through mobilising the little resources that you can to improve the school,” he said.
Government released funds to construct a classroom block at the school after it was destroyed by rains last year.
The school has an enrolment of 476 learners.
Sengezane Primary School Development Committee chairperson, Mrs Sikhathele Ndlovu, said this year the school recorded significant development as several projects were rolled out.
She said they were in the process of constructing an administration block, which is at the foundation level and is set to be completed next year.
Mrs Ndlovu said they managed to replace a submersible pump, which supplies water to their garden and renovated a classroom block, which had been damaged by termites.
“The classroom block was destroyed by winds last year and it had to be constructed from scratch. We sent our plight to our local MP, Marupi and he engaged the Government. Funds were released and the project started,” she said.
“As parents, we were also able to mobilise some funds to assist in building the classroom block and we also provided labour.” —@DubeMatutu
derick.khumalo