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A WINDING 30km dust road north-west of Nyanga will lead you to Magarati Primary School in Ward 18 under Chief Saunyama.
Barely a month ago, the school’s real name was hardly known, as it was called all sorts of names from Masaki, Mamvemve to Marengenya due to its poor structures in which pupils were taking lessons.
The pupils were taking lessons under bricks, grass and dagga roughly put together to make a classroom.
The only thing which would make a passer-by guess it was a classroom was a chalkboard which was casted on either sides of the crooked wall.
And all that came to history last Friday Member of National Assembly for Nyanga South and Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Cde Supa Mandiwanzira officially opened two classroom blocks to end 12 years of languishing in backwardness.
A mist of cloud could be seen from a distance as the pupils danced the whole day in celebration of the opening of the classrooms blocks.
The blocks were constructed through assistance from Simukai Child Protection in partnership with Action Aid.
Zimbabwe National Army’s 3 Brigade personnel managed to complete the construction projects after volunteers had abandoned it at window level.
Simukai Child Protection director, Mr F.B Matsanga saluted the Magarati community for its dedication to duty which resulted in the completion of the project.
“I thank you very much for working hard with the few resources you have. Without you, our work would have been very difficult.
“May you continue developing this infrastructure from where we have left.
“The classrooms are still to be furnished, but I know you will try your best,” she said.
The school headmaster, Mr Shadreck Marechera, was visibly elated. However, he had a long shopping list which he presented to Cde Mandiwanzira.
The shopping list includes the construction of a library, teachers’ houses, an ECD block and administration block as well as the sinking of a borehole.
Cde Mandiwanzira was equal to the task and said: “I am committed to assist this school. I will mobilise funds for the construction of more classroom blocks.
“So far I have secured 5 000 books for the library. Graders will be deployed here to work on the school grounds.
“I thank all who took part in the constructing the school for they have brought development in our constituency,” he said.
Magarati Primary School is a satellite school to Tamunesa Primary School which is about 4km away.
It opened its doors in February 2003 and offers classes from ECD to Grade Seven.
It has an enrolment of125 pupils and has four teachers.
Online Reporter