Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made a significant investment in Zimbabwe’s education sector through the donation of 266 bicycles, 300 furniture sets and modern learning accessories to two schools in Hwange District.
The gesture is expected to improve learner attendance, retention and teaching quality.
The donation, officially handed over on Saturday at Matetsi Secondary School and Chinotimba Primary School, was part of an assortment of educational and community goods earlier donated to the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa by the UAE government for onward distribution in Matabeleland North province.
The assistance was facilitated through the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, a humanitarian arm of the UAE government known for supporting education and community development across Africa.
Matetsi Secondary School, which caters pupils that travel long distances to school, received 266 bicycles.
“We have learners who travel long distances every day to and from school, which made some of them drop from school. With these bicycles, attendance will increase, more pupils will enrol and we are also optimistic that our pass rate will improve,” said school head Mrs Thandekile Dimbira.
Matabeleland North provincial education director, Mr Jabulani Mpofu, said the support would help fulfil the country’s inclusive education vision.
“Matetsi Secondary School is growing, and these bicycles will help fulfil the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind. This should improve both attendance and performance,” he said.
At Chinotimba Primary School — Victoria Falls’ oldest school, established in 1940 — the UAE donated 350 tables, 350 chairs, 30 whiteboards and a television set to modernise classroom instruction.
“We are thankful to the UAE for this donation, which will help our learners. The whiteboards and television introduce smart, modern learning and will enhance participation and focus,” said school head Mrs Thandiwe Mathema.
The school has an enrolment of 1 328 pupils, and the new furniture will improve classroom comfort and learning conditions for hundreds of learners.
ZimParks director-general, Professor Edison Gandiwa, who was the guest of honour at the event, said the donation represents a substantial improvement in infrastructure and teaching tools.
“The donation of 350 tables, 350 chairs, 30 whiteboards and a TV set will go a long way in improving the learning environment,” he said.
Prof Gandiwa said the donation of whiteboards and a television set will promote modern trends of instruction delivery.
“They will also aid hybrid teaching and enable access to e-learning platforms, a crucial tool in the era of heritage-based education,” he said.
Prof Gandiwa said the donation supports the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s efforts to improve access to quality education and promote digital literacy.
“We know Zimbabwe is pushing heritage-based education. And in that regard, such material will enhance our learning delivery and also allow you to engage in a much modernised way. So you cannot say we are struggling, yet we have modern infrastructure,” he said.
Deputy Ambassador of the UAE, Mr Rashed Al Shamsi, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s education sector.
“I am happy to be here today with you. We are providing 266 bicycles to Matetsi Secondary School. These bicycles will help you go to school more safely and easily and give you more time for your studies,” said Mr Al Shamsi
