Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
PARENTS and guardians of Vengere High School leaners have been commended for funding a 5×2 double-storey classroom block, constructed at a cost of US$600 000, with a view to easy hot-seating and overcrowding in classes at the populous school in Rusape.
The block will accommodate 500 learners in its 10 classrooms, each with a capacity for 50 learners, helping to reduce the current teacher-learner ratio of 1:70.
Rusape, with a growing population, has only three secondary schools, leading to overcrowding and forcing some learners to commute to rural schools.
Commissioning the block on Tuesday, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza praised the parents for funding the project, aligning with the country’s devolution and decentralisation agenda.
“This project at Vengere High is not an isolated event – it clearly reflects the successes achieved under National Development Strategy (NDS1), and the overarching philosophy of the Second Republic. Our national vision, articulated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is to achieve an upper middle-income society by 2030, underpinned by the guiding principle of leaving no one and no place behind.
“The construction of modern educational infrastructure falls squarely under the NDS1 priority area of Human Capital Development and Innovation. Nationally, the Government has embarked on an ambitious programme to construct up to 3 000 schools countrywide, prioritising new facilities in marginalised communities to broaden access to quality education.
“Vengere High School is part of this success story, ensuring our provincial schools match global standards. The completion of this block, addressing overcrowding, embodies our national efforts to ensure that every Zimbabwean child has access to an enabling learning environment. The spirit of cooperation displayed in constructing this block is exactly what the devolution and decentralisation agenda of the Second Republic is about. This project exemplifies local action driven by national policy. We commend the collaboration between parents, the School Development Committee, and Vengere High School staff for their tireless fundraising and ownership of the project. We are reminded that education is a collective responsibility. We call upon all stakeholders – parents, teachers, learners, and the community – to work together to ensure these facilities are used effectively and efficiently,” said Minister Mugadza.
Vengere High School head, Mr Andrew Mvere attributed the construction of the block to the school’s increased enrollment, which rose from 1 200 to over 1 720 in 2022.
“It was a long and painful journey. In 2022, we were overwhelmed by the high demand for Form One places, causing an acute shortage of classrooms. As a stopgap measure, we introduced hot seating. The then SDC took the initiative to build a double-storey block as a permanent solution to our crisis. The project was wholly funded by parents through a building levy paid over several school terms,” said Mr Mvere.
Manicaland Provincial Education Director (PED), Mr Richard Gabaza emphasised that a proper learning environment is key to delivering high-quality education.
“The completion of this magnificent building testifies to the Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that no learner is left behind. Through the devolution programme, we have seen tangible transformation in our education infrastructure, allowing schools to expand access, uphold inclusivity, and improve education delivery.
“This project speaks to the Government’s vision of providing safe, accessible, and conducive learning spaces that nurture academic excellence and holistic child development. The inclusion of facilities for learners with disabilities is particularly commendable, reflecting our shared vision that education must be inclusive and equitable for all,” said Mr Gabaza.
