admin
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu
Bulawayo Bureau
SABABA Primary School in Insiza District is on a development path following the establishment of a computer laboratory and administration block.
A borehole at the school has been solar powered to support a horticulture project, with the garden produce aiding the school feeding programme. Teachers’ cottages have been electrified and renovated, and the previously dilapidated school infrastructure has also been refurbished.
The establishment of the computer lab will enable the school to teach computer lessons for the first time since its founding in 1958. Additionally, software has been installed to conduct mock tests, a development aimed at improving learner performance.
The development project was spearheaded by the family of Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, in collaboration with other partners.
The school has received 20 computers from the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, and the Chiwenga family has donated 10 desktops. Refurbishment works included repainting the school infrastructure, patching floors, and replacing dilapidated roofing material.
Sababa Primary School Development Committee chairperson, Mrs Isabel Moyo, said the intervention has resurrected their school, which was in a pathetic state.
She noted that some parents had transferred their children to other schools due to the poor conditions.
“Our school had become an eyesore. Classroom blocks were in a terrible state, and some parents were transferring their children as they had lost trust in us as an educational facility. Teachers were also shunning the school, affecting our pass rate.
“The intervention has brought back long-lost hope. Our school can now attract teachers and we have electrified teachers’ cottages and an administration block, which is a huge development for us,” she said.
Parents expressed their gratitude to the family of VP Chiwenga and its partners for the significant development.
Speaking after commissioning the projects at Sababa Primary School, Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga said she saw it prudent to give back and develop the community where she grew up.
She completed her Grade 3 to 7 studies at Sababa Primary School and said that her husband, Vice President Chiwenga, has been very supportive of the initiative.
Col Baloyi-Chiwenga said the intervention at Sababa Primary School has addressed challenges related to learning space, resources, food supply, teachers’ welfare, water supply and access to ICT.
“The project at Sababa Primary School started late last year, and we vowed to ensure its timely completion. I was gravely concerned by the school’s dilapidated state. I engaged my husband, the Vice President, who has been very supportive.
“I approached the Minister of ICT, Honourable Tatenda Mavetera, and her Ministry provided 20 laptops under the Government’s project of computers in rural schools.
“As the Chiwenga family, we have also provided 10 desktops, which will be delivered soon. The President has said no one and no place will be left behind, and as a family, we saw it prudent to contribute towards making this vision a reality. We decided to do our part to ensure that the Insiza community isn’t left behind,” she said.
Col Baloyi-Chiwenga stressed the importance of improving water supply in schools to enhance the education system.
She urged various stakeholders to contribute towards improving education in rural schools, stating that much can be achieved if each individual contributes to developing their communities.
She highlighted that access to ICT is crucial in implementing the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 Curriculum and that promoting ICT in rural areas will help bridge the gap between rural and urban schools.
Also speaking during the event, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, said the province’s education sector has significantly benefited from the intervention by the family of VP Chiwenga.
“We thank the Government for working with our child from this province in this initiative that has revived schools and communities in Insiza District.
“The technology we are witnessing at this school today will make it easier for learners to understand their education, leading to improved performance. Education is crucial in the development of communities and the nation.
“Doctors, scientists, researchers, prison officers, engineers, and police officers will be produced by this school as a result of this development intervention,” she said.
Chief Maduna said the works by Col Baloyi-Chiwenga clearly indicate her understanding of the Vision of the Second Republic for an upper middle-income society by 2030.
He noted that the Insiza community has recorded significant milestones due to efforts from one of its own.
Online Reporter