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Brenda Ziga Herald Reporter
Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko yesterday lauded churches for complementing Government’s efforts in delivering quality education to Zim- babweans.
Officially opening Howard High School girls’ hostel and matron’s house in Chiweshe yesterday, VP Mphoko said one of the challenges Government faced in the education sector was the construction of infrastructure.
“The construction of Howard High School girls’ lodge is a true testimony of how schools from time immemorial have been immensely contributing towards the enlightenment of our communities both spiritually and academically.
“Today, Zimbabwe is celebrated as having the highest literacy rate in Africa as a result of the Government, churches and the private sectors’ collaborative efforts towards ensuring that our people are educated,” he said.
VP Mphoko urged the private sector to complement Government’s efforts to build schools in rural and new resettlement areas.
“Schools need to be built to accommodate pupils, especially in the rural areas and newly resettled farms.
“When churches like the Salvation Army join Government in the building of school infrastructure, it is a challenge other key stakeholders like the private sector need to take up and also play their part as this is part of their corporate social responsibility,” he said.
VP Mphoko said responsible authorities may partner with the private sector to form good relationships to construct school infrastructure.
“Responsible authorities may need to court the private sector and form smart partnerships, and construct school infrastructure under the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement.
“In the Zim-Asset, which is the Government’s socio-economic blueprint, it is stated that, whilst the nation prides itself with a literacy rate of 92 percent, there is need to ensure that schools are built and equipped particularly in the newly resettled areas,” he said.
VP Mphoko commended the Salvation Army for enhancing the security of the girl child.
“It is pleasing to note that the construction of this girls’ lodge enhances the security of the girl child. The girls will be decently accommodated and afforded a conducive learning environment that promotes academic excellence.
“One of the challenges that the rural girl child has to contend with, is walking long distances to school, exposing her to potential abuse.
“This development augurs well with Government strategy on the empowerment of the girl child and advocacy on gender parity in all spheres of life,” he said.
VP Mphoko urged pupils not to leave the country after completing their studies as some were subjected to abuse in foreign countries.
“I urge you not to leave the country in the name of seeking ‘greener pastures’ because there are no green pastures out there but there are ‘red pastures’ as you will face abuse and xenophobia,” he said.
VP Mphoko also toured Nyachuru Primary and Secondary schools in Mashonaland Central.
Online Reporter