Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure
Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces have handed over modern educational infrastructure, including Early Childhood Development classrooms, a fully equipped Information and Communication Technology learning facility and disability-friendly ablution facilities, to Hallingbury Primary School in Harare.
The new facilities are expected to ease congestion, promote inclusive education and enhance the quality of teaching and learning at the school.
Speaking at the handover ceremony on Wednesday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Mr Aaron Nhepera, said the project underscored Government’s commitment to improving access to quality education and expanding digital learning opportunities.
“These facilities will help eliminate overcrowding and hot-sitting, promote inclusive education and significantly improve the quality of teaching and learning,” he said.
Mr Nhepera commended Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Emmanuel Matatu, for his continued support of the Community Assistance Programme and also praised Commander Presidential Guard Brigade, Major General Fidelis Mhonda, for spearheading similar projects across Harare.
Among the projects completed under the programme last year were an ECD block at Gillingham Primary School in Dzivarasekwa, an administration block at Warren Park 6 Primary School and another ECD block at Batanai Primary School in Mabvuku.
Mr Nhepera said the collaboration between the Presidential Guard Brigade Engineers Squadron and school authorities had become a model for community development.
“As we officially hand over the keys to this ECD and ICT block, we are investing in the future of our children, strengthening inclusive education, promoting digital learning and reaffirming the enduring partnership between the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the communities we proudly serve.”
He said the project demonstrated the importance Government attaches to education and the strategic role of ICT in national development.
The infrastructure was constructed by the Headquarters Presidential Guard Brigade Engineers Squadron, with the Hallingbury Primary School Development Committee mobilising financial resources and providing construction materials through a special development levy.
At the same time, the ZDF contributed skilled labour and technical expertise at no cost.
The handover formed part of the 2026 Zimbabwe Defence Forces Community Assistance Week, held ahead of the 46th Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day commemorations.
Under the programme, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces provides skilled personnel free of charge, while beneficiary communities supply construction materials and financial resources, significantly reducing project costs.
Mr Nhepera said the initiative had grown in both scale and impact over the years, improving the lives of thousands of Zimbabweans.
Established in 1957, Hallingbury Primary School serves Mabelreign and surrounding north-western suburbs of Harare. It has an enrolment of 1 234 pupils, comprising 647 girls and 587 boys.
