Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
Government remains resolute in ensuring that every Zimbabwean child, irrespective of geographical location or socio-economic background, has access to safe, inclusive and quality education, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East Advocate Itayi Ndudzo has said.
Advocate Ndudzo made the remarks during the commissioning of education infrastructure and development projects in Mudzi district recently.
The projects were a result of a strategic partnership between World Vision and the Government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Mudzi Rural District Council (RDC).
Advocate Ndudzo commissioned projects in six schools across Mudzi district. The project saw the rehabilitation and furnishing of two blocks with six classrooms as well as an Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre for Nyamatawa Primary School in ward 12.
At the same school, a solar-powered borehole was installed, bringing fresh and safe water for the pupils, staff and the community.
Advocate Ndudzo went on to commission a new block of two classrooms at Nyamande Primary School, where learners were also provided with a fully equipped computer lab.
From Nyamande, Advocate Ndudzo went on to commission a new administration block at Chikwizo Primary School before proceeding to Chitungwira Primary School for the commissioning of a staff house and to Nyaugugu Primary School for the commissioning of an ECD block.
Later on, Advocate Ndudzo commissioned an ECD block with two classrooms, a play centre, solarisation and a piped water project at Goromonzi Primary School.
The partnership also saw some schools having girl-friendly ablution facilities and goat-keeping projects. The whole project was implemented for US$261 597.00
Advocate Ndudzo commended the partnership, saying it has brought about projects that will improve the quality of education for pupils.
“President Mnangagwa has consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to improving access to quality education across our nation,” he said.
“This commitment is not merely aspirational; it is being translated into tangible action through initiatives such as those we celebrate today.
“Today’s gathering transcends the formality of a commissioning ceremony. It is, in essence, a celebration of partnership, resilience and our shared commitment to investing in the future of our children. Education remains the cornerstone of national development and the investments we witness today are critical in building the human capital necessary to achieve the aspirations of Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2.
“These projects demonstrate conclusively what can be accomplished when Government, development partners, local authorities and communities unite with a common purpose.
“Today we formally commission six transformative projects implemented in primary schools across Mudzi district, which are Goromonzi, Nyamatawa, Nyaugugu, Chikwizo, Nyamande and Chitungwira. Each of these institutions has received targeted interventions designed to enhance the quality of education and create conducive learning environments.”
He added that the interventions will go a long way in transforming the learning environment across beneficiary schools.
“They have expanded access to quality, inclusive and child-friendly education, reduced classroom congestion, improved learner enrolment, attendance, concentration and participation and created safer, healthier and more conducive spaces for teaching and learning,” he said.
“Our investments in Early Childhood Development, classroom infrastructure, furniture, water and sanitation facilities, renewable energy and learner support programmes have enhanced learner welfare, dignity and protection, particularly for girls and learners with disabilities.
“Further, these interventions have strengthened digital education, Information Communication Technology (ICT) integration, school administration and teacher capacity, enabling schools to effectively implement the Heritage Based Curriculum and modern approaches to learning.”
Chief Director Education Services in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs Anatoria Ncube, said the projects have addressed some of the challenges faced by learners at beneficiary schools.
“The infrastructure being commissioned today directly addresses some of the challenges that have affected access and quality of education in Mudzi,” she said.
“These include overcrowded classrooms, inadequate sanitation and limited access to technology. These have for far too long compromised teaching and learning.
“Education is the pillar stone of national development. Under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, in line with NDS 2 and the Education Sector Strategic Plan, Government remains fully committed to ensuring that every child in the country, including those in our rural and hard-to- reach areas, has access to safe, inclusive and quality learning environments.”
World Vision operations director Mr Khumbulani Ndlovu said they aim to ensure there is access to quality education, water and sanitation for learners in Mudzi.
“We desire to enhance access to quality education and to support our schools to do that in partnership and in support of Government’s vision,” he said.
“We hope the developments and infrastructure will improve the pass rate and the quality of education.
“In total, we have invested about US$261 000, with communities coming in with a lot of locally available material and the local authority and Government coming in with other resources as well, which helped to complete the project.”
