Story by Providence Maraneli
THE Dubani community in Gwanda is excited about the construction of Thornhood Primary School in the once marginalised resettlement area, a development expected to significantly reduce the distance travelled by learners to access basic education.
For more than two decades, children from Dubani have endured walking over 20 kilometres daily to reach the nearest school in Collen Bawn.
The absence of a local school forced many parents to send their children to foster homes or low-cost boarding facilities in faraway areas.
This challenge is now being addressed through the construction of Thornhood Primary School, a product of a Public-Private Partnership between the community and Earthworks Company.
“For more than 20 years we have had to endure the pain of watching our children walk long distances,” said a community member.
“Some parents left their children in the old villages, while others have resorted to renting near shops close to schools,” added another resident.
“Our children leave home as early as 5am. This school will truly ease our burden,” said a parent.
The new school will cater for learners from Dubani, Tshindeni, and Hantinya areas.
“We are constructing classroom blocks as our contribution to the community,” said Mr Charles Kunjani, Director of Earthworks Company.
“What is happening today brings relief. Many children from this area were at risk as they sought transport from strangers. Now they will have a school within walking distance,” Gwanda District Schools Inspector, Mr Sydney Sibanda said.
Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony of the school this Thursday, Gwanda-Tshitaudze legislator, Honourable Fisani Moyo, reaffirmed the Second Republic’s commitment to improving education standards.
“We are here to witness a critical gesture by our partner in development. We were longing to have a school because our children are walking long distances to school. We came here in the 2000s, and we have been crying to have a school here, and here we are.”
The Second Republic is on a drive to construct new schools across the country to reduce distances travelled by learners to the nearest school, with more than 100 schools having been constructed last year.
