Story by Fungai Jachi
THE construction of additional classroom blocks at Chingwizi Primary School in Mwenezi District is offering renewed hope for improved access to education, particularly for learners who currently walk more than five kilometers to the nearest school.
Located in the Chingwizi resettlement area, the school serves communities in Ward 2 of Mwenezi East Constituency, where residents have taken the initiative to address long-standing challenges in education infrastructure.
Embracing the “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” philosophy, villagers are leading the development of schools in their area, demonstrating strong community ownership and commitment to improving learning conditions for future generations.
For years learners had to endure long distances to find the nearest school but through the Community Development Fund availed by government and the local legislator, Honourable Sheila Chikomo, the community is now constructing learning facilities for their children.
The locals are appreciative of the support they are getting from the political leadership by complimenting the financial support with their different skills to ensure Chingwizi Primary classroom blocks construction is a success.
“Our children used to walk long distances to school but now they have shelter which means even the pass rate is going to change,” a parent said.
“I used to learn here long back and we did not have classrooms but now through the efforts of government and us as the locals our children will have better learning facilities,” a former student said.
“We are forever grateful that we have a representative in Parliament who listens to our concerns and acts on our needs. Now we are seeing developments in our community,” a community member said.
Authorities are confident that such collaborations will accelerate development.
“The dedication by parents to see that the school has better facilities is amazing because with this kind of determination we will definitely go far in developing the community,” Chairperson SDC Chingwizi Primary Mr Simon Matsemuke said.
“We are grateful that we are working with the community to develop the area. Our children deserve the best and working together like this as political leaders and the community it shows that we all want to see a better future for our children. President Emmerson Mnangagwa says Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo and that is what we are doing here in Mwenezi East,” Councilor for Ward 2, Mwenezi East, Mr Neatiel Makotose said.
Schools Infrastructure development remains one of government’s key priority areas under the National Development Strategy 2 as it moves to enhance access to quality and equitable education.
