Story by Tafara Chikumira
GOVERNMENT has commissioned new classroom blocks at Stanley Primary School in Gweru, in a move aimed at improving learning conditions and easing overcrowding at the institution.
The classrooms, officially opened on Friday, form part of broader infrastructure development efforts designed to strengthen the quality of education in schools across the country.
School authorities said the new facilities would help address long-standing challenges, including hot seating.
Head of Stanley Primary School, Mrs Christine Magwegwe, said the project had been made possible through the support of parents and the school community.
“We are very grateful to our parents who helped with the financing towards the construction of these facilities. We have been grappling with hot seating, which meant fewer hours of learning for our learners. The facility will help deal with the problem. Our school has been doing well in terms of pass-rates, but with these facilities, we intend to do more,” she said.
Parents and guardians welcomed the development, saying improved infrastructure would create a better learning environment for pupils.
“The development is quite impressive. It is always refreshing to note that our children have a proper learning environment. The facilities will help in decongesting the classrooms. We are confident that our children will have better passes going into the future,” a parent said.
“I want to thank the good works of our hardworking President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa. Since the coming on board of the Second Republic, the country has been experiencing some massive developments. This is part of the good efforts by our principled leaders,” another community member said.
Officials say investment in school infrastructure remains an important component of efforts to improve educational standards.
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube, said the project aligned with broader reforms aimed at modernising Zimbabwe’s education system.
“His Excellency, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Mnangagwa, made a bold and strategic policy shift from the colonial education system towards Heritage Based Education 5.0, which integrates the country’s cultural heritage with modern infrastructure and technologies. I therefore commend Stanley Primary School Development Committee, staff and parents for the rigorous mobilisation of resources towards the construction of this block which effectively reduces overcrowding, eliminates hot seating and improves access to sanitation facilities,” he said.
The construction of the classroom blocks is also aligned with Government’s National Development Strategy 2, which prioritises science, technology, innovation and human capital development as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s education system.
