Story by Fungai Jachi
CHIREDZI Rural District Council (RDC) is stepping up investment in education infrastructure, with nearly 40 projects under way across local schools as part of efforts to improve access to quality learning.
The projects, funded through Devolution Funds, include the construction of classroom blocks, teachers’ houses and sanitation facilities.
At Marambakuzara Primary School, two new classroom blocks have been completed, ending years of learners attending lessons under trees and exposing them to harsh weather conditions.
“We used to learn sitting on logs under a tree, but now things have changed; we now have good classrooms with chalkboards. Even if it rains, we can still come to school,” a learner said.
“It is now exciting to come to school because we now have classrooms. We are now looking forward to coming because we have water, electricity, things we did not have before,” another learner said.
Parents said the improved facilities have created a better learning environment for their children.
“We are grateful that our children are now well housed. The conditions used to be bad, but now it has really improved. Our children have better facilities,” a parent said.
School Head Mr Ndakaziva Mavutsi said improved infrastructure is expected to boost school attendance and academic performance.
“The situation used to be very tough with learners having lessons under trees, and it meant most children did not want to attend school, but now we are even expecting our pass rate to improve because they are now showing interest in learning.”
Chiredzi RDC Chairperson, Councillor Aspect Mashingaidze said the local authority is targeting the construction of at least 140 primary schools to reduce walking distances for learners.
“Our target as the RDC is to reduce walking distances for learners, so we want to have more schools. We are using Devolution funds, and we want to have at least 140 primary schools. We are working with our master plan, and also the community is helping with labour.”
The school has also prioritised water and solar power infrastructure, while disability-friendly ablution facilities have been completed. A school feeding programme is also continuing, with learners receiving meals on time.
The infrastructure programme forms part of the council’s efforts to improve access to education and reduce the distance learners travel to school.
