Story by Providence Maraneli
SCHOOLS in Gwanda North have resumed the school feeding programme, with communities reporting improved learner attendance and reduced school dropouts following the intervention.
The programme resumed after ZANU PF leadership in Gwanda North provided mealie meal and school fees assistance to several schools in the district, complementing Government efforts to improve access to education and inclusive learning.
School authorities said the initiative was already yielding positive results.
“We are grateful for the kind gesture. Our learners are now coming to school in their numbers,” said Simbumbumbu School Deputy Head, Mr Luka Shamuyenhanzva.
Mapane School Head, Ms Ntombiyezihle Mpofu, said the programme is expected to improve learner performance.
“We are resuming the programme on Tuesday and I believe this will help our children improve,” she said.
At Gqalaza Primary School, School Development Committee chairperson Ms Regina Moyo said the support had removed barriers that were preventing some children from attending classes.
“We have received fees for all our children on top of food supplies. This means there is no longer any excuse for children not to attend school,” she said.
Traditional leaders also welcomed the intervention.
“As a community, we are grateful for what has happened in our schools. It means we are building a future for our children,” said Headman Madlela.
ZANU PF Gwanda North representative, Cde Lungisani Ncube, said the initiative was aimed at addressing school dropouts while strengthening ongoing Government programmes.
“I have availed funds to pay school fees for all children in the seven schools so that we address the challenge of school dropouts,” he said.
“This is also complementing Government efforts to improve access to education. I have also provided food consignments to complement the Government’s school feeding programme.”
Schools that benefited from the initiative include Mawange, Simbumbumbu, Gqalaza, Mapane, Sitezi, Mayezane and Sizeze.
