Story by Tino Zirongwe.
YEARS of learning under tobacco grading sheds and in an abandoned farmhouse have come to an end for pupils at Newlands Primary School in Zvimba North after Government, working with a local investor, completed a new four-classroom block to improve education infrastructure in the area.
The project has brought relief to learners, teachers and parents, who say the new facilities have transformed the learning environment and restored hope to a school that had endured years of inadequate infrastructure.
Parents welcomed the development, describing it as a milestone for the community.
“We are so excited about the developments by the Government of His Excellency, President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa. It was not easy in the past. The school had many years of neglect, but today we are remembered,” said parent Shamiso Chirikure.
Another parent, Shila Moyo, said the new classrooms would provide a better future for learners.
“I am so grateful. I have a child in Grade Seven and a niece at ECD level. We are thankful for this development.”
Parents said the new infrastructure would particularly benefit early childhood learners, who previously endured harsh weather conditions in dilapidated classrooms.
“Our children used to face difficulties, especially during cold weather and rains because of leaking roof sheets and damaged window panels. Now we are excited,” said one parent.
School Head Ms Marry Jawachawa said the project demonstrates the impact of partnerships in addressing infrastructure gaps in education.
“I am grateful to our local leaders for embracing the vision of His Excellency the President on infrastructure development. We have also been promised that solar systems will be installed on our boreholes before the end of this month,” she said.
District Schools Inspector Mr Andrew Matsikiti said similar interventions are needed at other schools established after the Land Reform Programme.
“We have a number of similar challenges within the district, particularly in remote schools. We believe the support witnessed here can be extended to areas such as Rafingora, Mutorashanga and Bhuwi to ensure adequate infrastructure for our children,” he said.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo, said the project highlights the importance of collaboration between Government and the private sector in accelerating development.
“We did not wait for either the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education or the Ministry of National Housing. We realised that, through partnerships with local investors, in this case WiseTina Construction Company, we can complement Government efforts in infrastructure development,” she said.
The classroom block forms part of the Second Republic’s drive to expand education infrastructure and improve learning conditions as Zimbabwe advances towards its Vision 2030 goal of becoming an upper-middle-income economy.
