Story by Peter Chivhima
HARARE – THE government is stepping in to ensure the construction of new dormitories at Churchill Boys High School after a devastating fire destroyed hostels at the learning facility on Monday.
A delegation from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, led by Minister Torerayi Moyo, visited the school to assess the extent of the damage this Monday.
Speaking during the visit, the school’s headmaster, Mr Aquanos Mazhunga, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, noting the impact on the affected learners.
“We are so devastated that our children were affected and their belongings were reduced to ashes. Now we are mobilising resources so that we can construct new dormitories. The infrastructure was built in 1950, so I think the modern ones are the only way to go,” Churchill Boys High School’s Headmaster Mr Aquanos Mazhunga said.
The team also comprised ZANU-PF Harare Province Women’s League, Deputy Secretary for Education Cde Loice Magweba who emphasised the importance of community solidarity in times of crisis, pledging the League’s commitment to assisting the school in its recovery efforts.
“The purpose of the visit is to evaluate the state of the damage so that we can mobilise resources to support the affected. To the community, I want to say let us come together and assist because the children affected belong to us. This school has produced several people who are influential in society such as those who are here. So let’s extend our hand.”
After assessing the extent of the damage, the government is stepping in to support the construction of new structures at the school.
“What we have seen here is terrible, so as government, we are now stepping in with the assistance so that we construct new facilities. Considering that the facility was built long back, we can not refurbish it, but we are going to build new ones,” Minister Moyo said.
The destruction affected 54 Form One and Two pupils, with all their belongings including blankets, clothes, school uniforms and other valuables reduced to ashes.
Currently, the affected learners are being temporarily housed in the senior students’ quarters, as they await the necessary interventions.
