Story by Fungai Jachi
THE Seke community in Mashonaland East Province is celebrating an important milestone in expanding education access after the Johanne Masowe eChishanu Apostolic Church constructed a new primary school that will accommodate more than 200 learners.
Simbarashe Junior School has eased the long distances previously endured by many young children in the area, bringing learning facilities closer to households while improving safety and attendance.
Parents said the school had immediately transformed daily routines and expectations for their children.
“Our children were walking long distances and because they are young, it was a sorry sight because they woke up early to be able to get to school on time,” a parent said.
“It has come as a relief and now we expect our children to do better. What I am happy about is that the fees are affordable,” another parent noted.
The school has a capacity to accommodate 200 learners and the church says it is committed to serving the community.
“We saw a need in our community and decided to play our part despite popular belief that, as the Apostolic sect, we are backward and do not believe in education. We are trying to change that narrative and encourage others to realise the importance of education,” Simbarashe Junior School’s Director, Madzibaba Simbarashe Nengomasha said.
“This is very encouraging when partners like the church are contributing to community development. This is how we are going to achieve Vision 2030. We have also decided to give them more land so that they can expand the school,” ZANU PF DCC Seke District chairperson, Cde Edson Makina stated.
This year, the government set a target to construct 120 schools countrywide and most of the schools have been constructed through Public Private Partnerships.
