Story by Tamuka Charakupa
THE government of Zimbabwe continues to make strides towards the establishment of technical primary schools, with the latest achievement being the awarding of technical primary school status to Kuredza Government Technical Primary School in Kadoma, Mashonaland West Province.
In celebration of its 60th anniversary, Kuredza Primary School has become the first institution in Mashonaland West to receive this prestigious recognition.
The move is in line with the government’s commitment to the implementation of a heritage-based education framework aimed at equipping learners with practical, life-enhancing skills.
“As part of our efforts to provide a conducive learning environment, we are very much grateful to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, for constructing a brand new ECD block in collaboration with the SDC.
“This state-of-the-art facility is equipped with modern amenities and will provide our youngest learners a solid foundation for their educational journey. We have also refurbished the VPA, Wood Tech and Food Tech departments.
“These facilities are now equipped with modern equipment, machines and tools, providing our students with hands-on experience and practical skills, all courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These technical facilities will also be used by our non-formal students. Today as we celebrate this event we proudly embrace the principles of Education 5.0 and Vision 2030 fostering innovation, research, and industrialisation for a brighter future,” the school Head at Kuredza Government Technical Primary School, Mr Anthony Mapondani said.
Learners expressed their appreciation for the newly upgraded
infrastructure.
“We are delighted that our school now has an ECD block which means our little brothers and sisters are now learning in a safe environment. The development has also enhanced our infrastructure outlook,” a learner, Carrisa Nginja said.
“We are grateful that we now have an opportunity to do practical subjects which equip us with life skills,” another learner, Tadisa Mudhuva said.
Several such facilities are been established countrywide through a partnership between the government and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“The Church has constructed over 80 classrooms across the country while some additional projects are at various stages of construction. We believe in the power of collaboration heeding the President’s call that ‘Nyika inovakwa neVene Vayo’ mantra,” the District president for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mr Wellington Mbira said.
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Honourable Torerayi Moyo commended the church for embracing the government’s call for public-private partnerships in developing the educational sector.
“May all other Primary Schools follow suit and start providing skills to pupils from an early age. The sages were not wrong when they said catch them young. I would like to commend the staff and the SDC for embracing the skills narrative in our Heritage Based Curriculum and refurbishing classrooms into specialist rooms,” Honourable Moyo said.
Minister Moyo also revealed plans to construct at least 150 new schools this year to address the existing shortage of educational facilities.
