Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
GOVERNMENT has commended the growing role of the private sector in expanding access to education, saying partnerships with industry are complementing national efforts to improve learning conditions in schools across the country.
The importance of public-private partnerships was demonstrated in Bindura on Friday, where local mining firm, Ran Mine, donated classroom furniture to Ran Mine Primary School, easing pressure on limited resources and improving the learning environment for pupils.
The donation was welcomed by the school community, which said the shortage of desks and chairs had been affecting effective learning.
“We are grateful for the kind gesture of donating furniture to our school. There was a dire need for these desks and chairs, and some students were sitting on the floor,” a community member said.
School staff said the support was part of an ongoing relationship with the mining company.
“The furniture donated here today is a major boost for our school. This is not the first time Ran Mine has helped us, as they also donated furniture last year,” a staff member said.
Ran Mine Corporate Affairs Director, Mr Jack Murehwa, said the company remained committed to supporting education as part of its broader community development strategy.
“We intend to return and look forward to extending our partnership through further meaningful support. As Ran Mine continues to grow, so too will our community support grow. We believe that growth must be inclusive and shared,” Mr Murehwa said.
Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo, represented by Permanent Secretary Mr Timothy Maregere, welcomed the intervention, saying adequate infrastructure and furniture were essential to successful learning outcomes.
“As Government continues to roll out the heritage-based Education 5.0 curriculum, it is imperative that education is supported by adequate and appropriate infrastructure and furniture. Learners cannot be expected to excel academically when they are deprived of basic items such as desks and chairs, while teachers also require suitable furniture to effectively deliver their mandate,” he said.
Government is implementing a nationwide schools infrastructure development programme following the establishment of more than 100 new schools last year, as part of broader efforts to enhance the quality, inclusivity and accessibility of education.
