Story by Fungai Jachi
PARTNERSHIPS between government and private investors are strengthening Zimbabwe’s education sector, expanding access to quality learning and supporting the country’s Vision 2030 development agenda.
In Gutu District, Sandon Academy has grown from fewer than 20 learners a decade ago to nearly 2,000 students and 120 teachers. The institution has also established six modern learning centres, broadening access to education in the district.
Stakeholders gathered at the academy on Friday for a prize-giving ceremony to celebrate academic excellence and the institution’s growth.
Community members said collaboration between government and private investors is improving access to education while easing pressure on public schools.
“We are happy with the progress we are seeing in our communities in the education sector, where the government is building schools while private players like Sandon are also building schools. This has improved the quality of education our children are also getting, and it has also reduced the distance our children used to travel to access education facilities,” one stakeholder said.
Another stakeholder noted that private schools are helping reduce congestion in public institutions.
“The coming in of private players in the education sector has released pressure on our public schools, which used to be congested. Now, when our public schools are full, parents have a choice to go to private schools, where they are also guaranteed quality education.”
The Sandon Group has expanded its presence across Masvingo and Mashonaland East provinces, complementing government efforts to widen access to quality education.
Director of Education for the Sandon Group of Schools, Dr Thokozile Mupundu said the institution remains focused on maintaining high academic standards.
“As Sandon Academy, we are happy with the support we are getting from our parents, teachers, and government itself. Today, we gather here to celebrate academic excellence and the growth of our institution. We have maintained between 97 and 100 percent pass rates in all our schools for the past five years, and we are looking forward to continuing to ensure quality education for our children.”
Sandon Group of Schools Chief Executive Officer, Honourable Lovemore Matuke said the institution’s expansion is contributing to national development and job creation.
“We are following President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s mantra that “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo,” and as private investors, we want to thank the government for giving us an opportunity to invest in the education sector. We are trying our best to bring modern learning facilities to our people and communities, working hand in glove with our government.
“Through this development, we are also creating employment opportunities for our teachers and community members who become part of the ancillary staff. As the Sandon Group of Schools, we continue to expand, and we recently commissioned our seventh education facility.”
Guest of Honour and Gutu Central legislator, Honourable Winston Chitando, said investment in education remains critical to achieving a knowledge-based economy.
“Vision 2030 by President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa is anchored on supportive infrastructure or supportive services, which include education. So, when we witness the growth of the education sector, you can see the totality of all that development in the various sectors; hence, our country is moving towards a 2030 vision. We commend the private sector for supporting the government’s vision; hence they are working together.”
The event also recognised outstanding students, teachers and support staff for their achievements.
Alongside private sector investments, government continues to expand educational infrastructure through the construction of schools, classroom blocks, computer laboratories and the rollout of internet connectivity, particularly in rural areas, as part of efforts to improve learning outcomes nationwide.
