Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
SHAMVA district is witnessing renewed growth in school infrastructure following increased investment in boarding facilities aimed at improving access to education for learners who travel long distances to attend classes.
The drive towards inclusive and quality education is gathering momentum, with rural schools prioritising the establishment of hostels to accommodate pupils from remote communities.
At Wadzanai Secondary School, construction of new boarding facilities is set to begin soon, marking another milestone in the district’s education development agenda.
The move follows the successful establishment of a boarding facility at Jiti High School last month. What began with six boarders has since grown to accommodate 300 learners, prompting stakeholders to replicate the model across other schools.
Former students, local businesses and community members are mobilising resources through public-private partnerships to fund the construction of the required amenities.
School representatives said the initiative is designed to make institutions fit for purpose and retain learners within the district.
Shamva South legislator, Honourable Joseph Mapiki, has set a target of establishing at least four new boarding facilities by the end of the year.
“Here we have organised for a state-of-the-art boarding school to be established. Parents asked how we could achieve this, and we suggested that former students, local businesses and investors could assist. As MP, I am pushing for us to have four boarding schools. We are working on Shamva Gold Mine School, Jiti has already expanded, and we also have Pfumvuti and Chiraramo in the pipeline. Our thrust is to fight against drugs, as some learners are staying in informal boarding places near villages and towns,” he said.
To complement infrastructure development, Honourable Mapiki handed over 15 laptops, a Starlink kit and a printer to Wadzanai Secondary School. The equipment was donated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to enhance digital learning.
The expansion of boarding facilities in Shamva is expected to reduce walking distances for learners, curb exposure to social ills and improve academic performance across the district.
