Story by Mercy Bofu
THE church has pledged to continue working with the government to ensure vulnerable children have access to education through the construction of schools.
The people of the Sanyangwe area in Masvingo Province have applauded the Second Republic for partnering with the church to improve livelihoods through infrastructure development.
This comes after Johanne Marange Apostolic Church started constructing a primary and secondary school in the area with support from the government.
“We are excited that a new school is going to be built in this area because our children used to walk long distances and miss school during rainy season due to flooded rivers,” said one of the community members who spoke to this news crew.
“This development will go a long way in ensuring access to education for our children. We are happy that the school will not only cater for those from Johanne Marange Church but also children around the community,” another community member added.
Johanne Marange Apostolic Church Education Coordinator Mr Nesbert Taguta revealed that the church is constructing several schools throughout the country in support of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s development agenda.
“Currently we have got more than 30 schools, some still under construction and we are looking forward to building more such that our children and those within surrounding communities have access to education,” asserted Mr Taguta.
The government recognises the church as key in socio-economic development.
“The Second Republic recognises the church as key in all our developmental programmes. We will continue working together supporting the church in ensuring improved livelihoods,” noted Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honorable Ezra Chadzamira.
This comes at a time when President Emmerson Mnangagwa has stressed the importance of the relationship between government and the church in nation-building.
