Story by John Nhandara
COMMUNITIES are deriving maximum benefits from the establishment of village and school business units.
The VSBU is being implemented under the Presidential Borehole Sinking Programme.
Gweshe Primary School in Mazowe District, Mashonaland Central Province, stands as a shining example of how an ordinary rural school can be transformed into a thriving business enterprise.
The development was made possible through the installation of a solar-powered borehole and 20 000-litre water storage tanks, which have provided consistent access to clean water for both the school and the surrounding community.
“We now have access to clean water as a community,” a community member said.
“We also come and buy our fresh produce from the school’s business unit,” another villager said.
The school’s transformation has not only improved livelihoods but also strengthened the school’s operations. Teachers, pupils, and community members alike are benefiting from the initiative.
“This ward has been transformed significantly through the business unit,” Ward Councillor Brighton Muzhira said.
“As a school, we have seen the positive impact the business unit has on everyone involved,” School Head, Mr Tonderai Mutata said.
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development has commended the initiative, particularly noting its role in supporting the school feeding programme and easing the financial burden on parents.
“We have heard the school is also relying on this garden to support its school’s feeding programme and that has lessened the burden on parents,” Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee, Honourable Saul Maburutse said.
The programme is being implemented by Prevail International in partnership with the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), and is part of broader efforts under the Second Republic to uplift rural livelihoods through sustainable development and community empowerment.
