THE Second Republic’s push for universal access to education has received a major boost after the construction of a new school in Shamva.
Zitokwe Primary School, which is nearing completion, is earmarked for commissioning this September.
For the local community, the development marks the end of a long struggle as children walked over 11 kilometres to access education, a situation residents describe as both disheartening and dangerous.
“We started this school because our children were walking more than 10 kilometres every day to get to the nearest school. We began by moulding bricks ourselves, but when our resources ran out, we reached out to Canterbury Mining for support. Today, we are overjoyed to see the dream taking shape,” a villager, Mr Innocent Mudapakati said.
“We are happy that the mining company has built a school for us, they are also planning to build a secondary school,” another villager, Mrs. Susan Rukoche added.
Canterbury Mining Company partnered with the local community last September, after Zitokwe residents moulded 150 000 bricks but ran out of funds.
“It is a project that came from the people. They had moulded bricks, but ran out of resources and approached us. Being a mining company that is working in Shamva, we began to put in money. For now, phase one is 95% complete and has engulfed US$836 000, there is phase two, which is staff accommodation, and the project will get to US$1.13 million,” the mining company’s secretary, Mr Samuel Rusike said.
The initiative, arguably the largest greenfield public school construction project in the province, has excited Shamva South Legislator Honourable Joseph Mapiki, who describes it as a milestone public-private partnership.
“As the Member of Parliament here, I am happy. Zimbabwe will be successful if communities work with strategic partners. They developed their deepest roots here, so we will continue to work with them.”
The new school has seven classroom blocks and 21 classrooms, hence it will accommodate over 800 learners.
Flash toilets have been installed, and the school will be solar-powered.
A Starlink installation will ensure access to the internet service along with interactive smart boards for learners to bridge the digital divide.
