Zimpapers Logo

Victor Maphosa recently in Mudzi

The Government through the Mudzi Rural District Council has been commended for building classroom blocks using devolution funds at Nyaugugu Primary School as the Second Republic fulfils its promise of supporting the education sector and ensuring that no one and no place is left behind in development.

The school is situated about 40km east of Mudzi Growth Point and before Government came in with devolution funds, learners were using wood and dagga structures.

Enrolment at the school was very low with only about 50 learners.

However, the construction of new modern blocks has boosted the morale of pupils and now the school has a total enrolment of 200 learners.

Before the school blocks were constructed, learners would travel for 17km to the next school, resulting in a lot of dropouts.

The Herald visited the new and old schools where parents and learners expressed gratitude to Government.

In an interview at Nyaugugu Primary School, Amai Singizi who has children learning at the school thanked Government for availing devolution funds, adding that their children will receive lessons in a dignified environment.

“It was like ourselves and our children were living in a place out of this world, the dagga and timber structures were not good for our children at all. Though it was convenient by then, our children were not safe in those structures.

“Our President has done a good job for us, look now our children have even piped water at the school and the community is also benefiting. I want to say thank you President Mnangagwa for this. We are sure that you have not abandoned us and we thank you for that,” she said.

Amai Keche, from Kambanje village, also commended Government for the school adding that some of their children were no longer willing to go to school due to its poor state, while others abandoned the idea as the next primary school was more than 10km away.

“I want to thank what Government has done for us and our children. Our children were no longer willing to go to school. Look now, we have taped water here and the community is having clean water to drink.”

Mr Mike Nyamukondiwa, another parent said since there is now a good school for learners there is no excuse for failure.

“I am filled with joy now that Government through our local authority has built this school. Our children were having lessons in makeshift classrooms and that was not good at all. Now we have safe and conducive blocks for our children, we are very happy.

“We expect our children to study hard and be future teachers and doctors among other professions.

“We appeal for a fence and computers so that our children have the best environment as they take their lessons. All in all, we thank the Government for this.”

Schools Inspector for Mudzi District Mr David Mayimbo said the gesture by Government through the Kotwa Rural District Council was commendable and will see more children enrolling at the school.

He added that children were walking long distances to the next primary school and it was difficult, especially for those who would want to start at ECD level.

“Construction of this school has reduced the walking distance of our learners. We have applied for it to be officially registered so that we can get trained teachers and assist our learners. All the paperwork has been completed and the school has met all the required standards,” said Mr Mayimbo.

Mudzi RDC chairperson Alderman Tivirai Chitemamuswe said as a council they will work hard to make sure learners across the district have adequate classrooms and receive their education in safe environments.

He said Nyaugugu will soon have a secondary school and a clinic nearby so that all the necessary services are closer to the people.