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Cletus Mushanawani Mashonaland Central Bureau
THE Johane Masowe Vadzidzi VaJesu-run Zimbabwe Africa Secondary School has appealed for a 200-hectare farm to venture into various income-generating projects.

In an interview last week, the school headmaster, Mr Shepherd Chingwena, said they had plans to venture into both animal and crop husbandry as a way of ensuring self-sustenance for the fast-growing school.

Led by Mudzidzi Wimbo, the boarding school opened its doors in 2016 with an enrolment of 17 learners and the figure has since jumped to 310.

Of the 310 learners, only 69 are day scholars.

“Our school is continuously growing, having started with an enrolment of 17 learners,” said Mr Chingwena.

“Most of the learners are drawn from our church, save for two learners only. Some of the learners are from South Africa and Botswana.

“We are appealing for assistance to acquire a 200-hectare farm as we have plans to venture into both animal and crop husbandry. As our school continues to grow, we want to be self-sufficient.

“We are also appealing for land to construct a primary school as demand for that service is also big in this area.”

Mr Chingwena said they had plans to establish a Science laboratory at the school, but resources were not permitting and appealed for funds.

He said most of 18 teachers at the school were not on the Government payroll and called on the Civil Service Commission to look into the issue.

He thanked President Mnangagwa for donating 200 computers to the school.

“We want to thank President Mnangagwa for his continuous support of this school since its establishment in 2016,” said Mr Chingwena.

“When he was still Vice-President, President Mnangagwa donated 90 tonnes of cement and $5 000 at the ground-breaking ceremony in 2016.

“Besides the 200 computers, President Mnangagwa also donated $10 000 to the school this year.”

The 200 computers were handed over to the school by ICT Minister Supa Mandiwanzira last week.