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Daniel Chigunwe–Herald Correspondent

Villagers in Mbire ward 8 in Mashonaland Central province have gone all out to spruce up schools in the area with the help of a development partner.

Inspired chiefly by President Mnangagwa’s mantra that, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo”, this has seen the area on an upward development trajectory that is giving birth to not only transformative projects in education, but in other areas as well.

Working under the guidance of their local leaders including chiefs, headmen and councillors while partnering with local development stakeholder, World Vision, the Mbire ward 8 community has proved the mystic power in the mantra after completing many projects. 

In a bid to address enrolment challenges in schools, the community erected a two classroom blocks at Karai Secondary School, which according to ward 8 councillor Cde Barnabas Mudhimbu, was completed in less than 90 days. 

“Following the ward’s five-year development plan, the community suggested the construction of a two classroom block since for the past 25 years the school only had two classes against a rising enrolment of pupils,” he said. 

“The community worked 48 000 bricks, provided river sand, quarry, water and labour whilst our partner World Vision assisted with roofing, paint and furniture for the classes.” 

The community is working towards the completion of 10 squat hole ablution facilities at Karai Primary School and has also since completed the renovation of a classroom block Mhokwe Primary School following the devastating effects of Cyclone Anna which struck the district earlier this year. 

“Local leaders including Chief Chitsungo, Headman Makuwerere and village heads mobilised for the rebuilding of the block which was affected by Cyclone Anna earlier this year and with the intervention of the community, the block was completed, thereby restoring normal learning process at the school,” said Cde Mudhimbu

“At Karai Primary School, toilets were also destroyed by floods and we are in the process of building 10 new squat holes and all this is being achieved through putting heads together as one people after the community provided US$700 for labour and 500 bricks from each village head.” 

Notable developments are also taking place at Mhokwe Primary School after World Vision supported the establishment of a computer lab and started a greenhouse project. 

“For years, our school never had computer lessons, however, after converting one of the classes at Mhokwe, our partner assisted in setting up a lab which has 20 computers powered by a solar system,” said Cde Mudhimbu. 

“Previously, we used to run a nutritional garden to support pupils in the resources centre unity, however, we are now proud custodians of a successful tomatoes farming project through the greenhouse facilities at Mhokwe.” 

Despite rising challenges in securing resources, Zanu PF provincial member in Mbire, Cde Cleopas Hamandishe, said the community intended to work on the expansion project of an earth dam wall in the same ward for water harvesting. 

“We are receiving seeds for gardening through the Pfumvudza programme, however, Mbire experiences hot temperatures and during dry seasons we are failing to have productive gardening, hence the need to expand this earth dam and if we get cement, we are ready to kickstart work on that project,” said Cde Hamandishe.