The Sunday News
Michael Magoronga, Sunday News Correspondent
THE Government will remain indebted to Non-Governmental Organisations whose thrust is to complement its efforts to develop the country and do not meddle in politics, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Speaking during the official commissioning and handover of Zibomvu Secondary School in Silobela on Thursday, Minister of Defence Dr Sydney Sekeramayi applauded Plan International for complementing Government’s efforts in bringing quality education to the country’s communities.
Plan International funded the construction project of three classroom blocks at the school to the tune of US$257 000 while the Zimbabwe National Army artisans provided technical expertise as well as manpower. The three classroom blocks, four teachers’ cottages and five toilets were constructed in a record time of six months.
“The undisputed aim of undertaking the construction of this infrastructure was to provide affordable, equitable, quality and sustainable world class education and to comply with Government policy which emphasises on access to education for all irrespective of age, gender, creed, race, religious or political affiliations,” Dr Sekeramayi said.
“This is also in line with Sustainable Development Goal Number 4 on the provision of quality education and Goal Number 17 on smart partnerships with the corporate world and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like the one between Zibomvu community on one hand and Plan International, the Zimbabwe National Army and the corporate world on the other,” he said.
Dr Sekeramayi also praised the ZNA for applying their skills well on the task at hand and demonstrating unquestionable commitment and discipline.
“They projected the army as a progressive arm of the Government that needed to be harnessed timeously if the country was to develop and keep in touch with current trends,” said the Minister.
Comprising 247 learners and 10 teachers, the school used to operate in a hall where they used to rotate using the single structure available while others conducted classes in the open. Addressing the same gathering, Silobela legislator Cde Mthokozisi Manoki Mpofu thanked Mwana Africa for donating the land on which the school was built.
“This was their (Mwana Africa) mine claim but after I approached them, they did not even think twice and it shows that they have the community at heart,” said Cde Mpofu.
The school’s headmaster, Mr Given Moyo, said pass rate had since improved since the time they began operating on the new site.
“We have since witnessed an increase in the pass rate from zero percent in 2014, 6,7 percent in 2015 up to 21,9 in 2016 as a result of the conducive learning environment. Before, learners were learning under conditions that were devious and dangerous,” said Mr Moyo.
The school’s construction began in May 2015 and by the end of December of the same year learners had moved in.
A fourth block, constructed and funded by the community, was completed at the beginning of last year.
The occasion was graced by Major-Generals Martin Chedondo and Major General Douglas Nyikayaramba as well as the Secretary for Defence Mr Nicholas Mbara, Chiefs Ruya and Malisa, various Members of Parliament and dignitaries from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
