Plan International Zimbabwe, in partnership with the Embassy of Japan, handed over classroom blocks and newly constructed accommodation for teachers at a colourful ceremony attended by scores of jubilant pupils, parents, senior government officials, Japan Embassy and Plan International staff.
Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Dr Paul Mavhima labelled the school handover as “the true token of partnership for education”.
The grant from the Japanese Government funded the construction and furnishing of three classroom blocks and five units of teachers’ housing at the secondary school in Tsholotsho District.
The school had been operational since 2011as a satellite institution, with its students taking their final examinations at neighbouring schools.
The opening of the school was welcome news for the community children as their lessons used to take place in difficult conditions due to a lack of adequate classrooms while teachers had to share accommodation.
Speaking during the ceremony, His Excellency Mr Hiraishi, the Japanese Ambassador, noted that the Japanese Embassy placed great emphasis on supporting education as it is a prerequisite for a nation’s economic development as well as the improvement of standards of living.
Plan International Zimbabwe’s Country Director, Mr. Lennart Reinius expressed appreciation to the Embassy and acknowledged the long term support from Japanese citizens who sponsor a number of children in Zimbabwe.
“This is a significant occasion and the biggest beneficiaries of such a huge gesture are the children in Tsholotsho whose educational environment at school will improve, enabling them to access quality education,” he said.
Dr. Paul Mavhima, who led the ceremony, applauded the partnership between the Embassy and Plan International, indicating that Zimbabwe is currently experiencing an increase in enrolment rates of children at secondary level despite the country’s shortfall of over 2000 schools.
“This secondary school will, at a local level partly address the increased demand and need for children’s right to access secondary education” he noted.
The pupils’ joy was evident, as they took part in traditional dances, melodious songs and moving poems, as thanks to the partners who brought this school to reality.
“Now we have a permanent, well located and new school all to ourselves. We will make the best of it,” vowed student Nomsa as she loudly recited her poem.
Speaking at the same event, Matabeleland North Governor, Cain Mathema condemned the poor living conditions of rural teachers. He urged the Ministry of Education and community members to continue partnering with development organisations such as Plan International to improve teachers’ working conditions.
Plan International Zimbabwe was widely credited as a partner of choice in the district for its consistency in improving the lives of the community members.
Accepting a token of appreciation from the District Administrator, Mr Reinius urged all who gathered to fulfil every child’s right to quality education.
© Content Credits: Plan International
