Manyame RDC builds two classrooms at school
IN a move to address learning challenges at Kudyarawanza Primary School in Ward 18, Manyame Rural District Council (RDC) is building a block of two classrooms at the school, a development that will decongest available classrooms.
Most of the blocks at the school are said to have been built more than 100 years ago and are therefore too old.
Some have cracks that render them dangerous to use.
Recently, part of another block gave in after heavy rains and crumbled, resulting in a shortage of classrooms at a school with an enrolment of about 600 learners.
Teachers’ accommodation is equally not in great shape, resulting in most of the teachers commuting from various places since some houses have no window panes, exposing them to the vagaries of the weather and petty thieves from neighbouring Chitungwiza.
Now, Manyame RDC channelled devolution funds towards building a block of two classrooms at the school. Construction is now at 90 percent completion.
The local authority’s executives visited the school to assess the construction progress.
In an interview after the tour, some parents with children learning at the school thanked the Government for constructing the block, but immediately appealed for more improvements.
“We are appealing for more classroom blocks at this school as well as teachers’ accommodation. Both teachers’ houses and classroom blocks are old and now a danger to them. We also appeal for a borehole for learners and staff.
“However, we are commending our council for building this block which is almost complete,” said Gogo Jenje.
Another parent, Mr Thomas Kariwo, said the shortage of classrooms as well as the state of remaining blocks was forcing parents to withdraw their children from the school.
“We are happy that this challenge is being addressed by the Government through our local authority. Our classrooms are old and we are afraid that some can collapse anytime. So there is a need for new structures.
“These blocks are now overcrowded and this has affected enrollment at this school. Some parents are withdrawing their children fearing for their lives. We hope we will continue to have this kind of intervention from our council.”
Ward 18 Councillor Portia Madziwa said the construction of a new block was commendable as it improved learning at the school.
“This school is strategically positioned. Some learners from Chitungwiza come here, as well as others from Ward 19 of Manyame RDC and surrounding areas.
“There is a serious shortage of classrooms at this school. However, we are humbled by the stance taken by the council to channel devolution funds towards the construction of a classroom block here.
“We want to commend the council for this. We also appeal for more blocks at this school. Some of these blocks are old and there is a need for new ones,” she said.
Manyame RDC chief executive officer Mrs Farirai Gutu said they were committed to improving the learning conditions for learners in their jurisdiction.
“We are bound to even construct buildings at schools which are resistant to climate change. This will ensure the safety of learners and staff.
“We are glad that we are constructing this block using devolution funds. Our aim is for our learners and teachers to have safe and conducive environments for studies,” she said.