More rural schools get electricity
SCHOOLS in rural and farming communities will be upgraded through the provision of electricity to improve the quality of learning and bridge the gap between rural and urban communities.
Speaking during the commissioning of five transformers installed at four schools and a business centre in Mberengwa District at the weekend, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo said the move will align rural education to that of the urban areas and to global standards.
The transformers were all sourced by Mberengwa Central legislator, Cde Tinashe Shumba, with Government support.
They were installed at Rusvinge Primary School and Mupandashango, Vutika and Rengwe Secondary Schools as well as at Vutika Business Centre.
“This is a great day for learners and teachers at the four schools who now have access to electricity,” said Minister Moyo.
“Government is enhancing connectivity of satellite schools in rural and farming communities through the provision of electricity to improve the quality of learning to bridge the gap between rural and urban communities. This will promote access to e-learning and e-commerce.”
The move was in line with the Second Republic’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind in terms of development.
Zesa plans to connect at least three million rural households over the next four years via solar-energy home kits, as well as grid connections where possible to support the major catch-up in the development of rural areas.
Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, and some parts of Manicaland have the lowest percentages of households connected to electricity, and going forward these will be prioritised in the provision of power.
Minister Moyo said with access to power, pupils in rural and farming areas will be able to research as they will access the internet.
“Other than making electricity available, the Government is also assisting the less privileged to access education through BEAM.
“The pupils who are registered under BEAM are not supposed to be excluded from class over late payment of fees,” he said.