UMC constructs Science lab at Clare
UNITED Methodist Church has embarked in the construction of a Science laboratory block at Clare Secondary School in Mutare North.
The laboratory block will be constructed at a cost of US$38 000 and will benefit at least 500 learners at the institution.
The ground-breaking ceremony was held last week.
Speaking on behalf of Mutare North legislator who is also Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister Mike Madiro at the ceremony, his wife, Mrs Patience Madiro said the collaboration between the church and the community will go a long way in ensuring quality education at the school.
Deputy Minister Madiro said the project is in line with one of the National Development Strategy (NDS1)’s goals of enhancing infrastructure development in the education sector.
“Such partnerships will go a long way in developing our areas. This should not only be done in the education sector. Broaden it and include the sinking of boreholes, building of clinics and income generating projects for the community. “This laboratory block will go a long way in allowing our children to pursue their dreams in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields. Since they will have the right infrastructure and apparatus, they will excel in Science subjects.
“The project is also in line with Education 5.0. No child should be left behind. The United Methodist Church should be applauded for remembering the rural child,” he said.
The school head, Mr Godwin Mupuro said he is optimistic that the project will be completed in the near future.
He thanked the local community for providing labour and the church for providing funding and expertise.
“We will put more effort towards the construction of the laboratory block to ensure that rural learners benefit in the new digital era. We were having challenges in teaching Science subjects due to lack of a proper laboratory at the school. However, I am confident that our pass-rate will improve once the laboratory block is complete,” said Mr Mupuro.
United Methodist Church East Annual Conference’s education secretary, Reverend Munyaradzi Timire said the church came on board after realising that the school did not have a proper laboratory.
He said the church and the community are geared to see the successful completion of the project.
“The church is giving back to the community through the construction of the laboratory block. We will not end here, but we will also refurbish this school. We want our students to be at par with their urban counterparts in terms of the level of education they get,” he said.
The school serves at least 10 villages with a population of about 2 000 households.