The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
WALKING long distances for learners in Mahwaha, Chipinge Central, is now a thing of the past following the recent commissioning of a classroom block at Mayfield Secondary School.
The classrooms were built through the aid of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
The secondary school, established in 2017, was facing infrastructural challenges.
Some learners had to walk a long distance to Mafumise High School to access secondary education.
This forced the community to pool resources and construct makeshift classrooms as well as teachers’ accommodation.
However, the area was heavily affected by the devastating Cyclone Idai in 2019, leaving most learners stranded.
The local Member of Parliament, Honourable Ray Machingura who is also Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Deputy Minister, chipped in with the CDF and donated building material for the construction of the classroom block.
Speaking during the commissioning of the classroom block recently, Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister, Honourable Edgar Moyo said learners need protection from the vagaries of weather and should be afforded a conducive learning environment.
Deputy Minister Moyo said improvement of infrastructure in schools will result in increased enrolment, thereby leading to improved results
“As the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, our mandate is to make sure that all learners get access to quality education. We are grateful that the local Member of Parliament, Honourable Machingura, has invested in education infrastructure.
“The classroom block is not only an invaluable asset to the school, but it enhances learning for the learners. We are also happy with what various stakeholders are doing in assisting the community to recover from the effects of the devastating Cyclone Idai,” said Deputy Minister Moyo.
In an interview, Deputy Minister Machingura said he was touched by the plight of learners in the Makwaha community.
“School children had a torrid time in accessing secondary education and would walk a long distance to the nearest school.
“Some had to drop out of school and got married prematurely, while others crossed the borders to look for jobs at a tender age.
“This is one of the reasons that made me take part of the CDF and channel it towards the construction of this block.
“I am very grateful for the support we received from parents in constructing the classroom block. The enrolment has since jumped from 80 last year to 192 learners this year. Plans are underway to build the teachers’ cottages,” said Deputy Minister Machingura.
