A STRONG crowd gathered at St Peters Gudza Primary School grounds in Marondera West on Thursday despite a rain storm threatening to fall in the area.
Government officials, traditional leaders to parents all came to witness the commissioning of a classroom block constructed at one of Marondera district’s oldest schools.
The classroom block construction was funded to the tune of US$16000 by the World Vision, while Marondera District Council and Rufaro Zonde Foundation chipped in with other building materials.
The community, led by the School Development Committee, also extended a helping hand in ensuring that the learners get modern infrastructure in the area.
St Peters Gudza Primary School in Marondera West’s Ward 14 was established in 1915.
“This new block will undoubtedly contribute to academic excellence,” Mashonaland East provincial education director Annatoria Ncube said in her address.
“I applaud the unity exhibited by World Vision,parents and other development partners in ensuring that learners benefit from modern learning infrastructure.”
The school has an enrolment of 530 learners.
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In the last Grade 7 examination, St Peters Gudza had a 66% pass rate.
The new classroom block was officially commissioned by Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Itai Ndudzo.
“It is refreshing that development has come to one of our oldest schools in the province,” Ndudzo said.
“We are grateful to the World Vision and all partners who made this possible.”
After the construction of the block, the World Vision also supplied furniture for the two classes.
World Vision national education and technical adviser Farai Chitombo said his organisation had established and completed several projects in and around Marondera that await commissioning.
“Honourable minister, allow me to highlight that within our areas of operation, several high-value projects have already been completed and are awaiting commissioning,” Chitombo said.
“These include classroom blocks, water systems, solar facilities, and other infrastructure that significantly improves the quality of life for children and their communities.
“We kindly look forward to your continued leadership as we prepare to officially hand over these assets to the people of Marondera.
“Let me reiterate that World Vision Zimbabwe exists to complement government efforts. We are here to serve under your leadership and to align our work with national development priorities, particularly in education, health, water and sanitation, child protection and livelihood strengthening.”
Chitombo also acknowledged the role played by the community in the construction of the classroom block.
“The progress we witness today is a result of collaborative effort, and we remain committed to walking this journey together.
“The classroom block we are commissioning today at St Peters Gudza Primary School represents the strength of partnership,” he said.
“World Vision contributed building materials and furniture worth approximately US$16000, while the community and local leadership provided labour, sand, bricks and vigilant supervision throughout the construction process.
“This blend of resources is what has made the project both affordable and sustainable. More importantly, it has strengthened community ownership, which is essential for ensuring the longevity of this infrastructure.”
Added Chitombo: “As we stand here today, we are not only opening a building, we are opening opportunities.
“We are opening the door to better learning environments, improved literacy, enhanced concentration, and higher academic achievement.
“We are opening a safe space where children can dream, grow, and pursue a future brighter than their circumstances.”
The new infrastructure is set to reduce overcrowding, protect children from harsh weather conditions and restore dignity to the teaching and learning process.
Rufaro Zonde Foundation chief executive officer, Jeremiah Gwanzura also donated 500 day-old chicks for the school to begin income generating projects.
Gwanzura, who is also the area’s councillor and Marondera Rural District Council chairperson, pleaded with the government to ensure that the school gets enough and reliable water supply.
“We appeal to the provincial affairs minister's office to drill a borehole at this school to ease water shortages,” Gwanzura said.
“We have already secured water pipes and we pray that the borehole issue be dealt with.”
