THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), in partnership with Mutapa Gold Resources (MGR), has handed over a newly built classroom block to Mubvundudzi Secondary School in Rushinga, Mashonaland Central, in a project aimed at expanding access to education in the remote district.
The facility was officially commissioned on Tuesday by Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Emmanuel Matatu.
It was constructed by the ZDF's Artillery Brigade, with MGR funding the project and supplying all the building materials, while the local community contributed labour.
In addition to providing cement, roofing materials and paint, MGR, through its subsidiary Freda Rebecca Gold Mine, equipped the tiled classroom block with ceilings, desks and chairs for learners and teachers. The company also donated fencing, 10 computers and textbooks.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, MGR chief executive officer Patrick Maseva-Shayawabaya said the project reflected the company's commitment to creating lasting value in the communities where it operates.
"Education is one of the strongest drivers of economic transformation and social progress. Every classroom built here represents an opportunity for the future leaders, innovators and professionals of this country," he said.
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Maseva-Shayawabaya said the new infrastructure would spare many learners from travelling long distances to school while providing a safer and more conducive learning environment
He added that electrifying the school, together with the donation of computers and learning materials, would extend study hours, support digital learning, and improve teaching and administration.
The initiative, he said, aligns with MGR's corporate social responsibility pillars of education and human capital development, community well-being and social infrastructure, and sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment
"As we officially hand over this school today, we also hand over an opportunity to its young learners," he said.
Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army's Artillery Brigade Brigadier-General Lloyd Mutsvangwa said the project was conceived after the brigade identified a shortage of classroom accommodation at the school.
"This exemplary partnership between the corporate sector, the military and the community made it possible to complete the structure," he said.
Mutsvangwa said the classroom block would improve the learning environment, widen access to education and strengthen civil-military cooperation in community development.
Matatu said the project was one of several initiatives being implemented during Zimbabwe Defence Forces Community Assistance Week ahead of Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day on August 11.
He said the additional classrooms would increase the school's enrolment capacity from 220 to more than 400 learners, helping to address a long-standing shortage of learning space.
"The classroom block that we are handing over today was constructed by Artillery Brigade artisans, with Mutapa Gold Resources providing the building materials, while the local community provided the much-needed general labour," Matatu said.
He commended MGR for supporting the project and urged more companies to invest in community development through corporate social responsibility initiatives.
School head Charles Matsvaka said Mubvundudzi Secondary School, which opened in 2010, was established to serve children who previously travelled long distances to attend the nearest secondary school.
While welcoming the new infrastructure, Matsvaka appealed for further support, including teachers' cottages, Wi-Fi connectivity and low-cost boarding facilities for learners who live far from the school.
School Development Committee chairman Zoke Rangarirai said pupils had previously attended lessons under trees because of inadequate classroom space.
He said the new classroom block would significantly improve access to education by accommodating more learners