Source: Govt to build 35 new schools this year – herald
Theseus Shambare
THE Government has mobilised resources to construct 35 new model schools across Zimbabwe this year as part of its long-term strategy to promote equitable access to quality education.
The initiative supports the goals of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which targets the establishment of 3 000 new schools by the end of this year.
Zimbabwe has 9 778 public schools — 6 798 primary and 2 980 secondary — serving over 4,9 million learners.
Government policy stipulates that no child should walk more than five kilometres to access a school, underscoring the need for more educational infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
As part of this expansion, plans are also underway to increase the number of boarding schools, with the goal to establish at least one in every district.
Some day schools will be converted into boarding facilities, while low-cost hostels will be constructed at existing schools based on demand.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Mr Taungana Ndoro told The Sunday Mail that construction of new schools and upgrading of existing ones is underway.
“The ministry’s long-term strategy is anchored in the National Development Strategy 1 and Vision 2030, which prioritise equitable access to quality education through infrastructure development,” he said.
“Nationally, 35 model schools (19 primary and 16 secondary) are under construction, with 25 being upgrades of satellite schools lacking proper infrastructure.”
Although the number of schools expected to open in 2025 is still under assessment, Mr Ndoro said the ministry is focused on meeting key timelines to align with Vision 2030 targets.
He said a multi-pronged development and funding approach, including the use of public-private partnerships (PPPs), to finance the construction and maintenance of schools is being pursued.
He said to bridge the digital divide, especially between urban and rural learners, the ministry is rolling out digital infrastructure and literacy programmes in marginalised areas.
These include the provision of information and communication technology (ICT) equipment and improved internet connectivity.
“Digital infrastructure rollout and digital literacy programmes are planned to bridge the urban-rural divide, including ICT equipment and internet connectivity in marginalised areas,” he said.
The Government, he added, is also actively encouraging local communities to take ownership of educational infrastructure development.
“Community involvement is key to building classrooms, ensuring local ownership and sustainability,” said Mr Ndoro.
“Grassroots participation, exemplified by the Muvungani Primary School initiative, is reducing student travel distances.
“Funding has been mobilised for schools and partnerships with entities like OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID).
“Equitable resource distribution involves prioritising rural areas through low-cost boarding facilities and converted day schools.”
The Government, he revealed, will closely monitor the progress and impact of these initiatives.
“The ministry will track progress using key performance indicators (KPIs) such as enrolment rates and pupil-teacher ratios (targeting 20:1 for A level schools),” Mr Ndoro said.
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