Japan-funded schools offer hope to Nyaminyami learners

Source: The Herald – Breaking news.

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 This groundbreaking initiative, valued at over US$1 million and launched on Wednesday, was led by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA)—the humanitarian arm of the Seventh Day Adventist Church—with generous support from the Embassy of Japan in Zimbabwe.

Conrad Mupesa-Mashonaland West Bureau

LEARNING has taken a transformative turn for learners in the Nyaminyami rural area of Kariba, thanks to the construction of modern classrooms and administrative buildings at three local schools.

This groundbreaking initiative, valued at over US$1 million and launched on Wednesday, was led by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA)—the humanitarian arm of the Seventh Day Adventist Church—with generous support from the Embassy of Japan in Zimbabwe.

Just a year ago, life in these makeshift classrooms was fraught with danger.

Take the story of Patronage Lunga, a Grade Seven pupil at Malembeja Primary School, for instance.

In an alarming encounter with a puff adder, he barely escaped a venomous bite while attending classes in a thatched structure.

The scene turned chaotic as startled learners bolted from the classroom, leaving the teacher to confront the snake.

“We were in class when the snake came close, and fear took over,” Patronage recounted.

“We often faced dangers like scorpions, and lessons were interrupted by rain that poured into our classrooms.”

The conditions were dire.

Heavy rains frequently disrupted lessons, while the poorly thatched roofs exposed learners to the elements, increasing the risk of illness.

Nyaminyami falls under ecological region five, which suffers from insufficient rainfall, severely limiting the quality of grass available for thatching.

Consequently, parents struggled to provide adequate shelter for these classrooms.

“Many pupils missed classes during the rainy season because we couldn’t stay dry,” Patronage added wistfully.

Mrs Sorei Gumbo, a dedicated teacher at Sahwira Makwande Primary School, expressed gratitude for the much-needed classroom blocks.

“Before this construction, we were stuck in a perpetual struggle to create lasting structures. The low rainfall meant less income from school fees, and the challenges seemed insurmountable”.

The new classrooms present a renewed chance for academic success, especially for the Grade Seven pupils who will now be taking their national examinations closer to home.

In the past, these learners trekked nearly seven kilometres to registered schools, struggling with long journeys and carrying their own chairs—a situation that hindered their performance.

“Our pupils faced significant hurdles just to write their exams,” explained Mr Shepherd Nhimura, a senior teacher at Malembeja Primary.

“The long distance heavily impacted their success rates.”

Mavis Makuwerere, a hopeful learner whose siblings once grappled with similar challenges, expressed her determination to excel.

“My sisters and brother didn’t do well because of the long distances they had to travel.

“But now that I can take my exams here, I’m ready to give it my all!” she said.

Chief Msampakaruma, representing Chief Negande and Chief Nebiri, highlighted the importance of this development.

“This initiative was long overdue. We’re grateful to the Government for allowing ADRA to operate in Kariba. With partners like them, we are moving closer to realising the Vision 2030 set forth by President Mnangagwa.”