World Vision Zimbabwe Provides New Classroom Block to Improve Access to Education

World Vision Zimbabwe recently handed over an Early Childhood Development (ECD) classroom block to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in Mangwe District. The goal is to improve access to quality education through providing standard infrastructure.

The classroom block, which houses ECDA and ECDB classes, was constructed through a partnership between the community, Mangwe Rural District Council, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and World Vision Germany and World Vision Switzerland. At the handover ceremony at Osabeni Primary School, Mangwe District Schools Inspector Danisa Nkomo expressed gratitude for the new facility.

"Infrastructural development is one of the major key result areas for the district as we seek to ensure that our learners access quality infrastructure. We appreciate this building which has not only beautified the school but shown how working together can improve the lives of people, in this case, children,” Nkomo said.

He noted that Osabeni Primary School has benefitted from several projects, including a school piped water scheme, school nutrition garden, paint, furniture and teacher training in innovative education models. These projects were designed to benefit children by improving access to water, education and nutrition.

Addressing the community, World Vision Switzerland Head of International Programs Dominik Schweizer said the classroom block resulted from a powerful partnership. He urged the community to preserve the facility for future generations.

“I am aware that the community played a very important role in the construction process. You worked as a united family to ensure that you complete this beautiful structure for the benefit of your children. We understand that education is a critical factor in a child's well-being. Therefore, we will continue to support education programs whenever we can,” Schweizer said.

The community provided resources like sand, stones, and labour, while World Vision Zimbabwe provided bricks, cement, reinforcement and paint. The government provided technical support.

Parent Simangaliphi Ndebele expressed appreciation for the improvements at the school and the impact on children.

“As a parent, I am happy that our school is developing like this. It gives me relief knowing that my child does not have to carry any water bottle to school as there is water already and will not learn under tree sheds. Teachers can now stay at our school and deliver quality services as they teach inside classrooms, have water and standard furniture for their learners. Thank you World Vision for developing our district,” Ndebele said.