MT DARWIN – Hundreds of children at Mubvundudzi Primary School in Mt Darwin are set to benefit from improved access to education after the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) and Mutapa Gold Resources (MGR) handed over a new classroom block, easing years of severe congestion that had left many learners without places at the school.
The classroom block, commissioned on Tuesday during this year’s Community Assistance Week, is expected to more than double the school’s enrolment capacity from about 220 pupils to over 400, allowing children who previously walked long distances to neighbouring schools to learn closer to home.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Emmanuel Matatu, said the project was conceived after authorities identified a critical shortage of classroom space at the rural school.
“The new classroom block will increase the school’s enrollment capacity to over 400 learners, effectively doubling its current capacity while providing a conducive learning environment,” said Matatu.
He said before the project, many children from surrounding villages had been forced to travel nearly 10 kilometres to the nearest school because Mubvundudzi Primary could not accommodate them.
Matatu said the initiative reflected the combined efforts of the military, the private sector and the local community in supporting government programmes aimed at improving access to education under Vision 2030.
Mutapa Gold Resources financed the construction while the ZDF, through the Artillery Brigade, provided technical expertise. Villagers contributed labour and locally available materials, including sand and water.
MGR chief executive officer Patrick Shayawabaya said the investment would transform learning conditions and encourage more children to attend school.
“The classroom will improve attendance, create a safer and more conducive learning environment and renew excitement for education among our young people,” he said.
Shayawabaya said the project also included electrification of the school, enabling extended study hours, improved lesson preparation, digital learning and more efficient school administration.
He announced that the mining company had donated 10 computers and reading materials to complement the new infrastructure.
“Our partnership with the Zimbabwe Defence Forces demonstrates the value of cooperation. Together we have delivered facilities that will improve education and community development,” Shayawabaya said.
The classroom block was launched in September 2024 after education authorities identified the urgent need for additional learning space at the school. Before its completion, overcrowding had limited enrolment, leaving many children with no option but to seek places at schools several kilometres away.
