Lochard Primary Sch holds first prize-giving, MP donates US$2,500 for construction works

INSIZA - Lochard Primary School in Insiza North has received a surprise donation of US$2,500 from local legislator Delani Moyo (ZANU PF) to kick-start construction projects, during the school's long-awaited Speech and Prize-Giving Day held on Wednesday.

The event, themed "Pacing for Greater Heights" and aligned with President Emmerson Mnangagwa's Vision 2030, marked the school's first prize-giving ceremony in many years. Moyo, who was guest of honour, also rewarded 50 prize-winning learners from Early Childhood Education to Grade 7 with US$20 each, while those who won multiple prizes received double or triple amounts.

Additional donations included US$500 to Ward 14 Councillor Kembo Nkomo, US$100 each to Masters of Ceremony Tarisai Tafirenyika and Arnold Tatisai, US$200 to War Veteran Livson Moyo, US$100 to the school head Mrs Moyo, and US$50 to the Jikinya dance group, which also received US$20 from Councillor Nkomo.

Moyo pledged to install Starlink WiFi at five schools in Insiza North that invited him as guest of honour, further supporting Vision 2030's digitalisation drive. He also announced plans to construct a teachers' cottage and roof a classroom block whose foundation has already been dug at Lochard.

Ward 23 Councillor Sikhanyisiwe Nkomo donated US$100 to assist with transportation costs for the upcoming 2026 academic year, while Councillor Kembo Nkomo added another US$100 for Lochard Primary.

Moyo applauded improvements in learner performance, with the school's pass rate rising from 36% to 50%, but acknowledged challenges including lack of teacher accommodation, shortages of learning materials, and some classes still conducted under trees.

The School Development Committee chairperson, N. Ndlovu, praised government efforts under Vision 2030 for strengthening teacher deployment and commended Lochard's staff for their dedication. He described Moyo as a fitting guest of honour and thanked him for his generosity and focus on improving education in Ward 14.

The ceremony attracted wide attendance, including school heads from St Lucy, Siyazama, T.M. Pagama and Ensango Primary Schools, as well as ZANU PF Commissar Mr Mathe, who introduced party leadership from Wards 14, 22 and 23.

Established in 2002, Lochard Primary has grown steadily, expanding from three teachers in 2018 to 11 teachers currently, while enrolment has risen from 171 to 335 learners, with an average annual increase of 25. Headmistress Mrs Moyo, who assumed leadership in September 2025, has been credited with guiding the school through significant infrastructural challenges.

The developments at Lochard follow Moyo's recent donation of US$1,000 to Siyazama Primary School, where he also pledged US$8,000 to roof two classroom blocks and rewarded teachers and learners with cash prizes.

Since succeeding the late legislator Faiari Taruvinga, Moyo has been praised by communities for his hands-on approach and commitment to development in Insiza North.