Japan to fund construction of classroom blocks, teachers' houses at Malanda Secondary School in Tsholotsho

The Embassy of Japan has decided today to extend a grant up to one hundred and ninety-nine thousand seven hundred and sixty-two dollars (USD199,762) to Plan International Zimbabwe for the implementation of "The Project for Improvement of the Educational Environment at Malanda Secondary School in Tsholotsho District".

The Grant Contracts to this effect were signed by the Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe, H.E. Mr. Yoshi Tendai Hiraishi and the Country Director of Plan International, Ms. Else Kragholm at a signing ceremony at the Embassy of Japan.

The grant is to be used for constructing and furnishing of three classroom blocks as well as the construction of five teachers' houses. Students are currently having lessons in unacceptable poor learning conditions due to a lack of proper classroom blocks while teachers are sharing accommodation at Malanda Primary School which has led to a very high staff turnover rate. The project will improve the educational environment at the school, which will enable pupils to access quality education.

Under the scheme known as 'The Grant Assistance for Human Security Grassroots Projects' supported by the Embassy of Japan, the maximum amount is usually around USD 100 thousand. In this particular case, however, the total grant is nearly double that amount since the Embassy recognises that neither of classroom blocks nor teachers' houses should be left out for the achievement of quality education for the school, which will contribute to assure the Human Security in the area.

Speaking at the occasion, H.E. Mr. Hiraishi expressed his appreciation to Plan International Zimbabwe for bringing the plight of pupils and teachers of the school to the attention of the Government of Japan.