PushGodlwayo takes over primary school renovations of Nyamime school

A community-led initiative, #PushGodlwayo, which intends to spearhead development projects in Insiza District in Matabeleland South has stepped up efforts of renovating the run-down Nyamime Primary School.

The school falls under Chief Sibasa and is at the southern side of Insiza. Six classrooms, built in 1991 are in a state of derelict, with pothole-littered floors, broken down windows, doors and a leaking roof. Cottages that house teachers also need urgent repair. This has exposed learners to the harsh weather conditions, a situation that has had an effect on lesson delivery as some children no longer attend classes.

In the last six years, some teachers deserted the school, citing poor working environment as the reason. Only five remained for the over 200 learners. The headmaster, Mr Ndimu Dube, said they have not succeeded in luring young teachers to the school.

Two of the teachers are employed by the Government while others are paid by the School Development Committee.

A zero percentage pass rate was recorded by the school in last year's Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council Grade Seven examinations and this has been the perennial record.

Compounded by the grave state of affairs, a local preacher, Mr Khumbulani Mafu teamed up with villagers and businesspeople from the area and other parts of Insiza to gather resources to shape up the school. So far, Mr Mafu said they have sourced a building material that would be availed to the institution on Tuesday.

Businesspeople at the heart of the initiative include Mr Bhekimpilo Sithole of Max Hardware, Darlington Tlou, Obey Masilela, Russell Dube and Jotham Dube.

"Renovating the school is a collective effort by the community and business leaders from Nyamime and surrounding areas. Due to years of neglect, the school is in dire need of repair. The six classrooms all have to be fixed. There were three cottages for teachers, now one has totally fallen leaving teachers with only two cottages to share.

"It is sad that instead of the school being built to completion it is rather the other way round. The school has seriously deteriorated. This used to be a model school in the village. There is a call to former students and those in diaspora to come on board and assist too. There is a need for intervention to save the school and the future of the next generation."

He said the #PushGodlwayo campaign will seek to draw attention to the need to bring quality education to the community.

"The campaign was inspired by the need to come together as the children of koGodlwayo and develop our home.

Even the Government is on record that communities have to rise up and start to run affairs."

He said the initiative was sourcing for cement, asbestos, window panes, paint, and Grade seven new curriculum books, stationary, sports kits and a solar system.

Max Hardware managing director Mr Sithole said his business concern will not tire in doing community development programmes.

"Education is the key to success and supporting this noble project at Nyamime is what Max Hardware stands for. I am pleased to be working hand in glove with other business people from Insiza District who have also committed resources to save the school. Our strength in numbers is what the community needs."