Tough times for Matebeleland learners

Matebeleland North Senator Rebecca Fanuel has expressed growing concern about the safety of students in rural areas, particularly in Binga, where learners are at risk of being struck by lightning or falling victim to abuse as they seek shelter during the rainy season.

Fanuel highlighted that many children, especially in remote parts of the province, are forced to travel long distances to attend school due to a lack of nearby educational facilities. In some areas, learners must walk up to 15 kilometres to reach their nearest schools, making them vulnerable to harsh weather conditions.

"With the rains now upon us, children are seeking shelter under trees or at strangers' homes. Unfortunately, this exposes them to significant risks, including being struck by lightning or, worse, being subjected to abuse. We have seen cases where children who take refuge at these homes are raped or mistreated," Fanuel said.

The senator's comments come amid concerns about the dangers faced by rural learners, who, in addition to the long distances they travel, are also faced with the challenge of limited educational infrastructure in their communities.

In response, Taungana Ndoro, spokesperson for the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, acknowledged the challenges faced by learners in remote areas and assured the public that measures were being taken to address these issues.

"We are aware of the difficulties faced by learners in rural areas, including those in Binga. To mitigate these challenges, the ministry is prioritizing the construction of additional schools within accessible distances to reduce travel times for students," Ndoro explained. He added that a comprehensive assessment of educational needs in rural regions like Binga is underway to ensure better school coverage.

Ndoro further revealed that the Ministry is exploring potential partnerships with local organizations to provide safe transportation options for students in these far-flung areas. These efforts include plans to offer subsidized transport or support community-driven initiatives that would help alleviate the burden on learners.

In regard to emergency shelters, Ndoro said that the ministry has engaged with local authorities to ensure that students seeking refuge during heavy rains have access to safe spaces. "We are working closely with local authorities to establish shelters that will be monitored to prevent abuse and ensure the safety of students," he said. Additionally, the ministry is launching awareness campaigns to educate both students and the community on the availability of resources and safety practices, including mechanisms to report incidents of abuse.

Fanuel's call for action underscores the urgent need for infrastructural improvements and community support to protect vulnerable students from the dangers posed by long commutes and unpredictable weather conditions. The Ministry's efforts to build more schools and provide safe transportation are expected to play a significant role in improving the safety and well-being of learners in Matabeleland North and other rural areas across the country.