ZCC breaks ground on US$6m boarding school

The Zion Christian Church (ZCC) has launched the construction of a US$6 million boarding school in Hwange District, a landmark project expected to transform the educational landscape of Matabeleland North Province. The initiative, named Anna Sakina High School, was officially unveiled during a ground-breaking ceremony led by the church's leader, Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi, signaling a new era of learning and opportunity for the Hwange community.

The development will be implemented in phases, with an initial US$1,2 million allocated for six classrooms and supporting infrastructure, including staff housing. The school is set to admit its first intake of students in January 2026. Bishop Mutendi said the project reflects ZCC's ongoing commitment to complement government efforts in expanding access to quality education through strategic investments across Zimbabwe and the region.

"The ZCC is on a drive to complement Government efforts with several investments in schools. One of the schools is set to open in Beitbridge after its construction is completed, and we are also building schools in Zambia," he said. The bishop noted that the Hwange project was inspired by strong local demand for educational facilities, particularly in Chidobe, where Zanu-PF Politburo member Dr Obert Mpofu recognized the success of ZCC schools in Masvingo.

Project manager Hubert Mutendi outlined the development roadmap, revealing that the school will eventually cater to Forms 1 through Upper Sixth, with enrolment beginning with Form 1 learners. "Our plan is to open doors for the first intake, about 80 to 100 students, in January 2026," he said. The total investment is estimated between US$6 million and US$8 million, with the first phase accounting for US$1,2 million.

Mr Mutendi also revealed plans for a vocational training institute on an adjacent piece of land to equip young people with practical skills. "We plan to build a vocational and technical college, which will help equip young people with practical skills for the future," he said.

The initiative has received strong support from traditional leaders and community members, who view the school as a turning point for local education and economic empowerment. Chidobe Headman Skinner Ndlovu expressed gratitude, highlighting the importance of education in a tourism-driven area. "Being close to Victoria Falls, it is important for our learners to be educated and to understand different languages and cultures. It means our students will have more opportunities in the future, and we are truly grateful to the Zion Christian Church," he said.

Village heads Sikhangele Moyo, Ustina Dube, and Francis Mathe also pledged full community support to ensure the timely completion of the project.

Anna Sakina High School is expected to ease the burden of long travel distances and high costs for families who previously had to send their children to schools outside Hwange. Strategically located near Victoria Falls, the school will provide learners with academic and vocational skills aligned with the hospitality and tourism industries, fostering both economic mobility and community development.