MP raises alarm over overcrowded classrooms

Opposition legislator for Mkoba South, John Kuka, has raised concern over the worsening pupil-teacher ratio in Zimbabwe's schools, which has forced many institutions to adopt hot-sitting due to classroom shortages.

Speaking during a visit to Budiriro B Independent School in Gweru over the weekend, where he donated two tonnes of cement for the construction of a new classroom block, Kuka emphasized the urgent need to improve learning infrastructure across the country.

"Most schools are now resorting to hot-sitting because of a serious lack of classroom space. The current teacher-pupil ratio is unsustainable and it's affecting the quality of education," Kuka said. "When I learnt that Budiriro B was constructing new blocks, I decided to support this worthy cause. We need more classrooms so our children can learn in a better environment."

Hot-sitting — where one group of pupils attends lessons in the morning and another in the afternoon — has become increasingly common in urban schools due to swelling enrolment numbers and inadequate facilities.

In addition to the cement donation, Kuka also provided the school with a complete set of traditional African musical instruments to enhance heritage studies. He noted that he had been moved to act after attending a school event where children used buckets in place of drums during cultural performances.

"I was touched when I saw that. Our children deserve to learn about their heritage with the right tools. Culture is an essential part of education," Kuka said.

The school's director, Alson Vutabwashe, expressed gratitude for the donations, saying the support would greatly assist in enhancing both academic and cultural education.

"This donation is a major boost for our school. It comes at a time when we are striving to improve our learning environment," said Vutabwashe.

School Development Committee chairperson, Happison Jera, echoed the call for stronger partnerships between communities and schools to ensure that children receive quality education.

"Parents and schools must work together. The future of our children depends on the efforts we put in today," Jera said.

The gesture by the Mkoba South MP has drawn praise from the local community, with many calling for similar initiatives to be replicated across the country to address the growing challenges facing Zimbabwe's education sector.