The government of Japan in partnership with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Zimbabwe commissioned 18 schools constructed in Gokwe North.
ADRA Country Director Judith Musvosvi said that the development which were under the “Every child in school” joint programme, will spur better results for Gokwe pupils due to improved infrastructure and better learning environment.
Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister Edgar Moyo assured the community that his ministry will register the fully furnished schools and commended the stakeholders for the excellent initiative. Each school got a minimum of two classroom blocks, three toilet blocks as well as housing for teachers.
“Gokwe North, with these schools, has made this giant step of addressing infrastructure deficit evident through the ADRA for the education project and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan, who answered to the clarion call,” said Minister Edgar.
“This shows the importance you attach to the education of children. I hope that through the new facilities, the new awareness gained through the training sessions, as well as the income-generating activities, the schools will be well managed and the sound education of all boys and girls in your communities will be assured,” he added.
While handling over the schools, Japanese Deputy head of mission to Zimbabwe, Kenichi Kasahara said the project in Gokwe targeted areas where there is no proper school infrastructure and pupils learn under trees.
“The main purpose of this project was not to build new buildings. It was for every boy and girl in your communities to have a good education. And I am glad to hear that the communities were in the driving seat of this project, providing labour and building materials,” said Kenichi Kasahara.