By Lafios Makusha
ZVISHAVANE-Community leaders in Muzvondiwa under Chief Mapanzure in Zvishavane have welcomed the construction of a new primary school, describing it as a major step in improving access to education and reducing walking distances for young learners.
The Mapisarema Infant school, which enrols children from ECD to Grade 3, is easing challenges that once caused some pupils to repeat grades or grow up with limited educational exposure.
Village Head, Lazarus Musila, told The Midweek Watch that the community had long wished for a nearby school, as children were walking for 10km to the nearest learning institution.
He said the new institution has already changed the learning environment, with children gaining better exposure and developing stronger academic confidence. He added that the community hopes to see the school expand to Grade 7 and eventually secondary level, as part of efforts to develop the area.
The School Development Committee Chairperson explained that the school began operating in 2022 after the community pushed through early difficulties. She said the establishment of classes from ECD A and B up to Grade 3 has greatly reduced the burden on families whose children previously walked long distances. She also expressed the committee’s desire for continued development and appealed for support from well-wishers to help the school grow.
The Midweek Watch also spoke to businessman and president of the Apostolic Churches Council of Zimbabwe, Dr. Tobias Zunguzira, who spearheaded the construction, which started in 2021. He said before the school was built, children used church buildings and had to travel far at a very young age. Dr. Zunguzira noted that one classroom block has been completed while another is currently under construction. He said the school has become popular beyond its immediate community, attracting pupils from Wards 3, 6 and 21, and he expressed hope that the institution will continue developing in line with national ambitions under Vision 2030.
Professor Peter Hove, highlighted that the name Mapisarima symbolises the destruction of darkness created by lack of education within families and communities. He said the school is working to break that cycle by teaching children early and helping them grow with a strong appreciation for education, which he believes is essential for creating a brighter future for the area and the nation.
The expansion of Mapisarema Infant School aligns with the government’s Vision 2030, which prioritises equitable access to education and the development of rural learning facilities as part of efforts to create an upper-middle-income society. With one classroom block completed and another under construction, the school is becoming an important example of community-driven development supporting national goals.
