SYDNEY MUBAIWA
GOKWE- Arguably the biggest indigenous church, Zion Christian Church (ZCC) has transformed Defe Dopota Primary School in Gokwe South into a boarding school.
ZCC Education Board Secretary Daniel Mutendi confirmed the development in an interview with The Midweek Watch.
This year the school welcomed its first group of boarders in what school authorities describe as a move to provide stability, safety and close guidance.
“We are proud to announce that Defe Dopota Primary School has been transformed into a boarding school. We have seen a very encouraging increase in enrolment since we established our boarding facilities and the interest from parents has been overwhelming,” he said.
He said the boarding facility was born out of concern from parents who are giving an overwhelming support.
He said the school has already enrolled a sizeable number of learners a development he described as encouraging.
“We have received numerous enquiries and enrolment pledges from families wishing to place their children in boarding. His Grace, Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi is marshaling resources to expand both the boys and girls hostels in anticipation of the anticipated growth,” he said.
Mutendi said the school’s vision was to offer more than accommodation, but a supportive community that helps learners focus on their education while feeling secure and cared for.
” We currently have seventeen students in our boarding facility, with the remaining 524 attending as day scholars. We expect those boarding numbers to grow significantly as our hostel expansion progresses,” he said.
With a total enrolment of 541 leaners and 13 teachers, the school has been defying odds for a day school with vast projects that have since made it self- sustainable including poultry.
The school is also championing climate change initiatives through the use of solar power.
Situated at Defe Dopota headquarters in Gokwe South, the school was established in 1994. It was founded primarily to serve the children of ZCC members residing at Defe Dopota- many of whom are based at the institution for evangelical reasons.
It was also established to offer education services to communities around Defe area.
