MASHONALAND West provincial education director Gabriel Mhuma has urged school development committees (SDCs) to work closely with school administrators to improve the quality of education in the province.
The call was made at a recent School Services Fund meeting in Harare, where seven districts from Mashonaland West gathered to prepare for the year.
“The success of our schools depends on the collaboration between school development committees and school administrators,” Mhuma said.
“By working together, we can identify areas of improvement and develop strategies to address them, leading to better resource allocation, improved teacher support and enhanced student learning experiences.”
The meeting brought together various stakeholders including school heads, SDC chairpersons, bursars and accounts clerks.
Participants received training in areas relevant to their respective fields, including procurement, administration and financial management.
The training sessions aimed to equip attendees with skills and knowledge to effectively manage schools and improve overall performance.
“As we begin the new year, it is essential for school development committees to take an active role in supporting school administrators and working towards a common goal — providing high-quality education for all students,” Mhuma said.
“By doing so, we can create a more conducive learning environment, which is critical for student success and the future of our province.”
Mhuma also highlighted the importance of effective financial management in schools, saying: “Schools must ensure that they are using their resources efficiently and effectively and that they are transparent in their financial dealings. This will help to build trust with parents, guardians and the community, and will ultimately benefit the students.”
The meeting also provided an opportunity for participants to share their experiences and challenges, and to learn from each other.
“We have learnt a lot from each other and we are grateful for the support and guidance provided by the provincial education director and his team,” said an SDC chairperson.
By fostering a culture of collaboration and co-operation, SDCs can help to create a more conducive learning environment which is critical for student success.
Mhuma said SDCs and school administrators “can have a profound impact on the education sector, leading to improved outcomes and a brighter future for students in Mashonaland West province”.
The provincial education director encouraged schools to prioritise infrastructural development.
“We need to ensure that our schools have the necessary infrastructure to support teaching and learning. This includes classrooms, laboratories, libraries and sports facilities.
“By investing in infrastructure, we can create a more conducive learning environment and improve the overall status of our schools,” Mhuma said.
