A NEW state-of-the-art primary school is nearing completion in Shamva, with authorities saying the facility will transform the lives of hundreds of children who previously endured daily travel of over 11km to the nearest school.
NewsDay heard that Zitokwe Primary School is set to be commissioned in September this year.
“Zimbabwe will be successful if communities work with strategic partners. This is what development looks like, rooted in the people’s needs and supported by committed investors,” Shamva South legislator Joseph Mapiki said.
Canterbury Mining secretary Samuel Rusike said the project was a shining example of public-private partnerships after the community moulded 150 000 bricks, but could not build the school due to lack of funding.
Canterbury stepped in, providing financial and technical support.
“It is a project that came from the people. They took the initiative, but lacked resources. Being a mining company working in Shamva, we saw it our duty to assist,” he said.
“Phase one is now 95% complete, with US$836 000 already invested.
“When we complete phase two, which includes staff accommodation, the total project cost will reach US$1,13 million.”
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Community members said the construction of the school was a triumph born out of resilience, unity and a shared vision for the future.
Local villager John Mashewu recalled how it all began.
“We started this school because our children were walking more than 10km everyday to get to the nearest school,” he said.
“We began by moulding bricks ourselves, but when our resources ran out, we reached out to Canterbury Mining for support.”
Modern amenities including flush toilets, use of renewable energy (solar power), interactive smart boards and high-speed internet (Starlink), will bridge the rural divide and bringing 21st century learning to the heart of Shamva.
