By Tadiwa Shunje
MASVINGO – Children from Mutimurefu Prison Camp and surrounding communities who
have for years walked up to 23 kilometres to access education will soon have a school closer to
home, after the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service broke ground for the construction of
Mutimurefu Primary School in Ward 4, Masvingo District.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on September 8, 2026, marked the beginning of a project
expected to ease long walks for learners, with some previously walking more than five
kilometres while others travelled as far as 23 kilometres to Masvingo town.
“A school represents hope. It is where children acquire knowledge, discover their talents,
develop discipline and prepare themselves to become responsible citizens and future leaders.
“As a donor, my contribution is driven by the belief that every child deserves access to a safe and
conducive learning environment, regardless of where they come from,” he said.
He commended ZPCS officers for their collective contribution towards the project and urged
parents and the Mutimurefu community to take ownership of the school once completed.
Mudhumi also called on Government, ZPCS, traditional leaders, community members,
development partners and other stakeholders to continue working together to ensure the success
of the project.
“As we break ground today, let us remember that we are laying more than a physical foundation.
We are laying the foundation for knowledge, opportunity, empowerment, and a brighter future
for the children of Mutimurefu.
“We see many children walking long distances to school, which is not good. By the time they get
to school, they will be tired, and it also exposes children, especially the girl child, to various
risks. Sometimes, when we see them along the way, we even have to give them a lift. So this
project is aimed at ensuring that these children have a school closer to where they live,” said
Mudhumi.
ZPCS Officer Commanding Masvingo Province, Commissioner Nelson Chikwature said the
groundbreaking ceremony was part of the service’s efforts to contribute meaningfully to
educational development and sustainable transformation in the community.
He said Mutimurefu Primary School was a ZPCS initiative that reflected the organisation’s
commitment to community involvement and transforming lives through education.
“Mutimurefu Primary School is our initiative reflecting our commitment to community
involvement and transformation of lives through education.
“We submit gratitude to Mudhumi who has shown support as a donor and played a pivotal role
in this initiative,” he said.
Chikwature said the project was anchored on the belief that education provides the foundation
for empowering individuals and producing responsible citizens.
He said the construction of the school represented an investment in the future of children in the
Mutimurefu community.
“Through this project we are therefore investing in the future of the children of Mutimurefu
community,” Chikwature said.
He said the groundbreaking marked the beginning of efforts to create better opportunities for
future generations in the area.
Presenting an overview of the project, Principal Correctional Officer Emily Spinyu said the
construction was a direct response to the educational needs of the Mutimurefu Prison Camp and
surrounding communities.
Spinyu said access to nearby schools had remained a major challenge, with some children
walking more than five kilometres to access education while others travel as far as 23 kilometres
to Masvingo town.
“The Mutimurefu Prison Camp and surrounding communities have experienced a growing
population of school-going children. However, access to nearby schools has remained a major
challenge so need for a school in this area is therefore clear and urgent,” Spinyu said.
She said the nearest schools included Mazare Secondary School, approximately eight kilometres
away, Zishumbe Primary School about 10 kilometres away, and Wenedzo and Beza schools,
approximately 12 kilometres away.
“For children, these distances are significant. Long journeys to and from school are physically
exhausting and can expose learners, particularly young girls, to various safety risks,” she said.
Spinyu said about 150 school-going children are estimated to come from the Mutimurefu Prison
Camp annually, while surrounding communities have a potential primary school population of
about 500 learners and a further potential of approximately 200 secondary school learners.
The school will cater for learners from Early Childhood Education A to Grade Seven and will
include eight two-classroom blocks, a three-classroom ECE block with child-friendly toilets, an
administration block, separate toilet facilities for boys and girls, a library and two computer
laboratories.
The project will also have a playground and sports field, borehole, 5 000-litre water tank, solar
power system, perimeter fence and school gate.
Spinyu said the main objective was to provide adequate learning space for more than 300 pupils
within a five-kilometre radius while improving access to education, increasing enrolment and
reducing school dropouts.
She said the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education had approved the construction of both
a primary and secondary school at Mutimurefu, with the long-term plan being to develop the area
into an education centre serving the prison camp and surrounding communities.
The contractor said the current construction phase is expected to be completed within 75 days.
Spinyu, however, said the wider development programme was planned over a 10-year period,
subject to the availability of resources and continued stakeholder support.
