By Ndinatsei Mavodza
Magede Primary School in Chirima, Gokwe South District is struggling to cope after two classroom blocks were destroyed by strong winds in December last year and is appealing for financial assistance to restore roofs and furniture that were destroyed.
The storm blew away one block with three classrooms and another block with two classrooms, forcing the school to introduce hot seating sessions and abandon its previous single-session system.
School head Marshall Masango confirmed the development to TellZim News and said before the disaster classroom space was adequate for all 351 learners enrolled at the school.
“Before the storm, we had enough classrooms to accommodate all our learners comfortably under one session. After losing the two blocks, we were forced to introduce hot seating for Grades 1 to 3, while Grades 4 to 6 are now exchanging classrooms,” said Masango.
Masango said the situation has resulted in severe overcrowding particularly among Early Childhood Development (ECD) learners with the arrangement said to be negatively impacting learning time.
“We now have 93 ECD learners sharing one classroom and some learners are being taught outside due to limited space. Our learners are no longer able to have their full eight lessons per day because we have to divide the available time and space. Even sporting activities have been affected because we are trying to maximise limited classroom time,” he said.
The heavy rains that were accompanied by strong winds destroyed textbooks, stationery, windows, pens and other learning materials after the classrooms were left exposed.
School Development Committee (SDC) chairperson, Debra Lunga said the school was appealing for assistance to restore normal learning conditions.
“We estimate that about US$9 000 is needed for the roofing alone. We are appealing for support in cash or kind to enable us to rebuild or repair the damaged classroom blocks and replace the furniture, textbooks and exercise books that were destroyed,” she said.
Magede Primary has 11 teachers serving the 351 learners.
The school is calling on government, corporates and well-wishers to urgently intervene to prevent further disruption of learning.
Well-wishers who wish to assist can deposit funds into the school’s account:
Magede Primary School
Bank: CBZ
Branch: Gokwe South
Account Number: 01723835660044
