By Virginia Njovo
Masvingo City Council recently held an induction workshop for School Development Committees (SDCs) drawn from council schools at Great Zimbabwe Hotel.
The workshop was focused on strengthening school governance and enhancing community involvement in education.
Masvingo City Council Communications and Public Relations Officer Ashleigh Jinjika said council was employing a transformative approach in its operations and was committed to collaborating closely with schools.
“Council reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with schools and communities to improve the learning environment and ensure every child have access to quality education.
“Having well-informed and trained SDCs can lead to sustained improvements in educational outcomes and greater community involvement. Implementing these induction workshops is crucial for the effective functioning of SDCs, ultimately benefiting the entire school community,” said Jinjika.
Jinjika said the workshop empowered SDCs with essential knowledge about their roles during their term of office.
“Empowering SDCs with knowledge and skills ensures that schools are effectively managed and that development is community-driven.”
Key focus areas during the sessions included establishment of SDCs, handover and takeover processes, roles and responsibilities of members, role of the responsible authority, recruitment and selection procedures, financial management and collaboration with school heads and council structures
There have been conflicts in schools over election of SDC followed by clashes between the committees and schools administrations affecting the smooth running of schools.
In June 2024, the SDC at Shakashe Primary School in Masvingo was up in arms with the school administration over the school’s intention to purchase a school bus accusing the latter of having misplaced priorities.
The parents were accusing the admin and the SDC of imposing a bus levy on them despite their refusal saying purchasing a bus could not be a top priority as other areas needed attention.
