Chikomba District, Zimbabwe — President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially opened Makumimavi Government Primary School in Mashonaland East, one of 17 new schools constructed with the support of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
The initiative aims to improve educational infrastructure in Zimbabwe’s rural areas.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, President Mnangagwa highlighted the critical role of education in national development. The new schools are part of a $22 million loan from OPEC, aimed at building primary and secondary schools across several provinces, including Mashonaland East, Manicaland, and Masvingo.
The President emphasized that these new schools will help ensure that all children have access to quality education close to their homes. Each primary school is designed to accommodate 600 pupils and features modern facilities such as science and computer labs.
The secondary schools also include state-of-the-art classrooms, administration blocks, and staff accommodation.
President Mnangagwa stressed the importance of reducing absenteeism and dropout rates by providing better access to education. He also underscored the need for improved infrastructure, including electricity and internet connectivity, to support these schools and foster a better learning environment.
Inviting investors to consider the education sector, the President noted that there are significant opportunities for public-private partnerships to enhance Zimbabwe’s educational infrastructure. He called on local authorities, churches, and the diaspora to contribute to this effort.
In his closing remarks, President Mnangagwa congratulated the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, OPEC, and other partners for their collaborative efforts in making this project a reality.
He then officially opened Makumimavi Primary School and the other 16 new schools, marking a significant step forward in the country’s educational development.
