Story by Godfrey M Bonda
HWEDZA — The groundbreaking of the Mwana Anokosha Special School in Chiwenga Village has marked a significant step towards expanding access to inclusive and specialised education for children with disabilities in Mashonaland East Province.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East Province, Advocate Itai Ndudzo, who represented Vice President General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga, described the occasion as an important milestone in advancing the Government’s commitment to ensuring that no child is excluded from educational opportunities.
“Here in Chiwenga Village, it is a privilege to join you at the groundbreaking ceremony of Mwana Anokosha. Indeed, it is a glorious day in Mashonaland East Province,” said Vice President Chiwenga.
He said the establishment of the school was consistent with the Government’s development philosophy of leaving no one behind, particularly as Zimbabwe works towards its Vision 2030 aspirations.
“By opening this school, it goes with the Government’s mantra of leaving no one behind. As we go with the Vision 2030 mantra, no child should be left behind,” he said.
Vice President Chiwenga described the occasion as personally significant and emphasised that meaningful development must begin within communities.
“Development begins at home,” he said.
He called on the business community, Government leaders and other stakeholders to join hands in constructing what he described as a state-of-the-art school capable of providing an appropriate learning environment for children with disabilities.
The Vice President also urged local skilled workers, including plumbers and electricians, to contribute their expertise to the construction project.
“I call upon plumbers, electricians in this community to display their skills in building this school,” he said.
The call places the development within a broader community-participation model, where local skills, private-sector support and Government leadership can combine to deliver infrastructure that responds directly to community needs.
Vice President Chiwenga said the ultimate objective should be to create an environment where every child, regardless of disability, has equal access to education.
Speaking on the origins of the initiative, Mrs Rumbidzai Chiwenga said Mwana Anokosha was established to support people with disabilities.
She said the organisation was formed in 2023, with its final registration formalities completed in 2025.
Mrs Chiwenga called for equal treatment of children with disabilities and urged communities to reject discrimination against people living with disabilities.
She also called for concerted efforts to combat drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people.
“We also say no to drugs and substance abuse,” she said.
She said Mwana Anokosha’s long-term vision was to establish a school that would serve the needs of the community and provide specialised educational facilities for children with disabilities.
The organisation is targeting the construction of at least three blocks by the end of the year, with plans to incorporate boarding facilities to cater for learners with disabilities who require residential accommodation.
The groundbreaking therefore represents more than the commencement of a construction project. It signals an effort to bring specialised education infrastructure closer to communities while creating opportunities for children with disabilities to access education in an environment designed around their needs.
The initiative also places community participation at the centre of development, with local artisans, businesses, Government and other stakeholders being encouraged to contribute towards the realisation of the project.
As construction gets underway, the immediate focus will be on translating the groundbreaking into completed infrastructure capable of providing sustainable educational opportunities for children with disabilities in Hwedza and surrounding communities.
