By Patience Gondo
THE World Vision in Beitbridge has undertaken a major upgrade of two Beitbridge rural primary schools built in 1984 and long affected by deteriorating infrastructure.
At the weekend the two schools, Fula and Chaswingo primary schools were officially commissioned by Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe.
Nguluvhe said the development marks a significant step in improving access to quality education in remote communities.
The institutions both established in 1984, had for decades operated with only one functional classroom block each, while their sanitation facilities had been condemned by the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
Overcrowding had forced learners into hot-sitting arrangements, severely affecting the standard of teaching and learning.
These challenges reflect a broader pattern in Beitbridge’s rural wards, which have historically lagged behind in infrastructure development due to resource constraints and long standing underinvestment, making the latest upgrades especially impactful.
The transformation of the schools began in 2024 when World Vision partnered with the Beitbridge Rural District Council and local communities to rehabilitate and expand the facilities.
The organisation constructed a steel framed classroom block with modern furnishings, introduced disability friendly and girl-friendly ablution facilities and established income generating projects to support the schools’ long-term sustainability.
The project also brought the first water closet flush system to a rural school in Beitbridge, powered by a solar-driven mechanised borehole.
Additional improvements included enhanced WASH facilities and the installation of an educational robot sign to promote safety and awareness.
Speaking during the ceremony, Minister Nguluvhe said commissioning is a celebration of progress and partnership, saying the upgrades align with the Second Republic’s commitment to inclusive development under President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
He commended World Vision for what he called “faith in action,” saying that the collaboration demonstrates how communities, development partners and government can transform rural education when working together.
The ceremony was attended by traditional leaders, council officials, education authorities, World Vision representatives and various government stakeholders.
Beitbridge Rural District Council Chairperson Chiromo urged children in the diaspora to support village development initiatives and praised the minister for his sustained engagement across the province.
District Schools Inspector Mr Muleya also applauded World Vision for consistently investing in schools across the district, citing similar improvements in Malala, Chabili and current interventions at Limpopo Primary School.
Nguluvhe linked the upgraded infrastructure to Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 philosophy, which focuses on innovation, skills development and community empowerment.
He also referenced the Minimum Service Delivery Standards launched by the President in June 2025, saying such guidelines were helping local authorities improve services in education, health and sanitation.
He further addressed rising concerns about drug and substance abuse in Matabeleland South, calling on communities to work with government structures to combat the growing challenge and highlighting ongoing government interventions, including a new rehabilitation centre in Gwanda.
The minister further said community members should safeguard the new infrastructure and support future development initiatives.
He said the improved environment at Fula and Chaswingo Primary School would enhance learners’ performance and symbolised the district’s renewed trajectory after years of limited development in rural Beitbridge.