By Mako Jerera
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, in collaboration with Zimbabwe Health Interventions (ZHI), has launched the Community School Education (COSEPA) program in Maphisa District, Matabeleland South Province.
This initiative has provided six schools across the district with a budget of US$10,010 each to implement livelihood programs aimed at reducing the spread of HIV among girls and raising awareness about drug and alcohol abuse.
A district monitoring and evaluation team recently visited three schools to assess the progress made with these funds.
At Zwehamba Primary School in Ward 22, 96 children from families affected by HIV had their school fees covered for the previous term. The school faced challenges with students transitioning from primary to high school due to child labor at nearby mines. A task force visited the mine authorities, raising awareness about the importance of keeping school-children in class and emphasizing that no child under 18 should be employed in the mines.
Additionally, teenage students were educated about the dangers of drug and substance abuse, as well as HIV/AIDS awareness, particularly focusing on the vulnerability of girls seeking income.
Zwehamba also improved its water situation by installing a solar-powered water system, which benefits both the school’s nutritional garden and the students. A new computer lab was constructed and six laptops were purchased using the allocated funds, though more resources are needed to further equip the lab. The School Development Committee (SDC) has pledged to continue working on this project.
At Mahetshe Primary School, the funds were used to purchase new furniture for grades 5 to 7 and to improve the girls’ restroom facilities by adding wash points and mirrors. With an enrollment of over 700 students, the school is struggling with overcrowding, as it serves learners from Maphisa’s J Mafuyana Township, nearby mines, and surrounding villages.
Despite the positive outcomes, Minda Primary School, a private institution, is also overwhelmed, with classes of up to 55 students. The strain has led to students sitting on the floor due to lack of furniture.
Kezi Primary School used its allocation to purchase textbooks for grades 5 to 7 and paid school fees for children identified through awareness campaigns, as not attending school. Despite losing $2,000 in efforts to drill a borehole, the school managed to set up a solar-powered system to pump water from a nearby dam. They also built girl-friendly toilets and showers.
All three schools have embarked on comprehensive drug and substance abuse awareness campaigns, addressing a major issue affecting school-aged children nationwide.
These campaigns aim to curb the sale of alcohol to minors and encourage parents to stop sending children to purchase alcohol and drugs.
The COSEPA program has demonstrated its potential to positively impact the lives of students in Maphisa District. By addressing the challenges and implementing the recommended strategies, the program will continue to make a significant contribution toward improving education and well-being among learners in the region.
Recent Comments