shloboe boe
Thupeyo Muleya, thupeyo.muleya@zimpapers.co.zw
THE Zion Christian Church (ZCC) has embarked on a significant educational initiative, constructing five new schools across Zimbabwe using part of a generous US$1 million donation from local businessman, Mr Wicknell Chivayo.
The project is a testament to the church’s commitment to complementing Government efforts to improve access to quality education. The new schools are being built in Beitbridge, Victoria Falls, Bulawayo, Beatrice and Mvuma.
In Beitbridge, where population growth has outpaced the availability of educational facilities, the addition of a new school is particularly timely.
At present, the district has 71 primary schools and 18 secondary schools, which are insufficient to meet the community’s needs.
On Sunday, ZCC leader Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi visited the Beitbridge construction site to assess progress.
He revealed that the church has engaged a contractor who worked on the prestigious new Parliament Building in Harare to ensure high-quality civil works.
Bishop Mutendi also planted a tree at Gurukudera Academy, symbolising the church’s dual commitment to education and environmental conservation.
“We are committed to constructing more schools across the country, and we are pleased with the progress so far. Improving the country’s education system and promoting environmental conservation are key roles churches should play nationwide,” he said.
Bishop Mutendi stated that the initiative also aligns with the broader goals of fostering community development and ensuring that education remains a cornerstone of national progress.
He also emphasised the importance of respecting traditional leaders and elected officials, describing them as divinely appointed.
“I want to urge Zimbabweans to respect the institution of traditional leaders and those elected during elections, as they are appointed by God,” said Bishop Mutendi.
ZCC construction project manager, Mr Inock Moyo, said the Beitbridge project commenced in June last year and is expected to open its doors in the second term of 2025.
“We are on the verge of completing the science block and several other classroom blocks. Hostels and staff cottages are also under construction, with more classrooms planned,” he said.
The school, upon completion, will accommodate 1 200 pupils from Form One to Form Six.
The church’s initiative also includes the development of schools in Victoria Falls, Bulawayo, Beatrice and at Dombo raSamere in Mvuma, a site of historical and spiritual significance to ZCC, as it was a place of worship for the church’s founder, Rev Samuel Mutendi.
“In addition to the church’s fundraising efforts, we are utilising the US$1 million donated by Mr Wicknell Chivayo to support the schools’ construction. We aim to open Gurukudera Academy by the second term of 2025,” said Mr Moyo.
