Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
SCHOOL Business Units (SBUs), established by Government in partnership with development partners and local communities, are revolutionising the day-to-day operations of learning institutions in rural areas.
Particularly in rural schools, these SBUs focus primarily on agriculture, resulting in improved feeding programmes, practical lessons, and income generation for schools that previously relied solely on tuition fees from parents.
Gurure Primary School in Makoni West Constituency is a prime example of improved operations, boasting a thriving one-hectare plot where maize and various green vegetables are grown.
The commercial unit, established with support from Government and World Vision, has significantly enhanced the school’s feeding programme, which, in turn, has led to an increase in attendance rates, while the pass-rate has risen from 15 to 25 percent.
According to the school headmaster, Mr Pius Mataga, the SBU has also provided learners with hands-on experience in agriculture, complementing their theoretical knowledge.
Furthermore, the financial status of the school has stabilised, thanks to the new income stream generated by the school business unit, which supplements the traditional revenue source of school fees.
“In 2019, we were farming on a very small-scale because we were drawing water from a bush pump borehole and using irrigating cans. Through the partnership between Government and World Vison, we now have a solarised borehole and two water tanks that serve the school and the local community.
“The school garden, spanning nearly a hectare, is thriving with maize, citrus trees, okra, butter nuts, cabbages, and various vegetables. This initiative has significantly enhanced our school feeding programme, ensuring a steady supply of relish. Our learners now enjoy at least one hot meal daily, supplemented by maize donated by the Department of Social Welfare. We are currently selling green mealies to the community and plan to reserve some maize for our feeding programme, ensuring its continuity. The supplementary feeding has boosted attendance rates, exceeding 95 percent this term. Despite the community’s poor harvest due to drought, our school business unit has helped alleviate hunger. Notably, our pass-rate has increased from 15 to 25 percent, partly attributed to the business unit providing food for our learners.
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“As Zimbabwe is primarily an agro-based economy, we teach agriculture from ECD to Grade Seven. Our learners gain practical experience, complementing their theoretical knowledge. This SBU has improved the school’s financial situation, as we are no longer reliant solely on school levies. Instead, we have a supplementary income stream from our produce,” said Mr Mataga.
The School Development Committee (SDC) vice-secretary, Mr Moses Madanhi expressed gratitude for the piped water project, stating that both the community and school are greatly benefiting from it.
“We would like to thank Government for bringing World Vision to our community. In the past, financial constraints and drought made life challenging. However, this project has brought significant relief, providing a reliable supply of clean water for drinking, domestic and irrigating purposes.
“The community is served by three water points, connected to a 2.5km pipeline. Additionally, the proceeds from the plot are helping to support parents struggling to pay fees, with some contributing labour in lieu for tuition,” he said.
World Vision’s cluster livelihoods facilitator for Makoni/Chihota, Mr Farai Marongwe, highlighted the positive impact of their collaboration with line ministries on rural schools.
“In Makoni West Constituency, we are covering four wards, and at Gurure Primary School, we are working closely with the Ministries of Primary and Secondary Education, and Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development. Together, we have renovated the school, provided furniture and textbooks.
“We have also established a one-hectare irrigation plot at the school, addressing the previous water crisis. This project has significantly improved the school’s income and provided practical lessons for the students,” said Mr Marongwe.
Agritex supervisor for Ward 24 under Chief Chiduku, Mr Hacknos Nyandoro, reported that numerous individuals in the arid area have established their own solar-powered boreholes to mitigate the effects of persistent drought.
“We are encouraging villagers to adopt climate-smart agriculture by investing in solar-powered boreholes. Relying solely on rainfall is no longer viable, and people should consider irrigating their small plots. This approach also helps combat hunger at the household level. Notably, the cost of drilling boreholes and purchasing solar panels has decreased due to increased competition, making it more affordable for most people,” said Mr Nyandoro.
