Sinokubonga Nkala
Faith Ndlovu , Sunday News Reporter.
VALUKHALO Secondary School in Mangwe District has transformed dramatically from its humble origins as a single-room schoolhouse into a thriving educational hub now featuring three classroom blocks that reflect the community’s unwavering commitment to education and growth.
In 2014, the Empandeni community in Mangwe District, Matabeleland South Province recognised the urgent need for accessible education and repurposed a community hall into a school.
The initiative was aimed at alleviating the burden on children who were previously walking approximately 30 kilometres to and from the nearest educational facility.
The establishment of Valukhalo Secondary School marked a significant turning point for the community, providing much-needed relief for families.
Initially, the school served 214 learners in a makeshift setup, with the community hall partitioned into two classrooms, while staff members shared the remaining space. One room housed 129 Form One pupils while 85 Form Two pupils occupied the other.
Desperate for change, the villagers took it upon themselves to start the school despite the lack of proper infrastructure.
Many children were dropping out after completing Grade Seven due to the long distances to secondary schools, leaving only the most determined to endure the arduous journey.
When Valukhalo Secondary School officially opened its doors in January 2014, it was met with overwhelming demand for enrolment, even though it faced challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, no toilets, and a lack of essential learning materials like textbooks.
In an interview, the school head Ms Region Dube, noted that 10 years after it was established, the school now has most of the required infrastructure.
“It now has toilets, three administration blocks, classrooms and teachers’ cottages. The community hall is now being used to house female pupils that stay far from the school during examination time,” Ms Dube said.
“Valukhalo Secondary School has experienced significant growth, with a current enrolment of 274 students. To support the educational needs of these students, the school has a team of 13 dedicated teachers who are committed to providing a high-quality learning experience.”
Ms Dube noted that the construction of the science laboratory has been successfully completed. The state-of-the-art facility is now ready to support hands-on learning and experimentation for students.
“The final step in equipping the laboratory is the installation of specialised furniture, which will enable students to conduct experiments safely and efficiently. Once this furniture is in place, the laboratory will be fully operational, providing students with a comprehensive and engaging science education,” Ms Dube noted.
According to Ms Dube, several projects are underway at the school. One notable initiative is the installation of a modern flash system for the toilets, which is at the plumbing stage.
“Looking ahead to 2025, the school has ambitious plans for further development. A key priority is the construction of additional teachers’ cottages, which will provide more staff members with convenient and comfortable on-site accommodation,” she said.
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