Govt to build more schools, science labs

Bulawayo (New Ziana) – The government will build new schools in order to reduce the distance travelled by learners, President Mnangagwa said on Sunday.

Addressing over one thousand learners who attended the children’s party- an annual precursor to the national independence celebrations, President Mnangagwa said more focus would be put towards construction of science laboratories.

“Government will be building more schools to reduce distance travelled by our children in both primary and secondary schools.

“Greater focus however will also be made towards construction and expansion of science laboratories across the country; technical workshops and specialist rooms, agriculture demonstration sites as well as sporting and arts facilties,” he said.

He urged the learners to take up Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects as the future heavily relies on them.

“The world of today and the future heavily depends on science, technology and innovation. I therefore, urge you our children to take full advantage of ICTs, Science, Mathematics Engineering and business oriented studies being offered in your schools,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said the government had also strengthened the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) for under-privileged learners.

“We are thus strengthening all aspects that facilitate the delivery of quality education that meets the present realities and future requirements of the modern world.

“In this regard, grants in aid of tuition was introduced as part of measures to progressively increase government’s funding for basic education in addition to the BEAm facility,” he said.

BEAM, introduced in 2001 by the government , is a programme that provides school fees, examination fees, levies and building assistance to vulnerable learners.

Last week, Cabinet said the BEAM programme reached out to 1 015 000 vulnerable children with educational assistance from both Government and Development Partners for primary and secondary as at 13th December 2021.

Turning to Monday’s 42nd independence celebrations being held for the first time in Bulawayo, President Mnangagwa urged the learners to always remember the struggle which brought Zimbabwe’s Independence from Britain.

“Today we are an independent, free and democratic country. As a result of many young boys and girls, some who were around your age, who fought to liberate our country. As our children, I urge you never to forget this rich history, ” he said.

President Mnangagwa urged the youths to also acquaint themselves with the country’s history.

” I am aware you are living in a global village with a lot of information about the world around you through Instagram, Tik Tok, Whatsapp, Facebook and YouTube. However, I urge you to always know that your rich cultural heritage as Zimbabweans defines your identity, ” he said.

The 42nd independence celebrations are running under the theme” Living Noone and no place behind”.

New Ziana