Tinotenda Hove – The Seke community in Mashonaland East is celebrating a major breakthrough after the Johanne Masowe eChishanu Apostolic Church built a new primary school that will serve more than 200 learners.

The newly established Simbarashe Junior School has drastically reduced the long distances children previously walked, improving both safety and school attendance. Parents said the development has already changed daily life for many families.

“Our children were walking long distances and because they are young, it was a sorry sight because they woke up early to be able to get to school on time,” one parent said. Another added: “It has come as a relief and now we expect our children to do better. What I am happy about is that the fees are affordable.”

School director Madzibaba Simbarashe Nengomasha said the church acted to serve the community and challenge misconceptions. “We saw a need in our community and decided to play our part despite popular belief that, as the Apostolic sect, we are backward and do not believe in education. We are trying to change that narrative and encourage others to realise the importance of education,” he said.

ZANU PF DCC Seke District chairperson Edson Makina praised the initiative, saying: “This is very encouraging when partners like the church are contributing to community development. This is how we are going to achieve Vision 2030. We have also decided to give them more land so that they can expand the school.”

Government recently set a target to build 120 new schools nationwide this year, with many completed through Public-Private Partnerships.