Transforming Livelihoods : Drive to impactful change at Mafomote Primary School
In the heart of Rutenga, amidst rolling hills and lush greenery, lies Mafomote Primary School, a beacon of hope for a rural community in Masvingo Province.
Currently enrolling 640 students, the Catholic run school was opened as a satellite school to lessen the burden of pupils who endured long distances for access to education and remains determined to provide quality education to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Challenges Faced
Despite its noble mission, Mafomote Primary School faces significant challenges:
- Lack of Basic Facilities: The school still uses temporary mud and dagger structures which are not friendly in times of harsh environmental conditions. Facilities like proper ablution facilities, sanitation, clean water and adequate furniture also need an upgrade. Regardless of the sub-standard learning space, the students are also overcrowded.
- Inadequate Resources: The school struggles to provide necessary learning materials, such as textbooks, stationery, and technology. Many students come from low-income families who cannot afford these basic supplies.
- Unfinished Staff Houses: Currently, teaching staff share one room in an unfinished staff block making it difficult for employers to attract more experienced and adequate workforce to teach at the school. Those who do not have rooms in the block under construction stay in a nearby village where they also endure long distances to work. This challenge disturbs the teacher’s working conditions while it also limits their ability to deliver professionally let alone motivation.
The Vision
The Catholic Diocese of Masving however envisions a future where every child has access to a safe, conducive, and well-equipped learning environment. To achieve this, the school has initiated a fundraising campaign to construct new classroom blocks that will:
- Create Conducive Learning Environment: Through construction of new classroom blocks, the school will create a conducive learning environment for learners which protects them from harsh weather conditions they are exposed to currently. This will also help students concentrate and produce better results.
- Reduce Overcrowding: By building additional classrooms, the school aims to provide a more personalized learning experience for each student.
- Improved Learning Conditions: New facilities will also include updated ablution facilities, furniture, and ventilation, creating a comfortable environment that fosters learning.
Provide Essential Resources: Along with the new classrooms, the fundraising will also support the acquisition of educational materials, allowing students to engage fully in their studies.