Marula Secondary School in Mangwe District, Matabeleland South, has received 600 bags of cement under the Presidential Science Laboratories Scheme, a Government initiative aimed at improving science education in rural schools.
The donation was witnessed by the Ward 11 Councillor, Cllr Ngonidzashe Chemuru, officials from the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), and representatives from the Mangwe Rural District Council.
The cement will be used for the construction of a science laboratory at the school, which was established in 2019 and has rapidly grown into one of the district’s developing rural learning institutions.
The Schools District Inspector for Mangwe, Danisa Nkomo, said the project will help improve the teaching and learning of science subjects in the district.
“This initiative will enable us to teach science subjects in a more conducive environment, as many schools have been facing a shortage of properly equipped science laboratories,” said Mr Nkomo.
He added that five secondary schools in Mangwe District have been selected to benefit from the Presidential Science Laboratories Scheme.
Ward 11 Councillor, Cllr Ngonidzashe Chemuru, said the community is working together to support the project by providing locally available resources.
“We have so far received 600 bags of cement and 4 000 bricks from the Presidential Scheme. As a community, we have pledged to contribute materials such as pit sand, river sand and water. We are very thankful for this initiative as it will help grow the school and empower our community,” he said.
The laboratory at Marula Secondary School is being constructed through a partnership between Mangwe Rural District Council and the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency under the Presidential Science Laboratories Scheme.
Authorities believe the development will strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in rural communities and provide learners with better opportunities to pursue science-related careers.
