A new Early Childhood Development (ECD) classroom block worth more than US$70,000 has been commissioned at Queen Elizabeth II Primary School in Nkulumane, easing long-standing infrastructure shortages affecting the school.
The project, funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in partnership with the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, also includes a newly drilled and solar-powered borehole.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, Ward 23 Councillor Ntombizodwa Khumalo, representing Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart, said the facility marks a significant step toward improving early childhood education in the city.
“It is expected that this classroom will help improve the delivery of education in our school,” she said. “ECD blocks in most schools have been a great need and have affected the delivery of education for our early child learners.”
The new block includes full brickwork, roofing, tiling and complete furnishing, giving children access to a modern and fully functional ECD space. Khumalo said the development aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which advocates for inclusive and quality education.
Khumalo also highlighted the role of partnerships in improving education infrastructure, noting that the church has supported several schools across Bulawayo, particularly in Cowdray Park, where it has previously donated ECD blocks and equipped a science laboratory.
“The City notes that Public Private Partnerships play a key role in the delivery of service,” she said.
The councillor praised the Queen Elizabeth II School Development Committee (SDC) for initiating the project, although progress stalled due to economic hardships and low fee payments.
School head Marko Hleza said construction began in 2016 and advanced only to the slab and window levels after two special levies, before running out of funds.
He said the school’s water challenges last year prompted an appeal to the church for a borehole. After assessments, a solar-powered borehole and water tank were installed, followed by the completion of the ECD block.
“The borehole was equipped with a solar-powered pump and a water tank was installed,” he said. “The classroom block was also completed by the Church this year and fully furnished.”
Zimbabwe Stake President for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Liberty Mbewe, said the project was made possible through monthly donations from church members worldwide.
“We are grateful for the selfless and faithful offerings of 27.5 million church members and friends from around the world who make this possible,” he said. “Together, we are not just opening new classrooms, we are opening a future.”
Representing the Provincial Education Director, Schools Infrastructure Development Officer Michael Mawengahama said the new block provides modern facilities suited to current teaching demands.
“This block will enhance the quality of education and provide care for our youngest learners and for future students who will learn here,” he said.
He encouraged other schools undertaking infrastructure projects to submit updates to the ministry for record purposes and potential support.