Learners in Matabeleland South are set to benefit from improved science education following the construction of fully equipped laboratories in rural schools in Maphisa under government-led legacy projects.
The initiative has so far delivered 40 laboratories across seven districts in the province, as authorities seek to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in rural communities.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Moses Mhike, said the investment is intended to bridge long-standing gaps in access to practical learning facilities and expand opportunities for rural learners.
“This investment in science infrastructure is aimed at improving learner outcomes and expanding opportunities in STEM fields,” he said.
“For a long time, learners here have been disadvantaged by the lack of adequate facilities, but we are now addressing that by ensuring access to modern science laboratories.”
The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA).
RIDA provincial director for Matabeleland South, Likhwalethu Ndlovu, said the investment comes in response to low uptake of science-related courses among rural learners, which he attributed to limited laboratory infrastructure.
“This has been a result of limited laboratory facilities, which created barriers to inclusive education and limited opportunities for learners in rural schools,” he said.
“Developing rural school infrastructure to support STEM is an investment in the future. We are hopeful that these interventions will enable rural schools to produce candidates for STEM degrees and related programmes.”
At Mahetshe Primary School in Maphisa, one of the beneficiary institutions, headmistress Sibusiso Sibindi said the new facilities would significantly improve learning outcomes and enrolment.
“Our learners will for the first time have access to proper science facilities, which will transform how they learn and what they can achieve,” she said.
“Our school had 16 classrooms, now we have 26. We also now have two laboratories. Our enrolment has been around 700 learners. Hopefully we will enrol more and reach at least 1,000.”
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