By Prosper Ncube
Chitete One Primary School in Lupane has unveiled new sanitation facilities, an early childhood development (ECD) playground and a school garden, developments that education officials say will improve hygiene, nutrition and learning conditions for pupils.
The upgrades were commissioned on Thursday and were attended by school authorities, community leaders and officials from World Vision, which supported the project.
Village Head Siakhula Tshuma opened the ceremony, praising the partnership between parents, teachers and development organisations. He said the new facilities were “a sign of progress” for the community.
School head Mrs Dhinare welcomed guests and thanked development partners for their continued support, while her deputy introduced officials including Junior Schools Inspector Mrs Ngwenya, School Inspectors Mr Vundla and Mr Mukuli, and World Vision representatives Mr Luckson Dube and Mr Bumi Ngwenya.
World Vision’s Mr Dube told attendees that the school had previously struggled with water shortages, a situation that affected hygiene, teacher morale and attendance.
“Access to clean water has dramatically improved, transforming hygiene standards and learner well-being,” he said. He added that the newly constructed toilets and handwashing stations would help reduce disease and promote a healthier learning environment.
Dube urged parents to remain involved in maintaining the school garden, which he said could support nutrition programmes and classroom learning. He also warned against community disputes over the water point.
“The water source must serve the learners and support school activities, not livestock,” he said.
Learners performed a short drama highlighting past water challenges and how access to clean water had changed daily life at the school.
Guests later toured the new facilities, including the ECD playground and upgraded toilets. Teachers said the improvements were overdue and would enhance the learning environment, while parents welcomed the additions as an investment in their children’s future.
The school garden, described by officials as a key part of the project, is expected to contribute to feeding programmes and practical lessons.
School authorities said the developments marked a significant step in improving education standards at Chitete One and strengthening collaboration between the school and the community.
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