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. 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. āIt is expected that this classroom will help improve the delivery of education in our school,ā she said.
āECD blocks in most schools have been a great need and have affected the delivery of education for our early child learners.ā 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. āThe City notes that Public Private Partnerships play a key role in the delivery of service,ā 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 schoolās water challenges last year prompted an appeal to the church for a borehole.
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After assessments, a solar-powered borehole and water tank were installed, followed by the completion of the ECD block. āThe borehole was equipped with a solar-powered pump and a water tank was installed,ā he said. āThe classroom block was also completed by the Church this year and fully furnished.ā 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.
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