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Advocate Jacob Mudenda

Leonard Ncube in Hwange
The Speaker of Parliament advocate Jacob Mudenda has said institutions of higher learning must offer courses relevant to surrounding communities.

Adv Mudenda said this at Don Bosco Technical College in Hwange where he was the guest of honour.

Yesterday, the Catholic run technical college which has been operating since 2007, unveiled its “$1 for a brick” project meant to raise more than $3 million for expansion purposes.

Adv Mudenda commended the Catholic Church for empowering the province.

He said the college will transform Matabeleland North and challenged college authorities to ensure that its courses are relevant to the community

“A dollar from each of us here will go a long way. For the programme plan to succeed, it must be relevant to the needs of the community.

The courses must be demand driven and it is my fervent hope that it is grounded in local indicators and produce employable people who can also create employment,” said Adv Mudenda.

He called for good corporate governance saying board of directors should be appointed on merit.

“This is the only technical college in Matabeleland North and the Catholic Church must be applauded for taking this initiative to close this gap.

“My dream is that the college will be transformed into a university of Science and Technology and we are grateful that the Catholic Church is spreading its tentacles beyond Bulawayo, Harare, Gweru and Masvingo,” he said.

With an enrolment of 51 students, plans are underway to expand the institution on 28 hectares of land  and the project is estimated to cost about $3,3 million.

Phase 1 involved clearing of land and construction of classrooms and accommodation for lecturers at a cost of $422 000.

“We are appealing for donations in cash and  kind from you all stakeholders as we want to raise 15 percent of the budget so we access external donor funding. We want you all to be part of our  future as we launch this expansion project,” said college director Fr Bruno Zamberlan in his presentation.

The Catholic Church’s Salasians of Don Bosco Trust has secured donors who have however given them a condition that they must raise 15 percent of the $3,3 million to show commitment before funding can be released.

Courses on offer include bricklaying, wildlife management, computer studies, clothing technology, information technology, beauty therapy, secretarial studies, purchasing and supply management, marketing, accounting, food preparation at certificate and diploma level.

It is the only technical college in Matabeleland North and the second tertiary institution after Lupane State University.

Chief Shana of Jambezi applauded the Catholic Church for raising education standards. — @ncubeleon