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Patrick Chitumba [email protected]

THE Government has registered Mudondo Secondary School in Gokwe North as a Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (Zimsec) examination centre bringing much needed relief for learners who were travelling more than 20 kilometres to the nearest examination centre.

Located in Gokwe North District, Mudondo Secondary has been a satellite school of Gurawakanya Secondary School since its establishment in 2010.

That is now a thing of the past as the school is now an examination centre and an independent institution.

This positive development was announced by the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Honourable Torerayi Moyo at an event held on Sunday where he donated information communication technology (ICT) gadgets for learners to use in their classes.

The ICT gadgets include a Star link kit for the internet and some laptops.

“I am glad to announce that Mudondo Secondary School has been registered as a Zimsec examination centre which is a positive development for learners who are no longer going to be forced to travel to other examination centres which are far away,” he said.

Minister Moyo said the Government will continue to empower communities in previously marginalised areas in line with its inclusive development approach of leaving no place and no one behind.

“Gokwe North District, being the furthest in the province, faces unique challenges in terms of availability of schools. Unlike other districts that have urban settlements, our district is predominantly rural. However, the Second Republic is working tirelessly to make sure that schools are brought closure to the pupils through the construction of additional schools,” he said.

Minister Moyo said the ICT gadgets will help bridge the gap between the rural community and those living in urban areas.

“They will serve as vital links, enabling our students to access information, resources, and opportunities that were previously out of reach. With these devices, our children will be able to connect with their peers in cities, fostering collaboration and exchange of ideas, thus enriching their educational experience,” he said.

Minister Moyo said as the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, he is committed to a comprehensive five-year plan aimed at enhancing digital learning across schools.

“This plan includes key initiatives such as infrastructure development, where we will continue to invest in reliable internet access and digital resources in all schools, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to connect with the world,” he said.

The Minister told the gathering that they have signed a memorandum of understanding with a university in Russia called the Perm State Humanitarian Pedagogical University- a development that will see Zimbabwean teachers receiving free artificial intelligence training and going through other ICT-related programmes to equip the country with relevant skills.

Mudondo Secondary School Head, Mr Moses Mharadze commended the Government for registering the school as a Zimsec centre.

“Our children used to travel long distances to the nearest centre. They used to cross about six to seven rivers, making it very difficult for them. They used to fail to achieve the educational cycle.

“Some of the comrades here could not reach from four due to the distances involved. So we want to thank our leaders for this development as our children will write the examinations with enough energy. Our enrolment is likely to go up after this achievement,” he said.