Takudzwa Changadeya
NORTON: Tamiranashe community school, a beacon of hope for Norton’s underprivileged children since 2016, now faces a daunting financial challenge towards welfare issues as staff salaries.
Prudence Mbaura, founding director, voiced concerns about the school’s sustainability.
“We’ve made significant impact, but our major hurdle is securing adequate resources to compensate teachers. Their hard work deserves fair compensation,” she said.
To address this, the school humbly requests $8 from each student to support teacher salaries.
Mbaura stated, “Government assistance is vital. We cannot do this alone. Partnerships ensure our life-changing work continues.”
For parents like Mavis Tavengwa, Tamiranashe has been transformative.
“Since my husband’s passing, this school has been my children’s lifeline.
“Affordable fees make education accessible, but some parents struggle. Government aid would alleviate this burden,” Tavengwa said.
Gibson Kerema also said, “Tamiranashe empowers families unable to afford local schools.
“However, government support is crucial for infrastructure upgrades and teacher compensation to ensure long-term viability.”
Tamiranashe School’s struggles mirror Zimbabwe’s broader education sector challenges.
Experts emphasize the importance of collaborative solutions. “Community schools like Tamiranashe require holistic support to thrive,” said education advocate, John Chakwana.
“Community engagement, government backing and sustainable funding models are crucial for initiatives supporting vulnerable populations.
“Government, corporate and community partnerships ensure quality education,” he added.
