The ManicaPost
Freedom Mutanda: Post correspondent
A new school that caters for ECD students up to Grade 2 opened its doors to the public in 2014 and in 2017 it is poised to open its classroom block as it seeks to boost its enrolment, according to the director and founder of Sparkling Academy which is based at Chipangayi Rural Service Centre.In an interview with The Manica Post recently, Mr Jabulani Matembudze, said he established the infants’ school as a way of protecting young children as young as three or four who travel more than three kilometers to attend Sabi Valley School.
‘’Many parents came to me and expressed their reservations at sending very young children to Sabi Valley School where they have to cross the busy highway which has vehicular traffic to Chiredzi and Beitbridge. Some time ago, a young girl was hit by a car on her way to school and many parents are afraid their child may be the next victim.
Thus, in 2014, I founded Sparkling Academy from humble lodges,’’ said the local businessman. The school is housed at 13 Chipangayi Service Centre in the low density section. There is a classroom block that would be fully plastered by the beginning of term.
A local man, Peter Mhlanga said it was good that the local entrepreneur has embarked on a school because children’s lives are at risk because of the busy highway.
‘’During sugar cane harvesting, the highway to Chisumbanje is filled with big Lorries which pose a danger to the little ones. Accordingly, I applaud his vision,’’ said Peter.
The school has a play centre and plans are underfoot to buy computers in line with the current curriculum. It is registered with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
‘’Last year, we had ten graduates who went to Sabi Valley for their Grade 1 in 2016. Our aim is to have them be with us up to Grade 2,’’ said Mrs Matandana, the ECD teacher.
Mr Jabulani Matembudze says he feels obliged to give back to the community after it stood by him as a local businessman.
He owns butchery, bar and a shop at the service centre which is erroneously called Matembudze Business Centre since he is the first person to set up shop there.
‘’This is corporate social responsibility,’’ he said.
