In an effort to promote education in marginalized communities, small-scale mining company Murasta Mining has invested over US$25,000 in a state-of-the-art administration block and a water facility at Dubungwani Primary School in Shanyathi District, Ward 8, Mining Zimbabwe reports.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The donation, which includes furniture and a 3KVA solar power system, aims to uplift educational standards in this rural area and enhance the learning environment for both students and teachers. This initiative is expected to further improve the school’s pass rate, which rose from 0% to 29% in 2023, following over a decade without a recorded pass rate from 2012 to 2022.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Murasta Mining’s Chief Financial Director, Mr. Chenjerai Makonese, emphasized the company’s commitment to bridging the gap between rural and urban schools.
“The main reason we invested here is to uplift our local communities, especially the rural ones, so that learners in rural schools have the same opportunities as those in urban areas,” said Makonese.
He expressed confidence that the school would achieve further progress, with an expected pass rate increase to between 60% and 75%.
In addition to the administration block, Murasta Mining has installed a borehole at the teachers’ hostels to provide clean and reliable water for staff. The company also plans to enhance living conditions by installing solar energy at the hostels in the near future.
Murasta Mining’s Managing Director, Mr Johane Sithole, highlighted the importance of supporting educators in remote areas.
“We saw it fit to construct the administration block and install a borehole at the teachers’ hostels. In the future, we also hope to power the hostels with solar energy to make the teachers more comfortable in this very remote area, where six teachers manage nine classes, from ECD A and B to Grade 7,” said Sithole. He added, “If you make a teacher happy, they will excel in their role.”
This investment is part of Murasta Mining’s broader corporate social responsibility strategy, aimed at reimagining mining to improve the lives of surrounding communities. By focusing on education, Murasta hopes to positively impact the region by reducing crime rates, lowering instances of child marriages, and increasing productivity through an educated and empowered population.
The infrastructure project at Dubungwani Primary School marks a significant milestone in Murasta Mining’s commitment to sustainable development, proving that even small-scale mining companies can play a transformative role in marginalized communities.
