Chikanga Primary School Expands Infrastructure Amid Enrolment Growth

By Nelson Geje

Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe’s Chikanga Primary School in Manicaland is making notable progress in infrastructure development and learner support despite facing financial and community-related challenges.

Established in 2002, the school is headed by S. Nyikadzino and currently has a total enrolment of 260 learners, with 122 boys and 138 girls from ECD to Grade Seven.

Enrolment Overview

The school’s enrolment reflects steady participation across all grades. The ECD A and B classes have a combined total of 45 learners, while Grade One has 26 learners.

Grade Two has 40 learners, followed by Grade Three with 30 learners. Grade Four enrols 31 learners, while Grade Five has 28 learners.

In the upper grades, Grade Six has 37 learners, and Grade Seven has 23 learners, completing the school’s current enrolment structure.

Infrastructure and Development

School authorities report significant improvements in infrastructure aimed at enhancing the learning environment.

Among the key achievements is the completion of a two-by-two classroom block, which has helped ease classroom shortages. The school has also constructed a culture hut and a kitchen to support the learners’ feeding programme.

Sanitation has been improved through the construction of toilets for both learners and facilitators, while the head’s house is nearing completion, a development expected to improve school administration and support efforts towards formal registration.

In a major boost to water access, the school installed a solar-powered borehole within the school yard, ensuring a reliable water supply for both learners and staff.

Security and aesthetics have also been addressed through the fencing of the school yard, while metal doors have been installed on classrooms to enhance safety.

The school also made strides in digital learning by acquiring ICT equipment, including a printer and laptop for administrative use, as well as a tablet for the Infant Department.

In addition, the school successfully conducted its first educational tour to Harare, exposing learners to broader educational experiences beyond the classroom.

To support sustainability, a poultry project was introduced towards the end of 2025, aimed at generating income and supporting school programmes.

Challenges

Despite these developments, the school continues to face several challenges that affect its operations.

The administration cited financial constraints due to poor payment of school fees as a major concern, limiting the pace of development projects.

The school is also facing low community participation in development initiatives, which has slowed progress in some areas.

In addition, there is a shortage of learning resources such as textbooks, affecting the quality of instruction.

Learner attendance is also impacted by long distances travelled to and from school, with some learners crossing flooded rivers during the rainy season, contributing to absenteeism. 

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Chikanga Primary School has outlined several development priorities aimed at improving both infrastructure and learning conditions.

The school plans to embark on additional income-generating projects to support its financial sustainability.

There are also plans to install more water taps across the school premises to improve access to clean water.

Completing the head’s house remains a priority, as it is key to the school’s registration process. The school also intends to construct an ECD play centre to enhance early childhood learning.

In addition, efforts are underway to complete a three-classroom block currently at slab level, which will help accommodate growing enrolment.

School leadership expressed optimism that, with increased support from stakeholders and the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe community, the institution will continue to improve its facilities and deliver quality education to learners.