Education Crisis In Matabeleland Widens Gap Between Public and Private Schools

Children learning in a crowded classroom at Makwika Primary School in Hwange. Image by Calvin Manika, March 2023

In Hwange, a small coal mining town in Matabeleland North, children growing in the same community are exposed to different educational circumstances—one with endless opportunities and the other with none.

This story is part of a reporting series supported by the Pulitzer Centre.

BY CALVIN MANIKA | @The_CBNews | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | MAR 23, 2023

Poor Infrastructure Disrupts Education In Mat North

Poor roads and walking long distances of more than 20 km forces experienced teachers to shun public schools in Matabeleland North. Image by Calvin Manika, March 2023

Experienced teachers continue to shun public schools in Matabeleland North, citing inadequate or poor infrastructure, leaving learners at the mercy of temporary or graduate trainees. Stakeholders say this is to blame for the poor pass rates.

This story is part of a reporting series supported by the Pulitzer Centre.

BY CALVIN MANIKA | @The_CBNews | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | MAR 18, 2023

Project-based Learning A Burden To Underserved Pupils In Matabeleland

CALA has become a burden to underserved pupils in Matabeleland. Image by MoPSE, May 2021

In Matabeleland, pupils are finding it hard to cope with Zimbabwe’s new project-based learning curriculum. Existing socio-economic factors are worsening the situation. 

This story is part of a reporting series supported by the Pulitzer Centre.

BY MELODY MPANDE | @The_CBNews | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | MAR 10, 2023

Satellite Schools: An epitome of Matabeleland’s Comatose Education System

Dilapidated and ill-equipped: This is the state of Dwala Primary School in Gwanda, Matabeleland South. Image by Clifford Masevedze

Satellite schools established in the aftermath of the country’s chaotic land reform program — and later — are in dire straits.

This story is part of a reporting project supported by the Pulitzer Center.

BY MELODY MPANDE | @The_CBNews | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | MAR 6, 2023

Without ICT Infrastructure, In Binga E-learning Is Just A Pipe Dream

Hwange booster base station…In Binga, this infrastructure is a rare find. As such, e-learning remains a pipe dream. Image by Calvin Manika

Students in parts of Binga and other areas in Matabeleland North are falling behind due to a lack of Information Communication Technologies infrastructure for e-learning which forms part of the country’s updated education curriculum.

This story is part of a reporting series supported by the Pulitzer Centre.

BY CALVIN MANIKA | @The_CBNews | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | MAR 8, 2023