Cottages at Lupane Business Centre used by children as boarding facilities. Image by Calvin Manika, March 2023

In Matabeleland, remote schools have brought with them a host of challenges. However, the local community has banded together to develop innovative solutions that have yielded impressive results. By working collectively, they have found ways to overcome barriers such as long distances, exorbitant boarding costs, and lacklustre academic performance.

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 30, 2023

According to research, sixty percent of mental health admissions are due to substance and drug abuse and of those, 80% of them are between 16 and 35 years of age. Image by Newsday

As the fight against drug abuse intensifies, in Gwanda the devastating impact of illegal substance on youth is becoming increasingly apparent.
 
BY MELODY MPANDE | @The_CBNews | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | MAR 29, 2023

San children face a bleak future as they struggle to stay in school amid financial constraints. Image by Tsoro-o-Tso San Development Trust, November 2017

In Matabeleland, the San community continues to face significant barriers to learning. Without proper funding and support, the future of these children is uncertain, and the cycle of poverty is likely to continue.

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

BY LIZWE SEBATA | @The_CBNews | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | MAR 28, 2023

Lack of science laboratories and qualified teachers for STEM subjects has detrimental effects on student's academic and professional prospects. Image by Binga Government High School, December 2022

Students in Matabeleland North are struggling to access the Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program, as the government suspended it in 2018 and focused on funding university students. This has dire consequences on their academic science and technology careers.

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

BY LIZWE SEBATA | @The_CBNews | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | MAR 27, 2023

Women in rural communities' lack of access to health care facilities has encouraged them to form health programs such as Netball. Image by Sportsmatik

Compared to women in urban areas, women in rural communities have less access to health care and healthy food, a situation which has motivated them to come up with community health programs like netball.

BY MELODY MPANDE | @The_CBNews | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | MAR 24, 2023