Staff Reporter
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerayi Moyo, on Thursday commissioned the newly built Globe and Phoenix Primary School, marking a major milestone in restoring access to quality education for hundreds of learners who had been displaced after the collapse of their old school building due to illegal gold mining activities.
The modern school was constructed through a US$600,000 donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and comprises seven classroom blocks, an administration building, an ablution block and a solar-powered borehole.
The commissioning ceremony brought together government officials, church representatives, parents and pupils — all celebrating what Minister Moyo described as “a momentous occasion in our collective pursuit of quality, equitable and inclusive education.”
“Today we gather to commission one of the main schools being built in Zimbabwe, marking a commitment to expanding educational opportunities in the region,” said Minister Moyo. “This school is a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Government of Zimbabwe.”
Following the collapse of a classroom block at the old school last year — caused by illegal gold panners who had dug tunnels underneath the premises — pupils were temporarily relocated to Russell Primary School, where they endured learning under tents. The new facilities now provide a permanent and safer environment for the learners.
Minister Moyo paid tribute to the LDS Church for its humanitarian commitment to education, noting that the organisation has been a consistent partner in improving learning infrastructure across Zimbabwe.
“We want to commend the Church for their philanthropic humanitarianism. The investment made by the Church in Zimbabwe’s future is commendable and sets a precedent for others to follow,” he said.
He revealed that the LDS Church is constructing seven new state-of-the-art schools across the country in 2025, while the Government aims to build over 120 new schools under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 programme.
“Through public-private partnerships, we are harnessing resources, expertise and innovation to enhance education delivery across the nation. Globe and Phoenix Primary School stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when we work together,” said Minister Moyo.
The minister also highlighted that the government’s heritage-based curriculum aligns with national aspirations to produce education that is practical, relevant and economically empowering.
“As our President says, education that does not produce goods and services for the people is dead and useless. That is why our new curriculum focuses on heritage-based education 5.0,” Moyo explained.
Speaking in a side interview, Vaiangina Sikahema, General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said the school was funded through a unique global church initiative where members donate through monthly fasting.
“Our members contributed towards funding through fasting. Every month, all 17 million members of our church worldwide fast for a day, and the money we would have used for meals goes to projects like this one,” Elder Sikahema said. “For this school, we budgeted US$600,000 for construction.”
Minister Moyo urged the school community to take care of the new infrastructure, describing it as “a lasting heritage that will benefit future generations.”
“By treating these facilities with care, we preserve a legacy that supports educational success in our communities. Today marks not just the opening of a building, but the beginning of a vibrant community dedicated to learning, growth, and collaboration,” he said.
