Ndadzingwa ECD Centre holds graduation in style

BY STEVE EPHRAEM

A sense of hopeful anticipation settled over a developing shopping centre, roughly three kilometres before Kopa along the Jopa-Kopa Highway. The aftermath of the previous night’s rain had left the road slippery, causing some vehicles to park carefully just off the tarmac.

Under the shade of a large tree, a group of young children clad in academic gowns stood, their attention firmly on their teachers. On the other side, community delegates had gathered for this special occasion. Soon, a procession began, led by ECD teacher Mrs Sithole, followed by her co-teacher, a Sithole again, proud students and the honoured guests.

This was Ndadzingwa Community Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre, celebrating a landmark event; the graduation of 27 students who are now ready to move on to junior school. Each graduate’s face beamed with promise, reflecting the immense pride felt by the entire community.

In his address, the centre’s director, Thomas Mapanda, emphasised that the project had succeeded in building hope for the area’s children.

“This graduation is a celebration of growth, hard work and pride for the future that lies ahead for our children. As someone with albinism, I believe that every child deserves a nearby, safe and nurturing place to learn. I aim to promote inclusive education,” said Mapanda.

He acknowledged that his journey wasnt an easy one.

“Our journey hasn’t been easy, but with the help of dedicated parents, teachers and community members, we have built more than a centre. We have built hope,” he added.

Other speakers, including Retired Colonel Kaneta, Village Head Mabhurukwa, and Headman Dzingire, all expressed their strong desire to see the permanent classroom block for the Ndadzingwa Community ECD Centre completed as soon as possible. To date, the students have been learning in a temporary shelter.

This ceremony was particularly significant as it was the very first graduation to be held on the centre’s own grounds. All previous ceremonies had taken place at its mother school, Dzingire Primary School.

The centre has been hailed as a major relief for the community. Before its establishment, children under the age of six had to foot long distances, walking nearly seven kilometres daily to access early education at Dzingire Primary School.