By Desmond Chikamhi
BUHERA — A new private boarding institution in Buhera South is providing expanded access to quality secondary education for rural learners, particularly girls, in an area where students have historically faced long distances to reach school.
Reimage Boarding School, located in Chabata Mawungirwa Village in Ward 29, was founded by Education Advocate Tsitsi Chipadza and offers boarding education from Form One to Form Six.
The school was established to address educational challenges commonly faced by learners in remote parts of Buhera, including limited access to nearby secondary schools and inadequate learning facilities.
Chipadza, who grew up in the same area, said the idea to establish the institution was shaped by her own experiences as a rural learner.
“I grew up walking long distances to school, and I understand the challenges many children in rural communities face when trying to access quality education,” she said.
“This school was created to ensure learners from this area have an opportunity to study in a safe and supportive environment.”
Since opening its doors, the school has attracted students from Buhera and surrounding districts, offering a curriculum that combines academics with sports and personal development programmes.
School authorities say the institution has invested in modern classrooms, science laboratories and boarding facilities aimed at creating a conducive learning environment for both boys and girls.
Beyond academics, the school also promotes sporting activities such as netball, volleyball, soccer, hockey and basketball, which administrators say are designed to develop teamwork, discipline and leadership skills among students.
Chipadza said the school also prioritises guidance and life-skills education to help learners avoid social challenges such as drug and substance abuse.
“We want our learners to grow academically but also develop the character and life skills necessary to succeed in society,” she said.
Education stakeholders have increasingly emphasised the importance of expanding quality education in rural areas as part of efforts to support Zimbabwe’s national development goals and improve opportunities for young people.
By establishing a boarding facility in Buhera South, Reimage Boarding School aims to reduce barriers to education while contributing to broader national objectives of improving access to learning and promoting gender equality.
Local community members say the school is already making a positive impact by creating opportunities for children who previously had limited access to quality secondary education.
As enrolment continues to grow, the institution hopes to strengthen its role in producing skilled and disciplined graduates capable of contributing to the country’s social and economic development.