The grant will finance two classroom blocks, an ablution block and a teachers’ cottage at Tanaka Primary School.
By Dickson Bandera
Japan has committed approximately US$98,244 towards the construction of school infrastructure at Tanaka Primary School in Mbire District, Mashonaland Central Province, to improve access to education and provide a conducive learning environment for children.
The project will be implemented by World Vision International Zimbabwe under the Government of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme.
The funding agreement was signed on Monday, 26 October 2026, by Japan’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Nobutaka Maekawa, and a representative of the implementing organisation.
The project will finance the construction of two classroom blocks, an ablution block and a teachers’ cottage, addressing shortages that have affected both pupils and teachers at the school.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Maekawa said the project had been selected from more than 30 applications following a screening process.
“We are confident that the selected organisation has the sufficient capacity to implement this project effectively and responsibly, delivering meaningful and lasting benefits to the community,” he said.
Established by World Vision International Zimbabwe in 2022, Tanaka Primary School is the second public school in Ward 10 of Mbire District and was set up to improve access to education in the area.
However, the shortage of classrooms has prevented the school from enrolling Grade 6 and Grade 7 pupils, who have to travel more than seven kilometres from their homes to attend another school.
The shortage has also resulted in overcrowding in Early Childhood Development (ECD) A and B classes, as well as Grades 1, 2 and 4. Some pupils are occasionally forced to learn outdoors, where conditions make it difficult to concentrate on their studies.
Teacher accommodation is another challenge facing the school, which has only one teachers’ house with capacity for six occupants despite having a staff complement of 10.
Consequently, four teachers have to live and sleep in a staff room measuring approximately 10 square metres, a situation that could affect staff retention and the continuity of learning.
The construction of additional infrastructure is expected to enable the school to enrol Grade 6 and Grade 7 pupils, ease overcrowding, improve sanitation facilities and provide better accommodation for teachers.
Ambassador Maekawa said the project reflected the importance of grassroots development initiatives that respond directly to the needs of local communities.
Japan’s GGP programme adopts a bottom-up approach, supporting projects proposed and implemented by organisations with an understanding of local needs and the capacity to work with communities.
“This ownership is an important factor in the successful implementation and sustainability of projects,” he said.
He urged World Vision International Zimbabwe and other stakeholders to ensure that the grant was used responsibly, with transparency and accountability, emphasising that the signing ceremony marked the beginning of the implementation process.
“Japan remains committed to supporting grassroots initiatives that improve people’s lives and contribute to the development of Zimbabwe,” Ambassador Maekawa said.
Launched in Zimbabwe in 1989, the GGP programme has supported 167 projects across the country, with cumulative funding exceeding US$16 million.
The programme provides assistance for basic human needs, including education, healthcare, food and nutrition security, water, sanitation and hygiene, with the objective of improving living conditions at community level.
The Tanaka Primary School project is expected to contribute to improved educational access and more supportive teaching and learning conditions for children and teachers in Mbire District.