Victor Maphosa-Mashonaland East Bureau
THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Community Assistance Week was officially launched yesterday, with the armed forces encouraged to continue contributing towards national development.
Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri presided over the launch at Nhowe Mission High School in Murehwa where a girls’ hostel was commissioned.
The construction of the hostel was funded by Beit Trust, while the ZDF provided skilled personnel to ensure the project’s success.
Said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri: “I am delighted to see that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Community Assistance Programme is growing stronger with each passing year.
“Initially, the programme concentrated on short-term projects, such as cleaning public spaces and repairing and refurbishing public buildings, including hospitals and schools, prior to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day commemorations.
“The scale and scope of these projects have evolved significantly over time, due to growing demand for public facilities, much in tandem with population growth and the emergence of new settlements.”
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said most of the ZDF’s initiatives focus on extensive construction and rehabilitation of public facilities.
“Allow me at this juncture to extend my appreciation to the Nhowe Mission School Development Committee, parents, the headmaster, teachers, the community in general, and all those who contributed to the success of the girls dormitory project,” she said.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri expressed gratitude to the Church of Christ for its ongoing efforts to complement Government initiatives aimed at broadening access to education.
“Let us remain united and focused in our efforts to develop school infrastructure for the benefit of current and future students,” she added.
The Minister also conveyed profound gratitude to the ZDF for its contributions, urging them to continue being the people’s force they have always been and to engage fully in the national development agenda.
“It is now my honour and privilege to declare the 2025 Zimbabwe Defence Forces Community Assistance Week officially launched,” she said, before formally opening and handing over the girls dormitory block to the school authorities.
She highlighted that it has become a tradition for the Ministry of Defence to hand over community development projects in partnership with various stakeholders and communities each year prior to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day commemorations.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East, Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, thanked both the ZDF and Beit Trust for their roles in the project’s success.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces led by Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri for their remarkable contribution to education development through the construction of this state-of-the-art hostel,” he said.
Advocate Ndudzo said that the new infrastructure would enhance the learning experience for students, providing a safe and conducive environment for academic success. He also expressed appreciation for Beit Trust’s generous funding, which will empower female students to pursue their academic aspirations.
He encouraged learners at Nhowe Mission High School to work diligently in their studies to contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s development.
Nhowe Mission Superintendent Mr Brian Kagonzo also weighed in saying: “I want to thank the ZDF for the project.
“I also want to extend my thanks to the Beit Foundation for funding this project and the community for their assistance.”
The post ZDF urged to continue national development appeared first on herald.
The post ZDF urged to continue national development appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.