Staff Reporter
A poultry project initiated by Gutu South legislator, Pupurai Togarepi, is transforming the lives of students in the constituency by reducing schools' dependence on fees for daily expenses. The project has seen 56 schools receiving broiler chicks and feed, with each school getting 50 chicks and necessary inputs.
Honourable Togarepi said the initiative is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment.
“The projects we fund are aligned with the Government’s vision of achieving an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, as envisioned by President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, to foster economic growth, improve livelihoods, and enhance food security,” Togarepi said.
The project, which also includes piggery, horticulture, and goat rearing, is expected to equip students with practical skills in agriculture and entrepreneurship. The initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model, which emphasizes innovation and self-sufficiency.
Veronica Tazvinga, a Form 3 student at Chiwara High School, said the poultry project will help learners gain knowledge in poultry production and entrepreneurship.
“Through these projects, we are gaining a lot of knowledge in poultry production so that in the future, we will be able to do projects for the upliftment of livelihoods and transformation of our communities,” Tazvinga said.
Tafadzwa Chibwe, a student from Mutema Primary School, expressed gratitude, noting that proceeds from the poultry project will help schools fund maintenance and emergencies.
“Proceeds from the project will be used to fund repairs and other emergencies, thereby cushioning the school from over-relying on fees for the day-to-day running of the school,” Chibwe said.
The poultry initiative is also in line with the Inclusive Poultry Value Chain (IPVC) project, which aims to develop an efficient poultry value chain that contributes to inclusive green economic growth in Zimbabwe.
Authorities expect the project to have a lasting impact, providing students with essential business and agricultural skills while ensuring schools have alternative sources of income to support operations.
