By Admire Chitsungo
The City of Kadoma has held an induction workshop for newly constituted School Development Committees (SDCs) as part of efforts to strengthen governance and accountability in council-run schools.
The workshop, held recently in Kwekwe brought together SDC members, school heads, deputy heads, district schools inspectors and council officials under the theme: “Empowering School Development Committees for Effective Governance and Improved Learning Outcomes.”
In his opening remarks, Kadoma Town Clerk Malvern Dondo said education remained the foundation of community development and described the workshop as an important step towards improving governance in council schools.
“You are the custodians of our schools’ infrastructure, the overseers of resources and the bridge between the community and the classroom,” said Dondo, addressing SDC members.
He said the induction programme was aimed at equipping committee members with knowledge on governance, financial accountability and community engagement.
According to Dondo, the workshop also sought to clarify the roles of SDCs, school heads and council authorities, while promoting transparency and accountability in resource management.
“The era of passive oversight is over. This council has delegated significant authority to you because we trust the wisdom of the community,” he said.
Officially opening the workshop, Kadoma Mayor Nigel Ruzario said improving education standards required collective community involvement and could not be left to teachers alone.
Ruzario cited deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate sanitation facilities and increasing cases of drug and substance abuse among learners as some of the challenges facing schools.
“These are not just school problems; they are community problems and they demand community solutions,” he said.
The mayor urged school authorities and SDCs to work together in promoting transparency and accountability in school administration.
“To the SDC members, you are the bridge between the community and the classroom. Your duty is to guard public resources, mobilise for development and hold school leadership to account but always with respect and the child’s best interests at heart,” said Ruzario.
He also called for improved parental involvement, transparent levy collection systems and collaboration with law enforcement agencies in addressing drug and substance abuse in schools.
Director of Housing and Community Services Aaron Masembura said the workshop was important in helping SDC members understand their governance responsibilities at the beginning of their term.
“We want SDCs that understand governance, transparency and teamwork because effective schools are built on cooperation between parents, school authorities and council,” said Masembura.
Chemukute High School SDC chairperson Ayami Siyana welcomed the initiative, saying the workshop had provided practical guidance for committee members.
“As parents and community representatives, we now have a clearer understanding of our responsibilities and how we can contribute meaningfully towards improving learning conditions for our children,” said Siyana.
The workshop also covered governance principles, financial management, conflict resolution and project planning ahead of the opening of schools next week.
