Kadoma inducts SDCs to strengthen governance in council schools

By Admire Chitsungo

KWEKWE -The City of Kadoma has intensified efforts to improve governance and accountability in council schools through a School Development Committees (SDCs) induction workshop held at King Solomon Hotel.

The workshop brought together newly constituted 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 welcome remarks, Kadoma Town Clerk Malvern Dondo described education as the foundation of a progressive community, saying the workshop marked an important step towards strengthening council schools.

Dondo applauded SDC members for accepting what he called one of the most important voluntary responsibilities within local governance structures.

“You are the custodians of our schools’ infrastructure, the overseers of resources, and the bridge between the community and the classroom,” he said.

He said the induction programme was designed to equip SDCs with practical knowledge on governance, financial accountability and community engagement.

Among the key objectives of the one-and-a-half-day workshop were clarifying the separation of powers between SDCs, school heads and council authorities, improving financial stewardship and enhancing transparent resource mobilisation strategies.

Dondo urged participants to actively engage during the workshop and embrace their oversight responsibilities with integrity.

“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 programme, Kadoma Mayor Nigel Ruzario said the quality of education could not be left to teachers alone, stressing that communities must play an active role in addressing challenges facing schools.

He highlighted deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate sanitation and increasing cases of drug and substance abuse among learners as some of the pressing concerns confronting schools.

“These are not just school problems; they are community problems, and they demand community solutions,” said Ruzario.

The Mayor challenged school heads to embrace transparency and work closely with SDCs as equal partners in school development.

“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 interest at heart,” he said.

Ruzario also called for transparent levy collection systems, stronger parental engagement and collaboration with law enforcement agencies to combat drug and Substance abuse in schools.

“Every child deserves a safe roof and a clean toilet,” he said, while urging schools to prioritise infrastructure development and improved pass rates.

Director of Housing and Community Services Aaron Masembura, whose department oversees council schools, said the induction workshop was critical in ensuring SDC members understood their governance responsibilities from the onset of their term.

Masembura said empowered SDCs were key to creating functional learning environments and improving service delivery in schools.

He said council remained committed to supporting schools through policy guidance, infrastructure development and strengthened accountability systems.

“We want SDCs that understand governance, transparency and teamwork because effective schools are built on cooperation between parents, school authorities and council,” he said.

Chemukute High School SDC chairperson Ayami Siyana welcomed the workshop, saying it had provided practical guidance for committee members.

Siyana said the training help SDCs discharge their duties professionally and improve communication between parents and school authorities.

“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 focused on governance principles, financial management, conflict resolution and project planning, with facilitators encouraging participants to develop immediate action plans ahead of the opening of schools next week.