A major milestone in inclusive education was achieved in Chitungwiza earlier this month with the official opening of Takunda Deaf Trust School in Nyatsime, Ward 12.
The school, which caters for children who are hard of hearing, was officially opened on April 9, marking the culmination of nearly a decade of dedication by its founder, Ronika Tandi — a Zimbabwean sculptor and educator.
Founded in 2015, Takunda Deaf Trust School began as a modest initiative operating from Tandi’s garage in Manyame Park. The name “Takunda,” derived from Shona, means “We have achieved it,” reflecting the perseverance behind the project.
Tandi, a former voluntary teacher at Emerald Hill School for the Deaf in Harare, was inspired to establish the institution after the birth of her daughter, whom she also named Takunda. Today, the school enrols 65 learners and stands as a testament to her vision of inclusive education.
The official opening ceremony drew representatives from local government and the Ministry of Education, including Zengeza district manager Tendai Chinganga, Councillor Nyarai Chisango, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) representative Agga Nyabinde, Mai Seke, wife to Chief Seke, officials from Zim Relief, and Harare junior mayor Othniel Gotora. Parents and guardians also attended the event.
One of the most moving highlights of the ceremony was the performance of the national anthem in sign language by the students, symbolising the school’s commitment to inclusivity.
The celebrations also featured drama, poetry, tug-of-war, and musical performances by learners from Seke High 1.
Despite support from Chitungwiza Municipality and Chief Seke, who provided land for the school, Tandi has appealed for additional space to allow for expansion — a request acknowledged by local leadership.
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The demand for such facilities remains high, as many children with hearing impairments face barriers to accessing mainstream education.
The school is expected to play a critical role in bridging this gap and enabling learners to reach their full potential.
A key partner in the school’s development has been the Diplomatic Spouses Association (DSA), led by its president, Mirjana Grujic.
The association equipped four classrooms with essential furniture, including desks, chairs, writing boards, and lockers.
“Today is more than just opening a school building,” said Grujic.
“It is about opening doors to opportunity, creativity, inclusion, and empowerment.
“Every child has great potential that must be nurtured, regardless of their circumstances.”
The DSA also mobilised additional support, including a donation of play mats by Gerry Lockflor of Roberts Construction, as well as a basketball delivered on the day of the opening.
In December last year, the association participated in the school’s graduation and prize-giving ceremony, where learners from Grades 1 to 6 received diplomas, medals, and awards for academic and extracurricular excellence.
Construction of the school was made possible through support from donors in Germany, including Zim Relief, a grassroots organisation committed to community development.
Chinganga described the opening as timely, noting its alignment with government efforts to improve access to social services.
“This comes at a time when both central and local governments are prioritising improved access to education,” he said. “As a local authority, we had set a target to establish at least one primary school this year, and this initiative dovetails perfectly with that goal.”
Ward 12, the largest in Chitungwiza, previously had no facility catering specifically for children with special needs. The establishment of Takunda Deaf Trust School, therefore, marks a significant step forward.
Zimbabwe has only a handful of specialised institutions for the deaf, including Emerald Hill School for the Deaf in Harare, King George VI School in Bulawayo, and Henry Murray School for the Deaf in Masvingo. The addition of Takunda Deaf Trust School strengthens the country’s efforts to provide inclusive education for all.
