Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. THE name, PaLandors, in Chihota, Marondera West constituency, is associated with many things.
In the yesteryear, it was known as a popular stopover for long-distance buses, a hub of horticulture product traders and a leisure centre.
But a visit today denotes a drastic change, with the area rapidly growing into a modern settlement.
So outstanding is an elite school, Eden College, which has brought modernity and flair to this rural community.
Situated about 200m from the growth point, the learning institution’s infrastructure attracts the eye of first time visitors and passersby.
But it is the story of its existence that signifies sheer dedication and resilience from a couple, Charles (63) and Anna (60) Kunzwa.
“We were offered this 6,5-hectare piece of land by Chief Chihota and we thought of doing something like giving back to the community,” recalled Charles, a former envoy.
“As people who have travelled across the globe and witnessed how other countries are doing it, we thought of establishing a modern school, within a rural set-up, all for these rural kids, so that there is no difference in their learning with their urban counterparts.”
The project began just before the COVID-19 era in 2019.
They wereusing their own savings, and today, six years later, beautiful structures have been constructed, changing the face of rural Chihota.
“We registered the school as a boarding facility, but we are currently operating as a primary day school,” Charles said.
“Our first batch of boarders will be in January 2026.
As of last term, the college boasted about 200 learners with at least 21 employees.
“It is still work in progress. A lot has to be done,” he said.
“But we are happy that it is taking shape.
“We are preparing these children in a way that when they leave for urban areas, there will be no difference in learning and way of life for them.”
The school’s catchment area includes villages like Furamera, Mutero, Chigodora and Muhove.
Some of the learners travel from Mahusekwa Growth Point, that is located about 17km away while other learners cross from the neighbouring Manyama/Seke farms.
“We have more than 20 learners from Mahusekwa, and this shows our prowess in delivering education to the community,” Charles said.
“We have children from Seke coming to this school, it is refreshing.”
Chihota is located at the border of Marondera and Manyame districts, but falls under Marondera Rural District Council (MRDC).
MRDC council chairperson Jeremiah Gwanzura hailed the Kunzwas for bringing modernity to the area.
“We are fully behind development of this nature,” Gwanzura said.
“The learning centre has changed the look of Chihota and we call upon like-minded forces to come and join us in bringing modern infrastructure and social services to the people.”
Eden College has defied expectations, rising from the rural landscape to become a paragon of modern education.
With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow, the school is redefining the boundaries of rural education.
Eden College offers a unique blend of academic rigor, extracurricular activities, and community engagement, fostering well-rounded individuals equipped to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.
From cutting-edge laboratories, computer laboratory to sprawling sports facilities, the college’s infrastructure is designed to inspire creativity and physical well-being of learners.
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