SOS Schools in Zimbabwe

Around 40 per cent of Zimbabwe’s children go on to attend secondary school.

In Zimbabwe, there are currently three SOS Nurseries, four SOS Primary Schools and one Secondary School. These facilities provide education to children from SOS Villages and from the wider community. Staff members are well trained and the resources available to students are of a high standard.  Below you can find an overview on the SOS Children education projects.

Providing education to Zimbabwe's Children

If you'd like to help children in Zimbabwe get access to education through SOS Children, see how you can help Zimbabwe's children.

Kudzanai's Story

Kudzanai is 13 years old and enjoys school. Kudzanai says he particularly enjoys English lessons, because it is one of the national languages and important to learn. 10-year old Daddin, on the other hand, likes his lessons in Shona, because “it’s my language”.

Bindura : SOS Schools

The SOS Nursery at Bindura has around 60 children, nearly half of whom come from the SOS village and the remainder from the local community.

• As well as offering spaces for nursery level children, two days per week a toddler session is run.
• The nursery organizes regular outings for the children to the game sanctuaries at Mwanga Lodge and to the Lion and Cheetah park.

The SOS Primary School at Bindura has over 900 students, with around 80 coming from the SOS village and the remainder from the local community.

• The school offers all core curriculum subjects at primary level and in addition, technical and vocational subjects such as computing and home economics. Extra-curricular projects such as poultry and rabbit keeping and gardening are also available.
• Sports such as cricket and basketball are popular at the school. Recently the basketball team were the trophy holders at Provincial level and five cricketers were selected for Pre-National trials in Harare.

The SOS Primary School at Maizelands has over 1000 children, with almost a third coming through the Family Strengthening Programme.

• Core subjects taught at the school are English, Mathematics, Environmental Science, Social Studies, Religious and Moral Education, Home Economics, Physical Education, Shona, Art, Music, Computer Science and HIV/AIDS Education (the last two of which are offered from grade 4-7)
• Extra-curricular activities include athletics, netball, soccer, volleyball, traditional dance, music, percussion and clubs such as drama, debating, AIDS action and Scripture union. The school has also set up a bee-keeping project which is proving successful.

The SOS Secondary School at Bindura has around 850 students in their 1st to 6th year of secondary.

• The school offers the standard range of curriculum subjects and teachers are now using computer aided programs for lessons. For many subjects, pupils are taken on field trips in most subjects to help them consolidate their learning.
• The school continues to excel in culture, performing arts and sport, recently taking First Prize in the National Under 20 Girls Soccer. Pupils  belong to a number of clubs and out-of-school projects.
  

Bulawayo : SOS Schools

The SOS Nursery at Bulawayo has around 150 children, with approximately 20 coming from the SOS village and the rest from the local community.

• The nursery offers a wide range of play and learning activities for children in Grades 1 to 3, as well as running a toddler programme twice a week to accustom the small children to the surroundings.
• Various excursions are organised for the children and they are also encouraged to take part in community activities during the holidays. Recently the children visited an old people’s home, where they did some work in the garden and sang and danced for the home’s residents.

The SOS Primary School at Bulawayo has around 780 pupils, with a staff of over 50.

• Academic achievement is high and recently grade seven children attained a pass rate of 92 per cent in all subjects.
• The school offers a wide range of sports, including swimming, rugby, hockey, soccer, cricket and netball. Recently our girls’ hockey team scooped all the trophies and shields in Bulawayo and Gweru tournaments and won a trophy in the world cup campaign. There are also a number of clubs, such as orchestra, art and craft and for pupils in grades 4-7, there is a Junior Air Friends Club for those interested in aviation.

Waterfalls : SOS Schools

The SOS Nursery at Waterfalls has around 150 children, approximately 20 of whom come from the SOS village and the rest from the local community.

• The nursery has won awards for being the best pre-school in the district and province and the trophies are a source of pride for both staff and children. As well as the full range of curriculum subjects, the nursery specialises in offering traditional dance and gymnastics activities.
• A variety of special days are organised, such as sports day and group play day, where the children compete against each other in games. And recently, a theatre project has got off the ground, so the children will be able to perform their Nativity Play and Graduation ceremony in the proper setting.

The SOS Primary School at Waterfalls has around 700 children, with approximately 150 coming from the SOS Village and scholarship programme, and the remainder from the local community.

• The school curriculum places equal emphasis on academic and non-academic development. The children are encouraged to take part in a number of extra-curricular activities such as public-speaking, drama, music, leadership and sports.
• Special emphasis has recently been given to the topics of Child Protection and Child Abuse, where workshops were held to help staff read body language and develop advocacy skills. A cholera awareness campaign was also held, highlighting hygiene methods which prevent infection.