By Marlvin Ngiza

Learners at Mukodza Secondary School are set to benefit from the recently launched beekeeping project at the institution. Andrew Nhigo, the custodian of the project, hinted that the initiative will go a long way in equipping learners with skills as entailed by the new curriculum.

Nhigo added that they expect to use the proceeds from honey-selling to enhance their library and to pay for children’s school fees.

“Since the new curriculum encourages a hands-on approach, we have decided to launch the beekeeping project in order to equip our learners with skills that will help them start their small projects.

“It is my wish that if the projects boost up, proceeds from the sale can be used for internal purposes such as buying textbooks and paying school fees for the children,” said Nhigo.

Nhigo further said that they aim to hit the sixty beehive mark any time soon.

“We heard that it is a lucrative project. We have already found the market at Chapanduka. We kicked off with 10 hives and we are working hard to reach a 60 mark in the near future,” said Nhigo.

In terms of security, he highlighted that learners are safe.

“Learners are safe in this project as we will continue to monitor them as well as give them awareness on the dangers of playing around with bees. We have plenty of space to establish our project. We have some small mountains close by so we are going to take advantage of that to hang our hives,” he said

Meanwhile, Nhigo expressed concern over the lack of material to expedite the project.

“We have plenty of knowledge about this project but we are resourceless. We do not have adequate timber, cutting tools, and nails to construct the hives at a faster pace,” said Nhigo

The project was launched on 4 December with David Mukomana an apicultural expert in Africa being the guest of honour.