A haunting image: A four-year-old coffin sits abandoned in a Grade 3 classroom.
By Staff Reporter
Bulawayo – A bizarre and unsettling incident has come to light at Lukanyiso Primary School in Mpopoma, where young grade 3 pupils have been forced to learn alongside a coffin in their classroom for the past four years.
The coffin, a stark and morbid reminder of death, was reportedly constructed by school staff three years ago as part of a project that has since been abandoned.
Despite its disturbing presence, the coffin has remained untouched in the classroom, creating a chilling and psychologically damaging environment for the children.
Local councillor, Donaldson Mabuto, was alerted to the situation by concerned residents who were outraged by the school’s neglect.
Upon visiting the school, Mabuto was appalled by the sight of the coffin, which he described as a “bad omen” that could have serious psychological implications for the young learners.
“This is totally against our moral credentials and for learners to be exposed to the mere sight of a coffin in a classroom when they are learning at a very young age is not proper according to our culture and according to the upbringing of our children in schools.
“This also attracts a bad omen even to the school. As the local councillor, I am not happy at all, whoever initiated this project four years back has to be brought to book.
“I was only alerted today by some of the school authorities. I went there to see it personally and I have instructed them to urgently call a parents meeting to deliberate on this,” said Mabuto.
Parents and community members have expressed their anger and disbelief over the situation, questioning why the school has allowed the coffin to remain in the classroom and why no action has been taken to address the issue.
“It’s like something out of a horror movie,” one parent said.
“How can anyone think that this is an appropriate learning environment for young children,” added the aggrieved parent.
“It’s not just inappropriate, it’s disturbing for the children to see that every day.
“They should be learning in a safe and conducive environment,” added another concerned parent.
According to sources the coffin pilot project was first done four years back under the then, school development committee chairperson, Phethangani Nyoni, who is now the SDC treasurer.
Nyoni has, however, denied any role in the initiative, claiming that he was merely a parent at the school and had no involvement in the coffin project.
“I am just a parent at the school and I don’t even know why you are talking to me.
“Yes I am a woodwork teacher by profession but still that was a school project.
Besides I feel it is wrong that this story should come out in the newspaper, what development does it bring to the school, please do not tarnish my name,” said Mr Nyoni.
However, his claims have been met with skepticism, as he is a woodwork teacher by profession and his denial has been seen as an attempt to distance himself from the controversial project.
Mabuto has vowed to investigate the matter further and to ensure that the school is held accountable for its actions.
The incident has raised serious questions about the quality of education and the safety of children at Lukanyiso Primary School.
