My name is Locardia Mandishayika. I was born in 1979 at St Pauls Hospital, Musami.
I was at Pakati Primary from 1987 to 1993 and Pakati Secondary from 1994 to 1997. My favourite subjects were Science, Commerce and Shona.
At primary I still remember Mr Zimbudzana teaching me in grade 1, also Mr Marambakuyana, Mr Kupara, and Headmaster Mr Rugoyi. At secondary school I still remember our Commerce teacher, the late Mr Sagonda, the late Science teacher Mr Goronga and Mrs Chingoriwo, Agriculture teacher. During those years our headmaster was Mr Senzere.
I remember doing my school work and reading with my friends Christine Bayo and Happymore Makuwaza during lunch. I still keep in touch with my classmates including the two I mentioned. I wrote 5 subjects instead of 8 in O level as no one could pay the extra 3 after welfare paid for only 5.
My father died in 1993. I am the 3rd born, I have 1 sister and 5 brothers. Every morning at 3am we watered the garden, then we went to school. We came back at 5pm and watered the garden until 9 pm We farmed vegetables, tomatoes, onions, and sweet potatoes while our mother cooked. We did the dishes at 10pm, so that when I tried to study I was too tired.
I would read during break at school. We were 30 in a class with 3 people on each desk. I am currently working in South Africa (as an Au Pair in Sandton, Gauteng Province), and I take leave from work at the end of May to 30 June to sell the produce and during my leave I still help at the farm near Pakati.
