Here is a collection of some earlier posts about my thoughts on the responses from people from the Pakati area, former students & staff among them.
1- It is heart-warming…..
…to me to start getting messages from the community in and around the Pakati area. I am getting a tremendous response from ex-Pakati students, some of whom are from the time I worked there. I will put togetherIt is heart-warming….. some of the things being said, and post them on here another day.
Pakati schools
One particular person who has contacted me has been the former Deputy Head when I first joined the staff at Pakati, My Martin Nyamauya. It was Martin who I met on my first day, and he helped me settle in quickly, showing me around the school and the area, introducing me to people I needed to know. I have always remembered the kindness he showed me then and on many other occasions.
A former student, though not of my time, who is still active in supporting the school has also been messaging me, giving support & encouragement; Doc Bothwell Riside. Been saying some good things about the project.
To those who knew me either as their Maths teacher, Headmaster, or even both, and also any former colleagues, please do keep messaging me, and please pass the links on to others who may know the school – all links can be found by clicking on the ‘Important Links’ at the head of tge Home page. A former student, though not of my time, who is still active in supporting the school has also been messaging me, giving support & encouragement; Doc Bothwell Riside. He has been saying some good things about the project.
It is truly heartwarming to read what has been said about the school, staff who have worked there over the years, and about myself. I really appreciate your kind words, and I feel as humbled now as I did when I was there 30 years ago. Thank you.
2 – I had no idea….
…that when I started this project I would find myself back in contact with some of my former students. Nor did I realise just how much impact I had on the school at the time. Here below are a few quotes and/or comments I have had in recent days.
“You taught me Mathematics in Form 2 & 3 in 1989 and 1990…you inspired me, sir, I am following in your footsteps. I finished a Diploma in Science Education at Bindura University, specialising in Mathematics. Once I get my results I will be a fully qualified Maths teacher. You played a very important part in my life”
“Rarely do you find someone still making efforts not only to connect but to be pro-development about an area. We are the outcomes and outputs of a legacy you left since educational development is not a one-off event.”
Others remeber a borehole & water suply project I set up, or a library using one of the classroom store rooms where we had a local handyman put some shelves up for us.
It is very rewarding to be remembered for the work done so long ago, it seems I left a legacy without realising it! I will include other comments too in the future. Thank you to those who have been so encouraging towards my endeavours thus far.
3 – I had no idea part 2…
….about any ‘legacy’ I may have left, but here are some more comments made to me recently about my project…I cannot really put into words how much it means to me that I have the support of the schools & community members, students & colleagues past and present.
“I am so happy for what you are doing, as was a learner at both Pakati Primary and Secondary” (Maceline Gandanhamo)
“It’s wonderful you are going to do great things for the school” (Sue Chadenga)
“You left indelible marks…my aim is to name an item like a (classroom) block in your name” “I am humbled by what you did and you are continuing to do. God bless you.” (Doc Bothwell Riside)
“Thanks very much for your effort” (Isdore Chatereza)
