My thanks….part 1

The author’s long-awaited trip to Zimbabwe is now over….I will do a separate post regarding several people I met during my return to Pakati. However, special mention must be given to the family who live closest to the school – Bothwell Riside (see previous posts on here) and his family.

Faresi, Bothwell, and his mother
Mrs Beauty Mafema

I stayed for several days and nights in their rural home, and let me say this: no 5-star hotel can compare with the welcome and care I receieved there. Special thanks to Bothwell’s mother and his cousin’s wife – Mrs Beauty Mafema (mbuya Svova ) and Faresi – see pictures for an insight into life in Rural Zimbabwe…

Main part of the homestead – Living room and bedrooms

My favourite part of the day – as the sun goes down in the Pakati area

My thanks also go to Bothwell in particular, who was a terrific host, driver, translator, storyteller, confidant and friend throughout my stay.

Bothwell in full flow translating my speech at the hand-over ceremony at Pakati

Author: Friends Of Pakati

My name is Chris Walker, and between January 1989 and September 1991 I worked, through VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas), at Pakati Secondary School in Murehwa South district in Zimbabwe. I was a Maths teacher for 2 years, the Acting Head for the last 8 months there. I have also taught in Botswana & the UK, had 4 years working for VSO, and have been a Civil Servant in Bradford since 2005. View All Posts