Pakati: Review of the Year – 5th and final part

Posted on by Friends Of Pakati

This is the last part of my review of the year! Meet some of the friends of Pakati I met this year, and a friend of Pakati who worked there just after I did. I had intended to discuss what happens with this project for next year – some questions, comments and a request for ideas and feedback – but that is now going to be a separate, individual article.

I will start with my hosts in Zimbabwe during late September/early October this year…they were both amazing and generous hosts, whose welcome was better than I could have received by any 5* hotel.

Donna, who hosted me in Harare
My hosts so close to Pakati Secondary school, Bothwell and his famiky

Next, I feel I should try and cover those I met who I knew from my time at Pakati between 1989 and 1991….very moving for me, particularly the first person shown here. Thomas was the person who took me around the area in his van occasionally, and became a close friend. I celebrated at least one birthday with him and his friends and family.

My good friend Thomas who I hadn’t seen for nearly 30 years….he owned the Hamamaoko store at Chigwada which I used throughout my time at Pakati
Mr Masawi, who sold fresh produce to teachers at the schools, usually eggs, chickens and vegetables.
On the left, former students Lorraine & Chido, in 1991. These two were in my Form 2 class in 1990, but this picture was takin in 1991 when I was Acting Head at Pakati
Lorraine in 2019. She now lives and works in South Arica.
I met her and her family and friends in October

Next, here are some of the people I met during my visit to Zimbabwe this year

The author with MP Hon. Jonah Sewera, Dr Gurajane CEO of Murewa RDC and Alderman Israel Maliki, councillor for Ward 14 in Murewa district
Holly from Vatonatsa Foundation
Vari from Vatonatsa Foundation
Some of the Njenje family who live by the school signboard
Lorraine, former student, with family and friends
Author with 2 teachers from Pakati Secondary, Mrs Munatswa and Mrs Pindura
Mr Mahachi, Head of Pakati Primary
Left is Mr Chifaka, Pakati Secondary school Head, Right is Mr Magabaza, Teacher at the Secondary.
Students of Pakati showing off the football tops donated by Scunthorpe United
Felix and Gogo, in Marondera
Mr Jambwa, formerly of Zhakarta Primary school, and friend of mine. I was a visitor at his homestead more than once, made very welcome each time

Some other friends of Pakati from earlier in the year

Alice and Daniel at our first stop on the Walk, at Dave, Sharon and Liz’s home
Karen and Alice in Scunthorpe United restaurant after completing the Walk
Sharon, Liz and Dave, our hosts in Ackworth during the Walk
Matt, Brad and Matt from Iron Bru – great publicity for friendsofpakati.com
from my fellow Iron fans who run a terrific podcast
Several Walkers together…not often this happens

Here we meet the elusive Debbie Chadbon, another former teacher at Pakati. She has proven difficult to track down, but persistence paid off. She got in contact just a few weeks ago, and has sent some photos snd stories, the outline of which appeared on a recent blog post.

Debbie with several of her Form 4 students in 1992. She taught Maths and Science at Pakati
Secondary school between 1991 and 1993
Debbie with her family, 2019

This brings an end to the review of 2019 for Friends of Pakati. A momentous year, with so nany amazing memories for me. I am genuinely touched by the response of people both in Zimbabwe and in the UK to this project, as well as those across the world who have kept in touch and encouraged/supported all we have done. I can tell you, Pakati people are delighted with progress so far…..my next post will look more closely at what Friends of Pakati might do next year, as we look to you, the real friends of Pakati, for ideas, thoughts, suggestions on fundraising as well as what help is needed, and where the priorites lie.

Author:

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.

6 thoughts on “Pakati: Review of the Year – 5th and final part”

    1. Thank you Richard! It is a labour of love for me as you can tell… much like supporting the mighty Iron😁 I appreciate your kind words… please keep spreading friendsofpakati far & wide via likes & shares👍🏽👍🏽

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