” I think at the moment internet connection is a noble idea, as time moves on if accessible more PCs are required.
I wish to see Pakati schools as the hub of IT studies in Murewa and/or the province as a whole.” Nickson Munemo Dzimauta
“….in response to your questions on what to be done next here is my view. 28 years ago I was a student at Pakati, if you remember my story I posted sometime in April, I stated that life for us as students was so difficult as we used to share 4 or 5 textbooks in the whole class. This was not good at all. And following up on your recent posts of 2019 I find out there’s still no change of availability of stationery at the school..if I may take it more practical, it means I suffered textbook scarcity, thus my child at Pakati also suffers the same and so does my grandchild…it’s high time things get to change.. thanks to the computer donation, I suggest and recommend that there must be a printer at the school so that more stationery can be availed. During tests students must have a feel of the real Zimsec exams where each individual has their own question papers. It’s high time we see changes coming up through the already donated computers and make use of them effectively and benefit all.” (Lorraine Mapuranga)
Adding the above comments to those in the previous post, it seems clear to me there are a number of issues which are uppermost in the minds of people concerned about Pakati schools. Reading all the comments, I have come to the conclusion that friendsofpakati needs to have a list of priorities. I doubt we can cover everything suggested, but below is what I feel the most important issues are:
Internet.
Printer and paper.
Security.
More computers.
Text books.
Desks/seating.
Here are my thoughts on each item…
Internet: The first few computers delivered in September will come into their own once the internet is available. It offers students and teachers access to so much more information, advice, and educational material.
Printer and paper: With a lack of available text books, then once internet is set up then a printer for each school will be useful, so they can print out copies of relevant material, e.g. things like past exam papers.
Security: Both schools will need additional, improved security for the rooms in which the computers will be used. Better burglar bars on the windows and additional door security is needed.
More computers: In order to offer formal IT lessons, each school needs at least 10 computers. Currently they both have 5, so extra ones are needed. This will raise another question though – electricity supply. At present the supply is irregular, and both rely on solar power during the day.
Text books: It is sad to see that even now 30 years on from my time as a teacher at Pakati Secondary school, there are too few text books for the number of students.
Desks/seating: As with books, not enough desks and/or seats for the students. On top of that, there is now a requirement for seats with back support for the students.
I would like to add something else into the mix too….the overall classroom environment inside could use a spruce up, as could the admin block at the Secondary. Ceilings, a lick of paint, doors and windows? The schools budgets are stretched, so I appreciate that would not be their highest priorities.
So…..having laid out the priorities, in order, the next question is about raising funds. What can I do this coming year? suggestions please…ideas for events welcome, large or small. Usual contacts please – on facebook, twitter, comments on here and/or email. See our contacts page for full details.
