What have people been saying about Friends of Pakati?

I have been looking back recently on comments I have read about Friends of Pakati, the project itself, the blog, the fundraising activities, the stories, the people involved, achievememts so far and our priorities in the coming months/years.

Below are some of the messages I have had in the last few months about Friends of Pakati…it seems we are making a good impression!

Mrs Maenzanise had this to say recently: …”thanks so much l enjoyed every section of the blog. Quite interesting dear.👏🏻👏🏻” Also, regarding our recent joint venture with VaTonatsa Foundation (see https://friendsofpakati.com/2020/07/11/joint-venture-back-story-and-responses/ ) she said: “Hello friend Chris. Thanks so much for bringing our area to greatest height. Our learners have been introduced to a new thing in their lives. Revising while at home with the help of relatives and friends during the covid period. We really appreciate your love and help for them to excel in their school work. The material will go a long way…… Thanks to all others behind the scenes. Be blessed.”

Mr Chifaka also told me this after the success of the joint venture: “…On behalf of Pakati Secondary school, l thank Friends of Pakati and Vatonatsa Foundation for their work in favour of ward 14 learners. The examinations books they prepared for us will be of great use to the learners and will prepare them for their final examinations….. May God bless Friends of Pakati and Vatonatsa Foundation by giving them more strength to continue their invaluable work.”

Vari Mayez commented on Friends of Pakati: “..All I can say is that my heart is overjoyed. It’s great to see a project that involves such huge numbers come alive. At VaTonatsa we have worked with children, but this time we made a huge impact thanks to the partnership and collaboration with Friends of Pakati.”

Pauline Machengo, Author of ‘Outside Zim Borders’ (see https://friendsofpakati.com/outside-zim-borders-every-chapter-in-one-place/ ) said this after reading https://friendsofpakati.com/2020/06/24/friends-of-pakati-6-month-review/ : “…So I visited the blog -what a review! Keep on doing the great job! Nice one, people are enjoying it and we really do appreciate your effort.”

Roj Rahman of Mortz Property Services in Scunthorpe, a key donor to Friends of Pakati: “… Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be involved and make a contribution to a very worthy cause. Knowledge is power, and the best way to help the next generation move forward to achieve peace, prosperity and progress is through education. I wish you and Friends of Pakati and VaTonatsa Foundation to continue the excellent work and wish you all the best of health and continued success.”

Pakati Primary school Head, Mr Mahachi told me this earlier: “..The blog is providing me with a good learning experience, its informative and inspiring. I’m learning a lot through stories being shared. I’m appreciating life through other people’s life testimonies.”

Maggie of Nakai, who is based in Canada and is one of our sponsors (see picture below), said to me earlier today: “It’s not very often that you see people continue to have the heart to a place that they left over 25yrs ago. The work that Chris and his team is doing is just heart warming.The students of Pakati are so hard working and with the little that they have, they seize every opportunity. The success stories are beautiful.

One thing I’ve learnt in life is that dreams have no measure. A child in Canada and a Child in Murehwa all share the same dreams in life. Circumstances and environment may differ but by helping out donating to the students of Pakati will make each child one step closer to making their dream a reality.”

Below are some of the comments I have seen from contacts on various social media platforms:

John Needham of Iron Trust, a Scunthorpe United supporters group, sent me this message recently: “I’ve really enjoyed reading about events past and present at the Pakati school from your work for VSO many years ago to the inspiring stories from the present. At this time where IT equipment is even more crucial for pupils to have access to learning I’d urge Iron fans to support this project if possible.”

Resident of Ward 14, Murewa, in the Chanetsa area, is Oswell Israel Nadzo: “I am enjoying the blog. Foward ever backward never Mr Walker! I do appreciate your work and your love of Murewa people.”

Journalist and Author, Max Bell: “…Your blog’s content is always very good!”

Recent former teacher at Pakati Secondary school, Mr Mutyavaviri, has been keeping up with the blog: “… I usually read the items when I have enough data, the link between Friends of Pakati and VaTonatsa is commendable.”

Gary Lundie, fellow fan of The Iron (Scunthorpe Untied) said: “…Lots of great work going on here 👍”

A former Pakati student now living in South Africa, Tau Madziva, told me that “…Mr Walker the people of Pakati salute you”

And finally, from two key friends of Pakati and of the Author, the following joint message was sent this morning:

“Did you ever think that, just from your decision from a mere visit to the school in 2018 you would touch the lives if so many people? Keep it up Mr Walker!! Keep up the spirit too to our donors, some who are known (& mentioned above) and most of those behind the scene. More wisdom and more ideas..we will together reach our dreams. Great teamwork shown from supporters, story tellers , funders. Thank you so much for putting us together..One world means One people 👍🏻 Great stuff!