Pakati Primary school updates (Blog Part 2)

Before I get onto the updates, I feel I must say something about this recent post – https://friendsofpakati.com/2022/03/17/in-memory-of-my-friend-thomas-gombera/ – as I have had a tremendous response from people. I am grateful to all who read the post and liked/shared or commented on it. It is the single most-read post on the blog for two years, currently standing at 148 views. Thomas was a much-loved character in the area, and it is hard to imagine not seeing him when I revisit Pakati later this year.

Pakati Primary School

My thanks go to Mr Mahachi, Head of the Primary school, for the following information and photos.

Here is the message he sent me earlier this week:

“Hi Chris, we have embarked on an ambitious but achievable project. We intend to have portable water at the school. We intend to pump water from the borehole in the vlei in the school area (we showed you the site). We have bought a solar pump (as our transformer needs replacement as it was hit by lightning during the rainy season), 5000litre tank, pipes, and accessories. The trench from the borehole site to the tank site is complete. The tank stand is being built using locally available bricks and materials to reduce costs. Parents with fees arrears are being used also to minimise costs. See attached pics. I will keep you updated on developments.” Below are the pictures he sent me:

In addition to this, Pakati Primary are one of thr beneficiaries of a local charitable organisation called Mavambo. Again, here is what Mr Mahachi sent me:

“Mavambo trust is a non-governmental organisation funding Mary’s meals program, and our school is a beneficiary. It is supplying the school corn soya bean porridge to all learner’s at the school. The CSB porridge is being prepared by volunteer parents, who have made a duty roster from Monday to Friday.” Pictures sent by Mr Mahachi are below:

It is great to see such local initiatives going ahead to support the youngest learners in the area.

 

 

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.

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