Welcome to this week’s blog, It’s all about the lead up to my visit to Zimbabwe next week. There are several important developments this week….
The previous 3 diaries can be found here:
https://friendsofpakati.com/2022/08/28/pakati-trip-diary-part-1/
https://friendsofpakati.com/2022/09/04/pakati-trip-diary-part-2-includes-new-podcast/
https://friendsofpakati.com/2022/09/11/pakati-trip-diary-part-3/
Here is what has been happening during the week!
Monday 12th September – Following on from last week’s blog, Quantum Solar are at Pakati Secondary school today, repairing the solar power system & replacing the damaged parts. Here is a brief summary & some photos from our representative, Lorraine Mapuranga who was in the area this week:
“This is a brief report of my school visit yesterday when you asked me to go and assess the work that the solar guys were doing. I arrived to the reception of Mr Chizenya (Deputy Head) who was also expecting the solar maintenance team to arrive. They arrived around 1415hrs. Above are the pictures taken with the old system while they were removing the non functional batteries and other accessories.”
Tuesday 13th September – A small number of Huddersfield University Business School students who are on their MBA course have been assisting us with support & advice.
The Consultancy Project is an important part of their coursework. Today were given a presentation, and thanked them for their efforts. Their ideas & comments will lead to changes, but not until after the trip to Zimbabwe. See pictures below:
The four students about to begin their presentation are (l. to r.) Mayowa Boluru-Ajayi, Adeyosola Davies, Folasade Olagoke, and Chinedu Adolphus Ezike
Afterwards, we had photos taken, including with their Supervising lecturer, Matt Snell.
I also heard from COEDMA FREIGHT INTERNATIONAL LTD about likely delivery of our goods to Harare on Wednseday;
It appears we are one of the deliveries still delayed..
The great news is that solar power has now been restored to the Secondary school. It was completed late on Monday 12th. Here are some pictures, and a brief comment from Lorraine:
“The pictures above were taken after they had completed the job. I had left the school so by then so they sent me the pictures. Maybe you will hear more from the school staff who were on the ground how everything went.”
Wednesday 14th September – great news today! Our goods have arrived & been delivered to an address in Harare, ready for me to collect when I arrive next week.
More great news! With thanks to Mr Chifaka, Head of Pakati Secondary school, who sent the following images of him taking a Form 2 clas – the first IT lessons for some time.
It is so good to see Friends of Pakati being able to meet its Vision of supporting the education of students at Pakati. Let’s help the Primary get to the same position by raising the necessary funds (£600) to restore/replace their solar power & re-start IT lessons for their younger students! So far he have received £168 towards the total.
Donate here please:
http://Paypal.me/friendsofpakati or http://Gofundme.com/friends-of-pakati
Thursday 15th September – Update on the solar power system at Pakati Secondary, from Lorraine:
“Dear Chris
Mr Musara called me this morning, he has been trying to reach me without success. He says they did the job well, however upon their first inspection they only picked one panel that was struck by lightning when in fact they were 2. So he says they did not put the new panel that they bought because they had to be paired. They rewired the rest of them and they are oky to be used like that . I asked if they did anything to protect the panels from future lightning strucks, he says they innovated a way of putting earth wires to the panels since the original installers had not protected the panels. So he says when he goes to fix the Primary School he will need another panel which he quoted 80$. He says he left everything functioning well and the staff who had their laptops and phones were happy with the job.
They are okay to be used like that for now but will still need to add the 2 which will make it sustainable during cloudy days.
Regards Lorraine
Friday 16th September – Last day at work before my trip, can’t hide my excitement!
Saturday 17th September – It seems we are lucky, because not all of the consignment of good which included ours have got to Harare yet. Thankfully, ours are sat waiting for me to arrive next week!
Also today, I began some parts of my packing, deciding exactly what I am bringing with me
Sunday 18th September – Due to personal circumstances, I have not had much chance to do much today, but suffice to say everything will be in place during the day tomorrow in oreparation for my flight early on Tuesday morning.
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In the coming weeks… I will be posting at irregular intervals, mostly on social media but with the occasional random blog. Mostly it will depwnd on access to networks & the internet. All being well, I will find myself back in my other home area of Pakati😁
You are doing great buddie