Greetings all! Welcome everyone to this blog about day 1 of my amazing recent visit to Pakati & the other schools in Ward14, Murewa.
Well, it is hard to know where to begin! But, lets start with the first part of September 26th – Day 1 – in Murewa itself.
I was accompanied throughout my visit to Ward 14 by Friend of Pakati’s very own representative, former student of mine – Lorraine Mapuranga. She also hosted me at her home in the area (more on life in rural Zimbabwe to come on a later blog).
We visited, among other places, Murewa Rural District Council offices, where we were welcomed by Dr Gurajena & Mr Gutu, both of whom attended our big day on the Wednesday at Pakati. We discussed the protocols behind the visit, & shared our hopes that we can continue & do more for the schools.
Further, we visited the Department of Schools Inspectorate where we finalised the paperwork to allow everything to go ahead smoothly, as some protocols had changed. The DSI wished us well in our efforts, and commended our work to develop the schools.
Later that Monday afternoon, we went to Pakati Secondary school for a short time, and we found the staff & students were busy getting prepared for the formal occasion of Day 3 (Wednesday). We did manage a few photos though, saw that IT lessons were going on, and were shown some of what had been repaired at the Solar Power system.
Some of the staff & their children, including Mrs Munatswa, Mr Ediyeti & Mr Chizenya
IT lessons in progress
New batteries (in grey) next to the old ones which no longer work. A new transformer is also installed
It is very heartening to see our contributions helping the students learning, through our donated computers from 2019, powered now by the repairs to the Solar power paid for by Friends of Pakati this year.
We also met Mr Mundodzi, a blind English teacher. It is good to report on the support he gets at the school, including an assistant, an office to work from, and being treated as any other staff member by all concerned. He also became my translator on Day 3.
All in all, a very good, low-key start to what was to become such a momentous few days in the area. At least I did get to relax after school in the rural setting of Lorraine’s village.
Lorraine showing me around the area, with the hill known as Chongwe in the distance
We got a little closer to Chongwe before heading home as the sun went down
There are some better sunset photos to follow on other days, but this was the first I took in the area
All in all, a very good start to the week, knowing it was just the beginning of an extraordinary series of school visits & events!
Next up – Day 2
I live up to my name, then I give my first assembly address at the Secondary school since August 1991, and we take a tour of Pakati Primary school
Your work is unmeasurable Chris,thank you very much and keep up doing this to our Zimbabwean less previledged families.
Education is the key to success,I salute you.
I am following your footsteps too as I have started supporting orphans at one farm school in Mutasa District in Manicalsnd Province.
May God continue to give you resources to help more needy schools.
Thank you Chris!
Thank you so much for the kind words Ratidzayi😁👍and I hope all goes well for your project. Please keep me updated!