“Carrying books in a plastic shopping bag…”

Greetings everyone! The title words are taken from a truly remarkable story I have just been told. Allow me to explain.

I was contacted this week by a former student of both Pakati schools – Primary and Secondary – who now lives & works in South Africa. The story below is in her own words, apart from minor editing from myself. Meet Memory Mapiti, who became Mrs Majoni.

“I am all I have become because of Pakati School. It was in 1984 when I enrolled for Grade 1 at Pakati Primary School. With all the support from my teachers Mrs Machivenyika, Mr Marambakuyana and the Mr and Mrs Kuparas. May the soul of Mrs Kupara rest in eternal peace. I got my best and quality education there which fully prepared me for High (Secondary) school.

My parents were struggling and could not take me to a better school such as St Paul’s Musami Mission. But with hard work and focus I worked extremely hard at Pakati which was headed by an amazing leader Mr Walker (You are far too kind!). He turned our rural school into an urban school by introducing tapped water which was actually a miracle in the surroundings. He was very passionate about learners and wanted the best out of us.

I remember My Maths teacher Mr Madondo nicknamed Dondas by students. Samanyika who trained in Cuba was a Maths guru. I salute you sir where ever you are. I am what I am because of you. You taught me circle Geometry, Pythagoras theorem and I grasped it all.

Not forgetting Mr Chifamba my Religious teacher You taught us with all-out expertise May your soul Rest in peace 💐 “Jesus was born in B of J” said Mr Chifamba referring to Bethlehen of Judea. I thank you for all your input in molding me. Mr Goronga, my Core-Science teacher due to all of your effort I got an “A”on this subject.Thank you for all you did for me.

My former desk mate Francis Jani is now a policeman, all because of Pakati School. I tried to copy his neat handwriting and failed dismally, but I am still intouch with him. Abel Fusire, anither classmate, is a Pastor. Bothwell Risidi Mafema my junior (well known as part of Friends of Pakati) is teaching in Asia, Tapiwa Magumisiro I have coctact with. Eugania Musanhi was the headgirl in my stream. Just to mention these few fellow former Pakati schoolmates of mine.

I was actively involved in sports, particularly netball. At one point and time I got injured whilst playing against Rota School and I was driven to St Paul’s Musami Mission, where I had my leg put in plaster a came back on crutches.

Pakati School taught me about public speaking such that even today, be it at workplace or any gathering, I don’t hesitate to address the public. I served my school Pakati as a senior prefect from 1993-1994. I remember doing a duty roster for leading assembly as prefect as well as raising the flag.

Having passed my O level with a distinction in Science which paved way for me to enroll at Nyadire teachers College in 2001 and got my Diploma in Education in 2004.

Since then I have worked tirelessly in urbanising my parent’s homestead in Njenje village as a token of appreciation towards sending me to school.

Yes, the road wasn’t easy, for we used to carry food in an empty plastic bag without a proper lunchbox. Studying with a parafin lamp. Having one pair of school shoes. Carrying my books in a plastic shopping bag. All these things never stopped me from reaching my goals.

I later mate Mr Nhamo Majoni in 1998 whom I got married to, and we had two children.

I felt that diploma was not enough and furthered my education with Unisa and got my Bachelor degree in Education majoring in Maths.

I am currently residing and teaching in the Republic of South Africa. I teach Maths at an International school called Amity, based in Pretoria, where I have been teaching for 6 years now.”

Wow! What an inspiring story! Thank you so much Memory for contacting Friends of Pakati & showing us what can be done with hard work and ambition no matter where you are from or went to school.