Hi everyone!
Here at Friends of Pakati we are launching a campaign to raise funds on behalf of both Pakati schools, to the tune of £1600 at least.
We have a deadline of a month from today – set at 7th October 2026. Regular updates will be provided, mostly via http://X.com/friendsofpakati
Here is how to donate smaller sums of up to £50: http://www.paypal.me/friendsofpakati or http://www.gofundme.com/Friends-of-pakati
For larger amounts, please email friendsofpakati@gmail.com for more information.
‘Why do you need £1600?’ I hear you ask….please read below & I will explain.
Pakati schools are in a rural setting, approximately 60 miles by road from Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare. It is a community of subsistence farmers, where people grow crops to consume, and to sell surplus to markets in the towns & cities. They are dependent on the weather for a successful harvest each year.
The schools did not have any electricity during my time there (1989-1991) and only had limited power since around 2017. Power was a mixture of solar and the local electricity grid provided by ZESA, the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority, and unfortunately it has not always been consistent.
However, the power was limited only to the Administration block and to the teachers houses, not the classroom blocks. So as we sent donated IT to the schools in 2019, 2022 & 2024 they have not been able to fully utilise the computers. Sometimes the Secondary uses extension cables from the Admin block to the newly-refurbished Library & IT Suite in order to have IT lessons.
At the Primary, solar power was used for the Head’s office, & power cables ran to the nearby classroom where the IT was set up.
For both schools, the power supply was erratic and limited – low power output at the Primary & aging solar equipment at the Secondary meant unreliablilty, so they have not got the best out of our donations yet.
Now however, we have the opportunity to get both schools, including all school buildings, onto the grid by having ZESA supply connected!
The cost is estimated to be around US$1000 per school, a total of US$2000 – on current exchange rates that would be around £1600 in total – hence our campaign today. What would it mean to Pakati schools and the community? Let’s hear from the Head’s of both schools, Mr Chizenya (left, Secondary) and Mr Mahachi (right, Primary).
In a joint statement, here is how they see the benefits of the ZESA connection:
“ZESA connection will change everything for the students. Lighting will allow for studies outside the usual school day, so pupils can do their homework without relying on parafin lamps & candles at home.
They can then access digital learning – we have a beautiful IT Suite at the Secondary school. A ZESA connection will allow us to use the PCs, laptops and projectors to enhance Audio-viual lessons.
We can also then install wi-fi, allowing studemts to access internet information, and to connect with the rest of the World.
For the staff, teachers will be able to use printers, photocopiers & laptops to help with lesson and exam preparation, plus it can help with secure record keeping on computers. Improvements to administration tasks are possible, also training and professional development via online courses.
The schools can carry out fundraising projects such as poultry & fish farming as they require lighting & heating, which will help generate its own funds.
Electricity makes the learning environment better with lighting, plus it allows development of a computerised library system to help raise student morale and ultimately, better grades.
Lighting will make the schools safer at night for school property. People can charge their phones & laptops so they can communicate better with the outside world, i.e. emailing & sending messages/images to Friends of Pakati.
Opportunities for the local community by means of evening classes in IT and adult literacy/numeracy. The school could also host events such ss weddings, religious programmes, cultural activities. and workshops to improve things such as farming methods, etc.
And finally, electricity means our students will get the same quality of education and opportunities as urban schools. It will give them hope and real skills for the future.
We are so grateful for your support in making this possible.”
The wiring is in place, ZESA have been to inspect things & authorised the work to be done. All we need now is the funds to cover it. Over to you my friends of Pakati…
Here is how to donate smaller sums: http://www.paypal.me/friendsofpakati or http://www.gofundme.com/Friends-of-pakati
For larger amounts, please email friendsofpakati@gmail.com for more information.
A HUGE THANK YOU to all who are able to contribute. There will be regular updated on our progress
