Helping the wonderful students of Pakati schools in Zimbabwe
Author: Friends Of Pakati
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.
Specialised in Food Technology and Clothing & Textiles
I have been at Pakati since 2014
Life at Pakati is fair. I have learnt a lot and am still learning as I enjoy being around my workmates working as a team. Despite being a teacher I would love to have my own business – a coffee shop and cake making business, because I have a passion for that.
I love being with my friends and family – having fun together sharing the joys and sorrows going out with my best friends, and kids baking cakes, watching soaps and swimming.
….about any ‘legacy’ I may have left, but here are some more comments made to me recently about my project…I cannot really put into words how much it means to me that I have the support of the schools & community members, students & colleagues past and present.
“I am so happy for what you are doing, as was a learner at both Pakati Primary and Secondary” (Maceline Gandanhamo)
“It’s wonderful you are going to do great things for the school” (Sue Chadenga)
“You left indelible marks…my aim is to name an item like a (classroom) block in your name” “I am humbled by what you did and you are continuing to do. God bless you.” (Doc Bothwell Riside Mafema)
“Thanks very much for your effort” (Isdore Chatereza)
Trained: Chinhoyi University of Technology – degree in Community Development.
Moved to Pakati in June 2014 from Nyagadzi Primary in Macheke as a promotion to Deputy Head. Now substantive Head.
I have an interest in Social Work, but I also love swimming, fishing, watching documentaries, playing soccer and some indoor games like chess, darts & table tennis.
I enjoy my stay at Pakati because of the climate, its geographical location and the community hospitality
Teacher at Pakati Primary since 1987 to the present day
I have learned a lot, and cherished to see young learners being groomed to become Engineers, Doctors, Nurses, prosperous business men and women just to mention a few. I enjoy travelling, Gospel Music and testifying about the Lord Jesus Christ.
I would love to manage my own business and drive a luxurious car to work
…that when I started this project I would find myself back in contact with some of my former students. Nor did I realise just how much impact I had on the school at the time. Here below are a few quotes and/or comments I have had in recent days.
“You taught me Mathematics in Form 2 & 3 in 1989 and 1990…you inspired me, sir, I am following in your footsteps. I finished a Diploma in Science Education at Bindura University, specialising in Mathematics. Once I get my results I will be a fully qualified Maths teacher. You played a very important part in my life”
“Rarely do you find someone still making efforts not only to connect but to be pro-development about an area. We are the outcomes and outputs of a legacy you left since educational development is not a one-off event.”
Others remeber a borehole & water suply project I set up, or a library using one of the classroom store rooms where we had a local handyman put some shelves up for us.
It is very rewarding to be remembered for the work done so long ago, it seems I left a legacy without realising it! I will include other comments too in the future. Thank you to those who have been so encouraging towards my endeavours thus far.
30 years ago today, I started work as a teacher at Pakati Secondary School in Zimbabwe, through the international development charity, VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas).
There is, as you would expect, a story behind it all, but that’s for another day. Today I am launching a fundraising project to help both the Secondary & Primary schools buy much-needed IT equipment.
This all came about following my holiday in Zimbabwe in September 2018, when I paid my first visit to the school since 1992. I was moved by the very warm welcome from the school & local community, and even though the current Head teacher Mr Chifaka Mugove had heard of me we had not met before.
I went round the school with him & some of the staff, looking at developments since I worked there. There have been several changes, but the Head said if he could have computers at the school it would help the students immensely, and if the Primary School was also involved then it would help longer-term in improving education in the area. I am in regular contact with the school in Zimbabwe & other local organisations who are willing to help e.g. getting electricity connected to the classrooms – already there at the admin block, local transport from Harare to the school
Form 4 students 2018
On my return I looked at what could be done from here to help the schools, & there are some companies who refurbish used IT equipment, adding software, and then sell them on with shipping costs to the capital, Harare. I am in contact with one in particular – Computers for Africa – in order to fundraise towards the costs – approx. £8000 depending on how many we can buy – I have now set up the following:
There will be fundraising events both in Bradford & Scunthorpe, and between them too…notably a Sponsored Walk from Bradford City’s football ground to Scunthorpe United’s football ground from Thursday 25/04/19 to Saturday 27/04/19, arriving at Glanford Park by lunchtime ready for the game between the two clubs that afternoon. Route tbc, but approx. 60 miles in total.
