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Hi Everyone!

Welcome to this review of the first 6 months of 2024, which I have to admit has not been as productive this year as previously. However, there have been several highlights, & this is what has been going on here at Friends of Pakati.

We started out with this post in January https://friendsofpakati.com/2024/01/20/welcome-to-friends-of-pakati-in-2024/

We next heard from Mr Chifaka, the former Head of Pakati Secondary, about his new appointment to Macheke High School https://friendsofpakati.com/2024/01/29/former-pakati-head-at-his-new-school/

Now & then I get updates & reports from Pakati, including this from the Secondary School https://friendsofpakati.com/2024/02/04/pakati-secondary-school-early-in-the-first-term-2024/

From time to time, I reminisce about my experiences at Pakati & around Zimbabwe, and discuss Friends of Pakati. Here are two such blog posts this year so far

https://friendsofpakati.com/2024/02/21/its-35-years-since-i-first-went-to-pakati/

https://friendsofpakati.com/2024/05/25/old-photos/

Other local Primary schools have kept in touch after benefitting from Friends of Pakati in 2022 https://friendsofpakati.com/2024/02/25/chanetsa-mapanga-primary-schools-reporting-updates/

Pakati Secondary school lost a former Chairman of the School Development Committee (SDC), Mr William Dzimauta. He was very much respected by the local community.

https://friendsofpakati.com/2024/03/10/sad-news-from-pakati-secondary-school/

We don’t always publish everything we have straight away, but we do let you know what is coming up frequently. https://friendsofpakati.com/2024/05/12/going-on-in-the-background

Often we introduce people who have a close connection to Pakati, here we have the new Head of the Secondary school & a former student at both schools…

https://friendsofpakati.com/2024/05/18/meet-mr-chizenya-head-of-pakati-secondary-school/

https://friendsofpakati.com/2024/06/16/carrying-books-in-a-plastic-shopping-bag/

Friends of Pakati loves to hear about sports activities at both Pakati schools, & here we have two from the Primary this year so far…

https://friendsofpakati.com/2024/03/23/pakati-primary-infants-sports-day/ and most recently, https://friendsofpakati.com/2024/07/06/pakati-primary-sports/

So a great variety of stories, pictures & videos…with more to come from us including a new podcast! Please donate via:

http://www.paypal.me/friendsofpakati or http://www.gofundme.com/friends-of-pakati

A big announcement is coming in the near future….See you all soon!

Hi everyone! Here are a number of images & videos showing students at Pakati Primary during recent sports events. All pictures, videos & information come from Head Teacher Mr Mahachi, so thank you Mr M!

These are the students who are the ones we hope will really benefit in the longer term from Friends of Pakati’s efforts to get more IT out to both Pakati schools. If you can, please donate to http://www.paypal.me/friendsofpakati or http://www.gofundme.com/friends-of-pakati so we can send more computers this year!

The Primary Girls Football Team got a little practice prior to playing a friendly game against nearby Mabika Primary…

Below are some of the other sports teams at Pakati Primary school:

For some reason, Pakati schools have proved very competitive in sports over the years, producing a number of vwey talented athletes & sporrs teams. I can certainly remember that from the time I was at Pakati. Long may it continue with both Pakati schools!

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.

Friends of Pakati was set up to help the students of a school I taught at back between 1989 & 1991. I took a number of pictures & slides during this time.

I was looking back through my old photos from my two-and-a-half years in Zimbabwe. They bring back so many happy memories for me, both from teaching at Pakati Secondary school, and also holidays in & around the country…

…and you know what they say – every picture tells a story, so here are a few stories of mine!

Once, I visited a small private game park on the edge of the beautiful city of Mutare in the East of Zimbabwe. The rhinoceros pictured was a full-sized adult, and from where I took this picture, he was heading straight for me! However, what you can’t see is the large ditch between us preventing him getting much closer!

Before I flew out to Zimbabwe, a serving VSO volunteer visited the school to report back on what it was like. He said ‘…the school is in a remote, rural setting.’ He was right! See below…

I certainly enjoyed living & working in the area. I found the people friendly & welcoming, plus there were several interesting things to see & do.

These rock paintings are at the back of a cave under an overhang on Gwangwadza hill. My colleague Mr Chirape came along as we were shown the way by the boy (& some of his friends).

Some images above, from around the school, they take me back to the days of my first teaching job!

Two of Zimbabwe’s top tourist attractions are the Great Zimbabwe ruins, and the spectacular Victoria Falls.

Some more pictures of people & places in and around the school/community.

I was glad to have visits from friends & family, it gave me the chance to see the country, its people, its fascinating tourist sights, and of course its amazing wildlife.

I am still fundraising for the two Pakati schools – Primary & Secondary – to take IT & other items out there this year. If you can help, please donaye to http://www.paypal.me/friendsofpakati or http://www.go.fundme.com/friends-of-pakati

Thank you👍

Greetings all!

Here in this post we let you find out a little more about Mr Chizenya, the man who took over as Head of Pakati Secondary School 6 months ago when Mr Chifaka moved on to another school- see more here: https://friendsofpakati.com/2023/11/05/a-tribute-to-mr-chifaka-from-friends-of-pakati-as-he-moves-on/

During my visit in 2022, Mr Chizenya told me a bit about himself, and I thought it would be a good thing to recall what he said to me then.

Mr Chizenya joined Pakati Secondary School in May 2010. In that year he became Pakati School Resource Teacher.

In 2011 he attended a 5 day work shop in Guidance and Counselling following which Mr Chizenya then became the Head of Guidance and Counselling Department at the school

In 2017, he became the Senior Master as well as the Head of Humanities Department. Then when the former Acting Deputy Head, Mrs Pindura transferred, Mr Chizenya became the Acting Deputy Head.

Later, in October 2023, Mr Chifaka transfered to Macheke High School as a result of promotion, and Mr Chizenya thus became the Acting Head of Pakati Secondary School.

I know from personal experience that being a school head is challenging. However, with committed staff members of Pakati Secondary School, they will do better. If all the staff members are results-oriented then this will mean good work being done, and therefore better O Level results.

Friends of Pakati are fully supportive of Mr Chizenya, and wish him great success with the school!

Welcome!

Friends of Pakati has been quiet recently, but we are still working behind the scenes on our plans.

The Iron

I have been talking to some of the people who are involved with the running of my favourite football club, Scunthorpe United. The club has always been both supportive and generous to us, with their time, publicity, and various donations.

It has been a pleasure for me to be a season ticket holder at Scunthorpe United for some years now, and to get to know several of those involved behind the scenes at the club. They have given Friends of Pakati a lot of publicity, including things like interviews pitchside, notes in programmes, as well as funds & football/polo/t-shirts.

The club has an event coming up at the end of July which gives us the chance to have a stall. We can sell some merchandise & spread the word, and we are hoping to get some of our supporters to help raise funds too.

From Mr Chizenya, Head of Pakati Secondary School

Via WhatsApp:

“Hello Mr Walker, I’m ok. We started very well  (school term began on 6th May). All staff members are highly motivated, and we were joined by a new member of staff, Mr Chadenga He is going to teach Mathematics as well as Combined Science. This term has much to do with ball games. Very soon we will be training for Soccer, Volley Ball, Soccer and Net Ball.”

I am looking forward to finding out more about the goings on at Pakati, & will publish stories, information, pictures & short videos as I get them from the two Pakati schools.

Next post…

I have some information from & about Mr Chizenya, Head at the Secondary school. I intend to relase another post very soon about him. He says he is also going to write about his predecessor, Mr Chifaka. It’s great that Mr Chizenya is carrying on supporting us just like Mr Chifaka!

Welcome to our latest blog, with details, images and videos are sent courtesy of Mr Mahachi, Head teacher at Pakati Primary school.

The sports took place on Thursday, 21st March, within the school ground. The participants were from ECD (Early Childhood Development) through to Grade 2.

These are some of the students who would really benefit from having access to IT & Internet to enhance their future learning, they are the reason Friends of Pakati exists to help. If you can, please donate to support our efforts to get IT & other items out to the 2 Pakati schools: http://www.paypal.me/friendsofpakati & http://www.gofundme.com/friends-of-pakati

The infants were grouped into 4 houses, Blue, Red, Green, and Yellow

The activities included such as a sack race, relays, hopping, and & other competitions.

Learners, parents & teachers enjoyed the days’ activities.

Below are some short videos taken on the day. Mr Mahachi said “…the idea was just to scout and nurture talent and just to have fun outside the classroom walls.”

It is clear from the above clips that Mr Mahachi was right about them enjoying themselves!

Greetings everyone, we are sorry to report the sad loss of the School Development Committee Chair at Pakati Secondary for 4 years, Mr William Dzimauta, at the age of 53.

Friends of Pakati was notified recently of the passing of Mr Dzimauta. It was reported that he passed away on 25th February 2024, and he was laid to rest yesterday, 9th March.

Below are some of the tributes being paid to Mr Dzimaita sent to me from several people, including present & former staff at Pakati Secondary, and from some associated with Friends of Pakati. I will add a short comment myself at the end.

From Mr Chifaka, former Actimg Head of Pakati Secondary: “I am deeply saddened by Mr William Dzimauta’s death. I knew Mr Dzimauta before he became our SDC chairperson in 2020. Before he became chairperson, we contracted him twice to build a school tuckshop and staff toilet for ladies.

Things were not good financially when he became chairperson because of covid 19 which resulted in school lock downs. This affected revenue inflow negatively which also impacted negatively on school development. However, when schools opened after lock downs, we worked well together and managed to maintain the school regardless of financial constraints.

In 2023 we were lucky to be given SIG fund. Mr Dzimauta played a very big role in the project that we implemented, funded by the SIG fund. This involved turning one classroom to state of the art computer laboratory, paving of two pathways leading to the computer laboratory and form 4 block and completing form 4 block veranda. It was a successful project.

When l announced in October (in an SDC meeting) that l would leave the school because l had been promoted, he also announced that he would go to South Africa for some work. When l left to assume duty at my new school, Macheke high, Mr Dzimauta had gone to South Africa. l could not believe it when l heard that he had passed on. I knew Mr Dzimauta as a man who worked very hard for his family and mother. MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.”

I also received this from current staff, referring to my most recent trip to Pakati in 2022: “Mr Dzimauta was dedicated to his role as the SDC Chairperson:
-He played an important role in ensuring that the school produced one seater benches for pupils during the Covid 19 induced lockdown.
-He volunteered to paint doors on teachers’ houses for free.
-He was frank, he would point out frankly when something was not done in a good way.
-He worked very hard during your last visit to our school. He worked with fellow SDC members, the community and other stake holders in organising food for the function.”

Friends of Pakati contributors had the following to say: “I was very saddened when I heard the passing on of Mr Dzimauta. I cant say I know him very well but the few moments I saw him addressing parents at the school I saw a very humble and respectful character. Intelligence is not just showing off degrees but I can say this man had his natural Intelligence which he never boasted about. He was a talented leader and had so much love for his community and development. Honestly he was a likeable character. Ward 14 has been robbed of an influential character. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace.”

And this from another of our key supporters: “It’s sad news for our community. Mr Dzimauta has been a role model for most of us, and we feel very much gutted by his passing. He has been our Senior at Pakati Secondary school, and we remember him very well as he hails from our community. He was someone who was reserved and well mannered. We have lost out as a community. The last time I saw him he was building the small tuck shop at the school. I can say he has been an invaluable member of our community. May his soul Rest in Eternal Peace.”

For myself, I met him on my visit to Pakati in both 2019 and 2022. I was impressed by his dedication to both Pakati schools, where many of his family attended as pupils. He came across very well, as a humble, cheerfuI person, who was highly thought of around the atea. I have had contact with some of the family over the years and had stories & picturesfrom them from time to time. It was an honour for me to meet him, a sincere hard working man who contributed much to the community. He will be very much missed, and I am sure the community paid there respects to him yesterday in great numbers. RIP Mr Dzimauta.

Hi everyone! Recently I have had reports from two schools from the same Ward in Murewa District as Pakati schools, namely Chanetsa Primary and Mapanga Primary.

Pictures & information are courtesy of My Kadzimu, Head of Chanetsa, and our good friend Vari Mayez of VaTonatsa Foundation, whose Aunt is Mrs Maenzaise, Head of Mapanga. We are most grateful for what they have sent us.

Both of them were recipients of donations from Friends of Pakati back 2022, as seen here; https://friendsofpakati.com/2022/10/11/pakati-visit-2022-days-4-5-other-ward-14-schools/

Here is what is happening at Chanetsa…..

Next, we ho to Mapanga.

This from Vari Mayez: “Hi Chris how are you doing? I am ok. I was in Mapanga recently to see the Vatonatsa beneficiaries (now at 6 students as most are in High School now). Was taking the school stationery and measuring the uniform sizes for them. Mrs Maenzanise & most of the teachers send their regards. I plan to go back soon when the uniforms are ready to deliver them. Here are some pictures from the visit”

Thank you for reading! Please share with your social media👍

….and I still believe it is the best thing I ever did. Please read, enjoy & share widely!

I have just been looking back to some of my very early posts here on Friends of Pakati, & reading them takes me back to January 16th 1989 when I first set foot in a classroom as a newly-qualified teacher.

But how did I come to be in Zimbabwe? Well as ever, it is a bit of a story….

It began in Sheffield really, in 1984. I was out of work & a bit lost to be honest. A friend of mine told me she thought I would make a good teacher, suggesting I applied for a teacher training course which would start in September that year. She also thought the best way to find out if I would enjoy it would be to volunteer in a local school.

To my amazement, it turned out to be exactly that, as I went to a nearby Middle school, where I became a volunteer teaching assistant 2 days a week for 5 months, with a class of 10-11 year olds & their class teacher. It gave me valuable experience, which helped me gain acceptance onto a teacher training course.

I don’t have many photos from my student days to illutrate this story, but I will use those that I can. The picture above is me with 3 of my college friends, Sue, Joan & Toni. In those days I played a lot of Badminton hence the sports kit.

Like many students, a group of us were regular visitors to local bars, pubs & clubs. Some of those places featured live music, and one group in particular were popular with many students. They were called Somebody’s Brother, & some of us followed them to venues across Bradford, Leeds, Manchester, & even London.

The band were made up of 3 men from Sunderland, one man & one woman from Bradford, plus a Zimbabwean…

As a fan of the group, I got to know them very well, in particular the bass player called Cecil Zinyuku whose family are from an area called Headlands. He had a sister, Dorcas, who I spoke to several times. The first time I met her was during my first yeat, and as we introduced ourselves, she asked what I was doing. I said “I am training to be a teacher, at Bradford College”. She responded by saying “you should come to Zimbabwe, we need teachers!”

She planted the idea of working abroad in my head, and after graduating in 1988, an opportunity came my way almost by accident. I was in Bradford city centre one saturday, & a large bus was parked up, advertising for an International Development Charity called Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO). They recruit trained professionals to work in the developing world.

I took their literature, filled an application form, sent it off & waited to hear from them. Soon after, I was invited to a day-long interview with a number of activities designed to find out if I was suited to become a volunteer. Amazingly, I passed…

After two attempts by VSO to find me a placement (in Sierra Leone, & the Solomon Islands), by an incredible coincidence, I ended up in Cecil & Dorcas’ home country of Zimbabwe.

So, that is the extended story of how I came to Pakati Secondary school in 1989…, & here are some of my early posts about my time at Pakati,,,

https://friendsofpakati.com/2019/01/25/memories-from-1989-my-own-early-days-at-pakati/

https://friendsofpakati.com/2019/01/27/more-memories-from-1989/

https://friendsofpakati.com/2019/02/02/the-day-i-was-surprised/

If you can, please support us to deliver IT to the two Pakati schools this year via http://www.paypal.me/friendsofpakati or http://www.gofundme.com/friends-of-pakati

Thank you!