Category: Uncategorized

Please read and enjoy this girl’s inspiring story!

“My name is Portia Nemaruru from Makuvaza village in Murehwa District in Mashonaland East Province. I am a girl aged 20. Currently l am doing my A Level at Rose of Sharon High School doing Business Studies, Geography, and Economics. I have hope and passion to be a Postgraduate Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Studies. My current school is located in Zimre Park, on the edges of the subburbs if Harare, in Mashonaland East Province. I’m a volleyball star since primary level at the age of 10 years when l started and was in Grade 4 at that time. l also enjoy handball and soccer but volleyball is my best sport l enjoyed most. Let me tell you more about my earlier schooling…

I was raised by one parent, my mother. My father passed away 2008 when l was in Grade 2 at Pakati Primary School. Life at home was not that easy at all. Things were not fine. Sometimes my mother could even fail to settle my school debts, school uniforms, books. She used to grow many cash crops for us to have a better life after death of my father, even to work in other people’s farms to try and make things better for us.

My lifetime at school at primary level was something else to me. It was the beginning of the whole journey. I joined the prefect body while I was in Grade 4, and became Vice Head Girl in Grade 6, and finally Head Girl at Grade 7.

I enjoyed most the school benefits through sports, and also workshops we used to hold at Chemhondoro and St Paul’s (both nearby) schools, e.g. prefect training, poetry writing, article writing, although l have no passion for these fields.

Grade 1 and 2 my class teacher was Mrs Kupara, Grades 3 and first term 4 was Mrs Mukupuki. Then from there to Grade 7 it was Mr Nyamahohwa who was and still is my best teacher ever since. We used to pray before anything and some times having Bible study which usually heals me and it has transformed my life. God remembered his class at final it was the best class.

I enjoyed most my life time at Pakati Secondary school. I started Form 1 2014 and became the pioneer junior councillor of Ward 14, Murewa, at the age of 14. l managed to change our school uniform during my term in office, in support of my pioneer Headmaster Mr Chingoriwo and his Deputy Mr Chifaka. Mr Chifaka who is currently the Pakati Secondary Headmaster, and all staff members and School Development Committee (SDC) also supported the move. I became Vice Head Girl in 2015 while studying Form 2, and finally the Head Girl during Form 3.

I started playing handball and soccer (number 5) at secondary level. My volleyball coach at primary level was Mr Juru, unfortunately he passed away when l was in form 2. Mr Mutyavaviri, also my Mathematics teacher, and Mr Chizenya, my History teacher, were my volleyball coaches at secondary level (in Mathematics l got an A, and History B at O level).

For me to make it took hard work and a lot of determination, in the hope and desire it would change my life story. It would help my mother, my family, and my community at large. I worked as house maid in 2018 and half of 2019 after finishing my O levels. l failed to collect my results because l was unable pay fees for Forms 3 and 4. My mother failed to make it by that time because she was suffering from health problems from the year my father died, till 2018 when it stopped for good .So during that time it was at its extreme, so she was not able to grow crop or work for my fees.I thank God she managed to raise registration fees for only 6 subjects out of nine. Then God sent a wingless Angel, Mr Katonha my Science teacher (l got a C in Science) and he paid for another two subjects to make it 8. l love God too much because he loves those love him, takes care of them, gives them what they asked for.

I used to make friends with some very clever students. At primary my best friend was Aqualine Matsika, and she was the student with best results at Grade 7 final exams. At secondary my best friend was Head Boy Blessed Tema, who succeeded me when my term in office was due as a junior councillor. He wrote his A level examinations last year and did very well, doing Accounting, Business Studies and Economics.

For my mother to let me gain exposure to different things and to the other side of the world (Harare – a very different world to Pakati) was very difficult for her on her own. We went on a trip in 2015 from school when l was in Form 2, to the city of Harare, to some areas of interest where tourists often visit. We went to Mukuvisi Woodland, Harare International Airport for my first time and that was my fantastic, some of the most interesting moments during my life time at Pakati Secondary. It was organized by Mr Mutyavavri (my Mathematics teacher). We also used to hold variety shows every term, when we would go to school in non-uniform clothes and had some funny, modeling competition, eating, singing, dancing competition. l enjoyed eating competition above all, because if l didn’t win I didn’t feel defeated because l already benefited from the food, unlike modeling and dancing. Some boys came wearing dresses or skirts and wigs just for fun and some played crazy dances.

I was a maid for the money to pay my arrears at school so that l could get my O level certificate. God heard my cries, and l was offered a full scholarship at boarding school where l stay now. Its like a home, the founder of that school is Dr Fatima Maruta and she has orphanages. She is my role model and my mentor. I will add more about my time at this school in Part 2 of my story.”

Thank you Portia for your story here…we very much look forward to Part 2 here at Friends of Pakati!

Latest news…

I am currently writing a personal statement which I intend to release, and add to the Vision page in full. Its purpose is to explain in some depth why & how I am so passionate about Friends of Pakati, and thus the reader can better understand the Vision. See https://friendsofpakati.com/2020-vision-friends-of-pakati-the-project-continues/ before I complete the re-write.

Another small donation this week has take our total close to £300 – hopefully much more will come our way. See https://friendsofpakati.com/fundraising/ for full details

So 2 out of the 3 recently promised articles have been published – just waiting on the one from a friend in the UK now…🤞

I am about to contact a former teacher from Pakati Secondary school to see if he is willing to tell his story…watch this space👍

I am delighted to introduce a former teacher from Pakati Primary school! She tells the story of a hard life, but is clearly a very resilient Zimbabwean lady. Please read her story below….

“Hello! My name is Juliet Valley, now age 58, and I once taught at Pakati from 1984 up to 1987.

I did my secondary education in Chitungwiza (suburb of Harare) at St Mary’s Secondary school. I did ‘O’ level in 1980, then I applied for temporary teaching work using my ZJC (Zimabwe Junior Certificate – 2 years before O levels) and got a job through Murewa District Council.

My first school to teach at was Rupange Primary, from 1981 first term up to 1982. I then transfered to Munamba Primary, and in 1983 went Chidiya Primary. Soon after that I then went for maternity leave.

I rejoined teaching third term 1983 in Murewa, where I transfered because I was teaching to cover for someone who was on leave. Finally I was deployed at Pakati Primary for the first term of 1984.

I came to Pakati in 1984 with my son Nyasha (by then he was 9 months old) under Headmaster Chihaka. I taught Grade 1, and the policy then was when you start with Grade 1, you move with your class up to Grade 3, so I did that for 3 years up to 1986.

In 1987, that’s when I taught Bothwell Mafema in Grade 3 (see pic above) and he was very brilliant. I chose him a class monitor, as his attitude showed that he would be someone in the future. His duty was to collect my books in the Headmaster’s office and return the class register after roll call. See more about Bothwell here: https://friendsofpakati.com/2020/07/31/from-rural-student-to-international-teacher/ There after I was retrenched at the end of 1987.

After leaving Pakati I came to Mutoko to do my studies, since I had no full qualification. I was staying with my husband Lazarus Ziunye. He assisted me through my studies, and finally I passed English (C) and Commerce (B). Then in 1989 I was blessed with twin boys in December.

Later I did several courses at Jamaica Inn, a College along the Mutare Road. I did Project Planning and Business Management, Tailoring, and Baking skills.

In 2002 my husband passed away, and since then I have been relying on vegetable vending, and getting a small amount from a Government pension from my husband’s package. During the farming season I go to my rural area for farming and spend some time there. I then go back to Kotwa growth point to do my vending, so I think in short thats my history.

My first born son unfortunatly died in 2014 at 31. The twins are now 30. I am happy because one of the twins married and they were recently blessed with a baby boy, whom I am with in many photos. He turned 4 months on the 7th August.”

I have exchanged messages with Juliet recently to gather the full story, and below is part of those exchanges:

Juliet, please tell me about what you are doing now?

So I am no longer a teacher but I am a vegetable vendor at Kotwa growth Point.

At or near Nyamapanda?

Yes, 20km from Nyamapanda border post.

What are you growing there?

I am growing tomatoes and vegetables to ease the burden of buying.

Good idea. do you have any other crops? any livestock?

I usually go to my rural area during rainy season and do farming there. I grow maize, groundnuts, roundnuts, rapocco and sorghum. I face problems in paying people who plough my fields though. My cows were badly affected by the drought in 2016 and they all died. I had 2 cows 2 bulls and 2 small cows but was left with nothing.

So sorry to hear of your struggles. Where is your rural area? far from Kotwa?

Its about 35km from Kotwa, going towards Harare we branch at Chingwena Primary, and it is 7 km from the highway to my homestead.

Can I ask a few more questions please? Where is your home area (where you come from), is it where you farm near Kotwa? Apart from Bothwell, are there any other memories from your time at Pakati? Was it easy working there?

My home now is near Kotwa, but originally I come from the Murewa area, at farms near Murewa Centre, in Chitowa. It is about 5km from the Harare-Nyamapanda road.

At Pakati I enjoyed tbe environment because that’s where I spent 4 years as a teacher. During weekends I spent my time with my friends, going to nearby villages such as Chinhoyi, Njenje and Chigwada, and associating with parents. Sometimes I would go to Shavanhowe river to do my washing.

How are things at present?

Right now, truly speaking as we are now at level 2 lock down, you can hardly find any customers because of this. It is so hard to earn a living as compared before lockdown. I am fine, but only disadvantaged with being locked at home and afraid of moving outside unecessarily. Life can be tough but there is much I can be grateful for.”

This story will also be available on the page https://friendsofpakati.com/meet-pakati-people-profiles-and-success-stories/

To come here at Friends of Pakati:

Another story that I have received is about a more recent former student of both Pakati schools, and I have to say it is yet another great story of resilience in the face of adversity…

A friend in the UK has agreed to give his thoughts all things Friends of Pakati related…just waiting to hear back from him.

I have been discussing the overall project with various interested parties and am consulting others too, about priorities, the overall vision, funds, advertising, etc. More on this in a post in the near future…

Stay safe everyone👍

OUTSIDE ZIM BORDERS

WRITTEN BY PAULINE MACHENGO

Edited by Chris Walker

CHAPTER 10

After two months of my arrival, my uncle decided to take me out for a tour around Cape Town. He is a busy man so were only going to visit few places. First we were going to see the ship Queen Mary 2. I was so amazed by its size.

“So its docked here for a week. During the day the sailors will be out in town doing shopping or touring then at night they go back to the ship. When they leave Cape Town, they’re going to dock in Durban”. That was my uncle.

“Wow, that’s so exciting ” I said.

“Only rich people can do that. One day I will be one of them” said my niece.

“They will be probably dead by the time you get rich” the younger one retorted .

“Daddy can we go inside I want mainini (Auntie) to see inside”

“Unfortunately we can’t. They won’t allow us today” my uncle said
I have heard that they once did get inside that ship, because my uncle’s boss was one of those captains or should I say a big deal.

We drove through waterfront, but we didn’t got out of the car. We drove through the airport again, but unfortunately duty called for uncle and he dropped us home promising to take me another day. Well I enjoyed it but again my friend Kudzai promised to be my tour guide.

Cape Town was all this and that but honestly I was missing Chris. I called him.

“Tashy we are now worlds apart please leave me alone” that was his statement. It broke my heart. I loved that guy to the moon and back but hey, he made it clear that he was no longer interested. It was time for me to move on.

I opened my WhatsApp and I saw a message. This guy has been asking me out for a long time now and I was turning him down. I think this was a perfect time for a new relationship.

I quickly sent him a text “when and where should we meet?”

“l will come and pick you up in Delft” he replied.

Yes by that time I was staying in Delft, with my uncle’s young brother and his family. I was assisting them with their three month old baby because they were working. They couldn’t leave the baby with the nanny without a relative around. I must admit my stay in Delft was so awesome. We were seven including the baby. Two boys, me and the nanny, uncle n sister..

The day of my first date I woke up in high spirits. I even refused to eat anything, bragging that I will have a Nandos with my new boyfriend.

As he had promised, the guy came and picked me up. I was dressed to impress. Some heels and a nice dress. Naturally I’m not a fan of heels but that day I did it because I wanted to impress – plus the first date you need to be looking all good, right?.😂😂.

We arrived in Mfuleni where he stayed and we went to his house. Unfortunately we didn’t get inside because he said the landlord is there and he doesn’t want people. We had to wait for the landlord to go out or at least move from the dining room. The Cape Town December sun cooked me whilst I was standing in the road waiting to get inside this guys house.

I stood there in the sun for almost two hours. Thanks to my Geography teacher who used to do the whole double period lesson with us standing outside, not in the sun though. I was now hungry and having a headache, so I told the guy that I’m going back and he suggested that we could go to the park.

We took another taxi then we just drop off in the middle of no where. My legs were happy for the rescue when we were in the taxi but their happiness were cut short because the standing battle resumed.

All in all my first date was a horrible and I vowed not to repeat that again.
I arrived home and everyone was all ears but I wasn’t in the mood. What I can say is I became a laughing stock for two weeks at our house. A lesson learned.

Christmas came and we did a family gathering in Kraaifontein. The place was so spacious and we really enjoyed. I drank that day. I was drinking to my new life in South Africa. To my heartbreak with Chris. To my horrible first date. I’m not a drinker and I can say the results taught me not to drink again.

We welcomed 2018 a new year a new beginning….

—‐‐————————–‐———————————————

More chapters still to come from Pauline..

*Exciting News – a new venture for Pauline*

An exchange on Whats App brought this news to me a couple of days ago….

“…..I’m writing the scripts for a group of dancers in Zimbabwe. They’re so amazing”

“…..how is the film/script going? you were going to tell me more about it…”

“Its about these dancers. I’m still writing. It will be shot in Zimbabwe, and if I happen to be there by the time of filming, I will be the director.”

“I have been editing your chapter 10, but can you tell me more about the film? basic story outline please? thanks”

“Well, the story is about a group of dancers trying to win a competition. I will focus on two protagonists. An alcoholic lady chased from her parents house. A daughter in law trying to be in the competition. I can’t give you any more info right now, but this is what you will find in the movie when it is made.”

That’s all the news Pauline will tell me for now!

I am creating a new page on here to put every chapter of the ‘Outside Zim Borders’ story all in one place for those who wish to read the whole thing.

Ok – as promised in the previous post https://friendsofpakati.com/2020/07/31/from-rural-student-to-international-teacher/ here is an update on our fundraising…and below (pic) is the reason for the donations – see https://friendsofpakati.com/2020-vision-friends-of-pakati-the-project-continues/

Back in January this year, I weighed in at 113.4kg or 17 stones 9lbs – see https://friendsofpakati.com/2020/01/14/day-one-of-the-authors-challenge/ – That was the starting point for me to lose weight, and to try & get people to either donate a fixed sum, or sponsor me according to how much I could lose.

As can be seen from the picture above, I have made it down to 99.3 kg (14.1kg loss) or 15 st 9lbs (2st = 28lbs loss). It is ongoing now until 1st October this year in terms of fundraising. However for my own health and well-being, I do intend to continue for as long as I can.

What this has meant is that some colleagues at my workplace have lived up to their promise to donate once I got to 2st lost! In the last few days therefore a total of £87.00 has been added to our total – to find out how well we are doing, see our Fundraising page at https://friendsofpakati.com/fundraising/

Having spoken to Debbie Chadbon recently, I hear she is planning to do something herself to raise funds for Friends of Pakati. Originally she was set to do a 10km run in Bristol where she lives. Due to the Covid 19 outbreak, it got cancelled. Now I hear she still plans to do a run of some sort, gain local publicity, and hopefully will get sponsorship ftom that. Fingers crossed🤞🤞

How can you help? From the 2020 Vision page mentioned above, it is not just computers that are needed. To provide access to the internet really would open up the students to a modern learning experience. Redecorating the classrooms would enhance the learning environment. Providing furniture and other classroom essentials would improve the students motivation. To support the poorest here really would be lifechanging. Please donate whatever you can, whenever you can and spread the word among your contacts.

http://gofundme.com/friends-of-pakati

or

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/my/settings?flow=cmV0dXJuVXJsPS9teWFjY291bnQvc2V0dGluZ3MmY2FuY2VsVXJsPS9teWFjY291bnQvc2V0dGluZ3M=

Thank you.

Well, where to begin with this story? I think it best to start at home. It is the story of my friend, and a key Friend of Pakati, Mr Bothwell Riside. His family home is very close to Pakati Secondary school as can be seen in the picture below.

Bothwell’s story is one of hardship, hard work, and a determination to succeed in life. It may be difficult to believe some of this tale, but as I have had the privilege to live and work in this community, I can personally vouch for much of it being true. I also had the honour to stay at Bothwell’s family home for a few days last year, an experience I treasure.

It is almost impossible for those who have spent their entire lives in developed countries to understand just what it is like for people in places like Pakati. Those of us who have spent time in such places have gained an invaluable insight into the lives of a rural African community. Let’s hear from him, mostly in Bothwell’s own words, here is at least part of his story….

Tell us how it was growing up and going to school at Pakati:

“I have been through a lot in my life. I have experienced the real abject poverty whereby you will have almost nothing. I know of not having a meal, and the issue of sleeping on an empty stomach. I have experienced decades of going to school barefooted, often with no breakfast, inability to have clothes, growing up without knowing what a tarred road looks like or not knowing any urban electrified area.”

What was it like for you, given your circumstances at the time?

It was never easy when l molded bricks to go to school (to pay for school fees), and did menial jobs to ensure l finished it. But where there is determination God blesses. Where l am today is no reflection of my past. I don’t blame my parents for anything, for giving birth to me and fending for me as what they did was quite enough and l thank them.”

I have contacted others who know Bothwell, and some are willing to give us their memories of him as a young boy. We can hear from Mrs Maenzanise, who taught Bothwell at Pakati Primary school. She is now Head of nearby Mapanga Primary school; she gave a typical teachers answer!

What do you remember about Bothwell back then?

“He was a very inquisitive, competent young boy. He had neat hand writing. and was soft spoken. We often used to send him on office errands.”

Back to Bothwell himself. The man I know is always willing to share his thoughts about his past, and can be said to be a bit of a philosopher….below is something he sent to me recently, calling it ‘Creating an advantage frrom a Disadvantage’:

Tell me what you mean by that, please Bothwell?

“Well ‘Rural life is horrible ‘, some say. ‘Oh, you are an SRB’, l have heard these names calling. SRB is an acronym for strong rural background. Well, today l thought of dedicating my time talking about an advantage in a disadvantage. Growing up in a rural setup like Pakati secondary school may appear a great disadvantage with some students cursing their lives and parents for such. But today l have come to let someone see twinkling light in what seems to be a darkness. There are a lot of advantages in the disadvantages.

Can you expand on that please?

“OK, firstly, Health – Most of the food you eat in rural areas are very healthy to the body. There are plenty of vegetables and both indigenous and exotic fruits. These are good for the provision of vitamins. Research has also indicated that sweet potatoes, which are a common diet in Murewa, are good at preventing cancer. Students in rural areas walk long distances like up to 8km to and from school. The distance walked is enough exercising, so that there is no need to think of an early morning jog, gym or any other facilities. Besides this, working in the fields, looking after cattle, or doing work and sports at school keep one healthy. Ailments will not follow a healthy person.”

Yes I can see that. Anything else?

“Secondly, being focused. Urban setups have a lot of distractions for children. Too many people plus social media can distract a student from learning. Rural students with enough support and motvation may do better than their counterparts.

Furthermore, It is interesting to move and stay in an urban setup from a rural area. And you can troop back to rural areas without being pained again. A rural child in urban areas finds life good, while an urban child in rural areas would curse his or her life. Mostly rural children in urban areas have a rich knowledge of their culture and identity, while an urban grown to child does not know some rural ettiquetes. Urban brought up students may never know what rural areas are.”

Here are other people’s thoughts on Bothwell’s progress from childhood:

“…He so much values Education…it is what has transformed his life”

“Bothwell is in his element in a classroom, whether in a rural setting or an international school, or indeed even online.”

“Bothwell is a well of knowledge. I first met him in the ward 14 group when we were preparing to receive Chris Walker in September 2019. From the onset I saved him as Dr B and upon meeting him, he confirmed his true status as a Dr in education.
He really impressed me with his ability to translate Shona into English and vice versa without any hiccups. You will not miss him with his eloquent speech. Even though he speaks so fluently as if he was raised in the UK you will never mistake his love for Zimbabwe. I have heard about him speak with passion to see this country succeed. I read that he said “I will always maintain my love for this country…. because Zimbabwe deserves to be a great country!”

Here is a quote from him on his Education at Pakati, taken from the Foreword he wrote for the booklets recently to exam students at 5 local schools:

“If there is anything I am forever grateful of it is my being a former student of Pakati Primary and Secondary schools. They have literally equipped me with skills which others do not have….if ever you have a chance to learn, you must utilise it.”

Soon after my visit in 2019 he left Zimbabwe for South East Asia, where he now teaches in an International school. Since the outbreak of the Corona virus, he has like so many teachers the world over, been conducting lessons online.

Still to come on Friends of Pakati:

Fundraising news & updates

The return of Pauline Machengo’s story ‘Outside Zim Borders’, plus news of Pauline’s other work..

Updates on Pakati schools under renewed lockdown

Below is a remarkable story, sent to me by one of my own former students, Lorraine Mapuranga, who I remember and know well. She may already be familiar to readers as she has contributed to this blog previously several times. I will add my own thoughts from my own memories of her further down. Please read on…

“Good day Mr Walker. Hope you are fine and staying safe there. Let me share my story from childhood. I am proud to be one of the typical village girls, it best describes myself. No-one can ever tell me what life in a village looks like because I was born in Chidawaya village, I grew up there, went to school in the area, and only left the village life when I was 21…Since then I have lived and worked in cities like Harare and Johannesburg.

Growing up in a family where we were only girls was quite challenging for me. All the duties which in other families are done by boys, but for us we had no choice. The worst of the duties that I hated most then was herding cattle when it’s raining. Growing up as a girl, I learnt a lot of things at a very tender age. Tilling the land, cleaning the home, washing laundry and dishes (all by hand) were just some of the duties which we had to learn.

When I started going to school it was quite far, as I did my Primary at Chanetsa. Imagine a 7 year old walking for more than 8km to and from school..but that was then. I only got to know why it was good then to learn life the good way and the hard way because you never know what package life has to offer. I moved to high school at Chidiya Secondary for Form 1, then went to Pakati Secondary school for Form 2 to Form 4. I’m happy that I had a taste of different schools and different experiences of life.

I remember coming to Pakati in 1990 and how I was scared of the Headmaster then Mr Samakomva, after being told by fellow students that he was a no nonsense taker. Also for me the first days were so difficult because me and corporal punishment were enemies… I was scared of being beaten, though this kind of punishment was seen as somehow reformative. If I was late for school I would really think of a plan such that I would never be seen by ‘Dread’ (Mr Samakomva as we used to call him cos of his dread locks). I got to know what he did not like, and luckily I was never called to his office for discipline.

I also met my new teachers, some among them I’m still in touch with, such as Mr Nyamauya, Mr Walker and Miss Chadbon. It was not difficult for me as a new student then since I joined my mates from Grade 7 at Chanetsa Primary. I had parted ways with them at Form1, but also met them again, and others from the local community.

I would like to believe things change with time. We used to make our lunches from home and at school we did not do it a one man game at lunch We could gather like 3 or 4 pupils then share whatever we had mostly fruits in season like mangoes, guavas, peaches, mazhanje (a common wild fruit) and some cooked grains from the fields. I want to believe this has been happening even after I left the school. However I believe it’s likely to change now when schools finally re-open due to the new lifestyle that comes with covid19. No more sharing of anything…

During my time at school, wearing of school uniforms was not a prerequisite as you can see in some of the pictures..not that it was not mandatory but I think it is because teachers understood the difficult times we were living in… But I think it would have been better if the rule to all wear uniforms was strict, because the way we dressed then exposed our poverty to others and contributed to loss of confidence. I really liked the way I see the current students in their blue uniforms and black shoes. Well done to the parents for cooperating with teachers on being strict on this.

At school we had time for study after lunch hour and as well I used to study at home on weekends. I remember finding my private place to study when I’m home. I used to go at a nearby hill around our field where it was quiet and away from home to avoid noise. It was cool and refreshing there. I’m also glad that the school now has electricity and computers. If Wi-Fi becomes available to the school then all the better, since this will help students to study online – especially now during the trying times of covid 19.

The best times I have enjoyed life were at school..When you are at school no matter what the circumstances those are the best days!!! I got to learn a lot and seeing myself grow from childhood into adulthood. I liked athletics and volley ball at school. Mixing with other students and teachers was great too. I would like to see some improvements on availability of furniture and stationery at the school. I know how difficult it was then to share 4 textbooks in a class of 40. More stationery means better ways of studying and passing exams which is the core aim of any school That will make life better for the learner.

Thanks to the teamwork between VaTonatsa Foundation and Friends of Pakati, for a resourceful crisis management plan to provide exam study packs for the schools. Applause👏🏽 to all the parties involved. Well done too to the community leaders for being part of the school projects. Just wishing all the students to work hard and appreciate the extra mile that these philanthropic organisations have done.”

I asked Miss Chadbon for her comnents, about how she remembered Lorraine from her time teaching at Pakati Secondary school. Here is what she had to say in reply:

“Hi Chris. I’m well thanks – how about you? Here are a few comments about her: ‘Lorraine was a lively, very friendly student who was enthusiastic and hard working. She made the most of opportunities and I remember thinking she would do well, which has proved to be the case. Lorraine helped me to understand the life of local Zimbabweans and I remember having some very interesting chats with her after school. It has been great to be back in touch with her after all these years and rekindle our friendship’.”

For myself, I remember a bright and inquisitive student who was always quick to laugh. Also very eager to learn about many things be they academic or not. It has been a real pleasure for me to be re-connected with her after so long, to see her and meet her family and friends last year. She is transformed from the rural schoolgirl I first met in 1990, into a working mother living in Johannesburg, South Africa, still deeply proud of, and rooted in, her rural background.

Well…This story has really taken me back to my time at Pakati 30 years ago! I have been remeniscing in 2 phone calls just yesterday, first with Debbie Chadbon, then later with Lorraine herself. It is clear we all have an enduring friendship from a shared experience, and all three of us have some amazing memories from the time when our lives overlapped at Pakati.

Here is a summary of what is going on with Friends of Pakati at present:

Fundraising

Currently our funds are quite low after https://friendsofpakati.com/2020/07/11/joint-venture-back-story-and-responses/ (please see https://friendsofpakati.com/fundraising/ for full details). If anyone reading this can help, or pass this on to someone else who can donate, please do. In order for us to fulfil our objectives we will need further injections of money from generous-feeling Friends of Pakati!

I am hoping to have some good news soon on a donation from a friend of mine – watch this space!

Fundraising activities maybe limited, but we are open 24/7 for anyone willing to give any amount to us. Here is how you can donate: http://gofundme.com/friends-of-pakati or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/my/settings?flow=cmV0dXJuVXJsPS9teWFjY291bnQvc2V0dGluZ3MmY2FuY2VsVXJsPS9teWFjY291bnQvc2V0dGluZ3M= Thank you to any and all who offer what they can.

Computers

The company who donated a number of items last year, the Stephenson Group from Horsforth in Leeds, have promised even more for our next shipment. After speaking to IT manager Stuart Pine earlier today, they have at least 13 PC’s available for us, possibly a few more. We still don’t know when we will be sending them to Zimbabwe yet, either April/May or Sept/Oct in 2021 are possible.

Charitable Trust

So far we have had two people actually accepted an invitation to become Trustees. I have had confirmations from both Stuart Pine – see above – and my fellow former teacher at Pakati Secondary school, Debbie Chadbon. I have contacted others and am waiting for their responses, plus a couple more to contact and discuss it with. I think 5 would be the optimum number at this time. Naturally, I myself will also be one of them. I am using a combination of websites for advice, including the government’s HMRC, and one called http://charitysetup.org.uk . However it is not a straightforward process and will take some time to complete.

Promotion

Following consultations with various stakeholders in Friends of Pakati, some limited promotional adverts will be added on facebook and possibly twitter to try and increase/generate more interest in us, and hopefully more traffic to the website. Keep an eye out in the next week or two…

Stories

I have a number of items in the pipeline, including the following: New chapters from Pauline Machengo’s longer tale of life in South Africa, more former Pakati students tell their stories, plus an update or two from more regular contributors. All this on top of the fundraising, IT and charity updates to come!

The stories were due to include the phased re-opening of schools across Zimbabwe, starting with exam classes this coming week. However, due to a sudden unexpected spike in Covid 19 cases, that has now been put on hold until further notice. No word so far on what will happen to those exams which were planned for this year.

Invitation

I am inviting new contributions from any who read this blog! Are you following us? Are you a former student or teacher of either Pakati Primary or Secondary school? Would you like to tell your story? Do you have any comments or suggestions to make? What would you like to see on the blog? Do you have any ideas on more fundraising activities? Can you help spread the word using your contacts on social media? Tell us what you think, ask any questions, about ANYthing you see on here. Please do let us know your thoughts. Contacts as follows: friendsofpakati@gmail.com http://twitter.com/friendsofpakati http://facebook.com/Friends-of-pakati

I have recently had contact from Fatimah Baye, a former student of both Pakati schools. The surname was familiar to me, as I do remember at least two students from my time at the Secondary school in 1989. James Baye and Rita Baye were both in the Form 3 class I taught that year, and according to Fatimah, they are indeed relatives of hers. Sadly, I heard only last year that Rita passed away some time ago. I understand that James is living in Harare, and I am hoping to make contact with him soon.

Here is Fatimah’s story….starting at the Primary school

“I’m from Chinhoyi village (not far from Pakati Primary school), and I started learning at Pakati Primary in 2007 when I was in grade 5. During that time Mr Mushangwe was the Head, unfortunately now he is no longer with us. I was taught by Mr Maruhla, Mr Kupara and Mr Jury, and they helped me a lot. At Pakati I enjoyed being in the school music choir, and I enjoyed playing volleyball games. I still remember when I was in grade 7 in 2009 we reached the District level playing volleyball and I was among the selected members.

Next stop…Secondary school

Then in 2010 I started my education at Pakati Secondary school, where I also enjoyed playing volleyball. I was taught by many teachers there, including Mr Chifaka (the current Head), Mrs Katonha, Mr Chizenya, Mr Magabaza, Mrs Vanhuvaone, not forgetting my Fashion and Fabrics teacher, Mrs Mwaashidzana.

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Being at Pakati was very exciting for me, as I learnt a lot of things there. The thing I liked the most at Pakati is that in my year, I was the the only one who passed Fashion and Fabrics. I think it was just that I liked the subject very much, so I used much of my time doing that which I enjoyed most.

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The most funny moments I still remember is that when we were at school school during lunchtime I and my 3 friends we would ask anyone we knew with their garden nearer to the school, and we then went to garden to eat some mangoes, guavas and sugarcane. Then one other day my friends decided to go by themselves after lunch, and the owner of the garden came to school scolding them and she reported to the head that they were stealing her guavas and stepping on her maize. Those friends of mine were embarrassed in front of the whole school, lucky enough for me I wasn’t among them that day😁.

The other thing is that during the general work time I and my friends we would go and hide in the fashion block sewing our garments while others are working….

What next…?

I completed my ordinary level at Pakati in 2013, and I attained 8 subjects. I went to a teachers college in 2017, and I completed last year in November. Now am looking for a job. I am not yet married, but am at home in Chitungwuza (a large suburb on the edge of Harare) waiting for deployment to a school. That, so far, is my story.”

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Other news…

Many thanks to Fatimah for sharing her story with us! We do have at least one other story in the pipeline. In addiition, the next Chapters in Pauline Machengo’s tales of life in Cape Town, South Africa are coming soon. Schools across Zimbabwe are beginning to prepare for return to classes under new Covid-19 rules for PPE, hygene and social distancing to keep staff and students safe. As I get information from the 2 Pakati schools, I will update on here as usual.

The main reasons for setting up Friends of Pakati have not changed. However this year’s vision has further developed our aims to help their students. In order to do that, to meet those aims, we need more funds. If you or anyone you know can help us, please donate at http://gofundme.com/friends-of-pakati or using our PayPal link https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/my/settings?flow=cmV0dXJuVXJsPS9teWFjY291bnQvc2V0dGluZ3MmY2FuY2VsVXJsPS9teWFjY291bnQvc2V0dGluZ3M= both links are also on our Fundraising page – https://friendsofpakati.com/fundraising/ Thank you👍

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So going from the end of this recent post… http://friendsofpakati.com/2020/07/07/pakati-memories-part-2-sports-entertainment-and-so-much-more/ …..after the ‘promotion’ to Acting Head, the first thing I had to do was notify the staff. I have to be honest here, not everyone was happy about it. There was a scene of sorts at an assembly one day, where one staff member seemed somewhat upset…I will not name him…but for my part, I had simply made sure he got the transfer he had requested, and he left soon after.

One of the newest staff at the school (in those days the turnover was quite high) was a young man named Owen Veremu. He was a new University of Zimbabwe (UZ) graduate, which at the time, made him the next highest qualified teacher after myself. The turnover of staff had left me with little alternative than to make him my deputy, with the idea of training him up to take over as I was due to leave for home in September that year. I was particularly honoured that his family invited me as their guest at his Graduation in Harare.

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It was a very interesting time for me, learning the ropes and passing it all straight on to Mr Veremu so he could step straight into the role when I left. I got good advice from Mr Rugoyi, then Head at Pakati Primary, plus from the staffing office in Murewa, as well as the Ministry Of Education at the provincial Headquarters in Marondera.

We arranged an inspection so that we knew what needed doing, and using the school fees generated, bought things such as new desks, books, Science gear and football kits. While in the UK over Christmas and New Year, I had bought some felt-tip coloured markers, and ended up using them when creating the timetable, colour-coding each teacher!

Chasing school fees became an issue…the Secondary schools have to charge fees to help fund the necessities like books, desks, equipment, also building materials and schools sports gear. My predecessor had chased students away from school if they had not paid, and I followed suit. It wasn’t always successful, as some would wait until the Head had gone round class to class, then sneak in/back in! I understand it didn’t make me popular with everyone either… I don’t know if that still happens today.

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I had my first parents meeting/AGM during that first term. I was very nervous as I went through the accounts in some detail, with Mr Veremu doing the tranlsations. I should not have wrorried, as the parents said they had not seen any of this before! The 9.30am meeting kind of started around 1pm, as we waited for many to turn up after tending their fields. The community is predominently one of subsistence farming, and this was a busy time of year for them. They backed everything we asked them to, and I was glad of the obvious support we were getting.

My time as a staff member came to an end at the end of August officially, during the school holidays. Myself and Maxine Ison celebrated our time at Pakati ending firstly with a presentation from the students, and I dont mind admitting it brought tears to my eyes. Even now, looking back, I do feel a bit emotional as I remember how I could hardly speak at that time – it was a real wrench to leave the school. We then had a wonderful party at Taluu stores, plenty of food and dink and chatting and laughter and some sadness, but an extraordinary adventure for me was almost at an end.

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As Acting Head, I decided to stay around and ran some extra lessons for exam classes. Teachers took turns in being around for one week out of the four, but I was waiting for my parents to come from the UK for their second trip. (I also had to see the Ministry officials in Harare as I was owed an extra allowance for being Acting Head. They paid it just before my parents arrived, so I could enjoy my holiday.)

During this time at school, I first met Vee, who became Mrs Walker & moved to the UK. She had relatives in the area including younger cousins who were pupils at Pakati. We married locally in Marondera in 1992, then formally in the UK in 1993. There is a little more further down this post about our children too.

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Shortly before I left Pakati, new VSO volnteers had already arrived in Zimbabwe. The Field Director decided it would be a good idea that, as part of their induction, they should visit a volunteer placement not too far ftom Harare, and he chose Pakati. Part of the reason for that was that two of the new volunteers were to be placed there. They were Jayne Beattie, and Debbie Chadbon. We visited a nearby homestead (Mr Madziva & family kindly hosted us) for a meal. After travelling in Zimbabwe with my parents – more on this below – I paid one last visit to the school, to see how Jayne & Debbie were getting on, before flying home the the UK, where I had enrolled on a Masters degree to start in October.

One interesting aside – volunteers usually had an employer reference written for VSO by their line manager. Usually this would be done by…the Head. So, as I was the Head, effectively I wrote my own reference…..(under VSO guidance of course)!

So far we have searched for and failed to find either Jayne Beattie or Maxine Ison to ask them about their experiences at Pakati. The same is not true of Debbie Chadbon, found by our friend Bothwell Riside, and so we are delighted to say she has become increasingly involved with Friends of Pakati. Debbie did send me an email soon after which turned into this post http://friendsofpakati.com/2019/11/16/saturday-star-a-blast-from-the-past/ in November last year. Now she is promising more about her own personal experience to post on here along with more pictures. Can’t wait!👍

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My parents paid a second visit to Zimbabwe in September 1991, and we travelled around the country again, during a time when it was a very popular tourist destination. We visited Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and the Eastern Highlands, around Nyanga. In 1990 we also managed Mutare, Bulawayo and Great Zimbabwe as well as taking them to Pakati to see where I lived and worked. Below are just a few pictures from my numerous travels around the country.

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What next? Well as I mentioned above, I went back to University, this time in Leeds, to study for an MA in Development Studies. After Vee came to join me in 1993, I was working to earn a living for us both. An opportunity then came up in 1995 to teach again. In Africa. I was interviewed by a 3-person panel, one of who turned out to have been a VSO volunteer in Zimbabwe! The job was in Francistown, Botswana, allowing us to travel to Zimbabwe to see Vee’s family fairly often. I worked again as a Maths teacher from May 1995 to December 1997, at Mater Spei College in Francistown, not far from the border with Zimbabwe. The first pic below is taken in Francistown, where our first child Masimba (who was born in Zimbabwe in 1996) was about 5 months old. I am definitely blessed to be the proud father of our two sons, Masimba is now aged 24, and Daniel is 18. Both are heavily involved in technology, one is working in IT, the other going to University soon to study Audio Engineering. Both share a love of music.

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Since returning from Botswana in December 1997, I have taught in the UK for a total of 2 years, worked for VSO doing recruitment campaigns and events for over 4 years, and for the last 15 years I have been a Civil Servant in Bradford. Since September 2018 I have been so happy to have become involved again with Pakati schools and the local community, and will continue this association as long as I am able.

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I have revisited Zimbabwe in 2018 and 2019, and spent time at the schools. Above are just a few of my pictures ftom them both. Delivering the computers last year was a genuinely wonderful experience, days I will never forget as long as I live.

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One final sunset picture, taken very close to Pakati Secondary school, September 2019.

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On May 28th this year, I posted this message here on the blog: http://friendsofpakati.com/2020/05/28/friends-of-pakati-and-vatonatsa-foundation-working-together-to-help-students-in-3-rural-schools/ marking the formal agreement to enter into a joint initiative to help exam students at 2 Primary schools (Pakati and Mapanga) and one Secondary school (Pakati). Following further discussions with those 3 schools, Councillor Israel Maliki of Ward 14 in Murewa where these schools are situated, VaTonatsa Foundation, and other key supporters of Friends of Pakati, we added the other 2 schools in the Ward, Chanetsa Primary and Secondary – see http://friendsofpakati.com/2020/06/04/friends-of-pakati-and-vatonatsa-foundation-welcome-chanetsa-schools-on-board/ for more details.

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The overall view from all the people involved, and from the local communities, is very positive indeed. We feel vindicated in our efforts, and think that it has been well worth all the hard work. The feedback from the schools and others tells us all we need to know, some of it is shown further down this blog.

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In view of this new collaboration, Friends of Pakati felt the need to boost its limited finances, and requested donations to help us contribute significantly to the venture. As a result, we added £300 from those generous enough to donate. Key to this was Roj Rahman of Mortz Property Service in Scunthorpe (the Author’s home town), and fellow former teacher at Pakati (also ex-VSO) Debbie Chadbon.

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Below is Roj’s reasoning for giving to Friends of Pakati, for which we are most grateful as we may not have been able to help quite as much without it:

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be involved and make a contribution to a very worthy cause.
Knowledge is power and to help the next generation move forward to achieve peace, prosperity and progress is through education.
I wish you and Friends of Pakati and VaTonatsa Foundation to continue the excellent work and wish you all the best of health and continued success.
Roj Rahman
Mortz Property Services”

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Following these donations, Friends of Pakati has sent US$500 to VaTonatsa as we agreed to split the cost of the production of the booklets for the 5 schools. See below the pictures of the recent delivery to the Primary schools and read about it here: http://friendsofpakati.com/2020/06/21/delivery-of-the-primary-booklets/

See more about Pakati Secondary school here http://friendsofpakati.com/pakati-secondary-school/

This is how our agreement has worked out – 159 students at Pakati Primary, Pakati Secondary and Chanetsa Secondary school students are covered by Friends of Pakati, while 115 students at Mapanga and Chanetsa Primary schools are covered by VaTonatsa Foundation. The split of US$500 : US$302 is not far from a fair reflection according to the 159 : 115 student split.

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I am now delighted to have posted the report on completion of this joint venture http://friendsofpakati.com/2020/07/05/final-delivery-of-booklets-pakati-and-chanetsa-secondary-schools/ with the production of booklets for the 2 Secondary schools, and delivery on Saturday 4th July 2020.

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Delivery at Pakati and Chanetsa Secondary schools is shown below:

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From the very beginning of this joint venture, Friends of Pakati and VaTonatsa Foundation have worked tirelessly together to bring it to fruition. We have collaborated with ideas, and with money, but definitely with a co-operative spirit that has been refreshing. The successful outcome has been entirely due to this co-operation. I think it is right that we include as many of the names as we can of those behind the initiative, from start to end.

For VaTonatsa Foundation, it has included Vari Marez, Yvonne Ncube-Zulu, Chiedza Manhera and Celia, all pictured. Also making notable contributions are Tashinga Muyengwa and Mildred, but there may be others too I am not aware of. I have to say I admire their work ethic in getting everything organised locally to produce and deliver it all to the 5 schools.

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For the Schools, Mr Mugove, Mr Mahachi, Mr Mawedze, Mr Kadzimu and Mrs Maenzanise/Mr Vhuso. I would also like to thank all of the teachers at the various schools, whether I know them or not, for the incredible work they do to educate their students, in addition the School Development Committees and backroom staff who are also vital in supporting the learning environment.

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From Murewa Rural District Council, thank you for approving the dustribution of the booklets, Dr Gurajena and of course, local councillor for Murewa Ward 14, Alderman Israel Maliki.

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Last but not least, Friends of Pakati. Started by myself, but the inspiration to continue and to develop it comes from regular contributors and correspondents, such as former students Bothwell Riside and Lorraine Mapuranga in particular, both of whom I know very well personally. These have also more recently been added to I am delighted to say by another former teacher, Debbie Chadbon.

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Here are some of the comments we have recently received about this joint initiative:

Mrs Maenzanise, Head of Mapanga Primary sent me this messsge: “Hello my friend Chris. Thanks so much for bringing our area to greatest height. Our learners have been introduced to a new thing in their lives. Revising while at home with the help of relatives and friends during the covid period. We really appreciate your love and help for them to excel in their school work. The material will go a long way. At our school almost three quarters have collected to date. Only a few who live far will collect this coming week. Thanks to all others behind the scenes. Be blessed”

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From Mr Mawedze, Head of Chanetsa Secondary school: “Hello Mr Walker. Chanetsa Secondary are greatly appreciating the great effort you made to suport our form 4 learners with these booklets Our teachers and learners work is going to be that much easier. May God bless you sir. I am going to send you photos we were taking to witness this wonderful occasion.”

From social media:

William Elias said “May God bless you more……we thank you for your response.”

Antony Munyaradzi Chafa: “You’re doing a very good work for my community, I really appreciate everything.”

Thonsi: “This good deed will go far and wide in building the community and changing lives. Thank you Vatonatsa and Friends of Pakati.”

From Vari Mayez herself: “

On behalf of VaTonatsa I want to say thank you to Alderman Maliki for unifying and supporting us.
I want to thank Mr Walker and your team like Lorraine, Bothwell etc. I thank all the teachers in the ward who made this a success, our leaders in the community, the Village heads allowing us to come in, and the parents represented by all SDC members, thank you. May this love live on!

Tinotenda chose wose munhu ane chekuita nebasa iri totenda wose munhu akatsigira. Rudo urwu ngaruwedzere.”

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Efforts like this are invaluable to the students, and many more will benefit from them in the future. They are free to the schools, as VaTonatsa Foundation and Friends of Pakati have themselves paid the approximate cost of US$800 in total between us. We have done so by raising funds (see above) and for us at Friends of Pakati, our meagre resources have now reduced significantly in spite of the recent donations. We now have less than £190 in the bank, so before we can do much more we will need further injections of money. They can be in small sums or large, from individuals or groups or businesses, we don’t mind. Please do give if you can, wherever in the world you are, so we can continue to help. Thanks to all of you who give via http:gofundme.com/friends-of-pakati or use the paypal links on the side and at the foot of this blog.