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Here is a collection of some earlier posts about my thoughts on the responses from people from the Pakati area, former students & staff among them.

1- It is heart-warming…..

…to me to start getting messages from the community in and around the Pakati area. I am getting a tremendous response from ex-Pakati students, some of whom are from the time I worked there. I will put togetherIt is heart-warming….. some of the things being said, and post them on here another day.

One particular person who has contacted me has been the former Deputy Head when I first joined the staff at Pakati, My Martin Nyamauya. It was Martin who I met on my first day, and he helped me settle in quickly, showing me around the school and the area, introducing me to people I needed to know. I have always remembered the kindness he showed me then and on many other occasions.

A former student, though not of my time, who is still active in supporting the school has also been messaging me, giving support & encouragement; Doc Bothwell Riside. Been saying some good things about the project.

To those who knew me either as their Maths teacher, Headmaster, or even both, and also any former colleagues, please do keep messaging me, and please pass the links on to others who may know the school – all links can be found by clicking on the ‘Important Links’ at the head of tge Home page. A former student, though not of my time, who is still active in supporting the school has also been messaging me, giving support & encouragement; Doc Bothwell Riside. He has been saying some good things about the project.

It is truly heartwarming to read what has been said about the school, staff who have worked there over the years, and about myself. I really appreciate your kind words, and I feel as humbled now as I did when I was there 30 years ago. Thank you.

2 – I had no idea….

…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.

3 – I had no idea part 2…

….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)

“Thanks very much for your effort” (Isdore Chatereza)

Here is a second chance to read about my favourite question, and some other stories too.

Every now and then I think back to my time at Pakati & remember something that happened, someone I met, somewhere I went, something I heard, smelled, tasted, or tried for the first time. Here are a few of the small things which struck me for some reason or another.

One day not long after arriving, I was accompanying Mr Samakomva somewhere, and so early in the morning we walked from the school to the bus stop known as ‘pachuru’ (anthill), about 20-25 minutes walk. As we walked past a number of family homes along well-trodden paths, I heard a distant voice & Mr Samakomva replying. The voice came closer, another reply, and evetually the two met & passed without stopping. Their conversation continued until out of range, and maybe took several minutes as the clear morning air carries sounds well. It turns out they were just saying ‘hello’! The first time I really understood the importance of greeting in Shona culture…

There are balancing rocks all over Zimbabwe, and plenty in the area around the Pakati schools. They are sculpted by wind and rain over thousands of years.

Before I came to Zimbabwe I had a taste of the local music scene back in Bradford. There was an annual Festival, lots of different bands from a ross the world. I watched The Real Sounds of Africa who impressed me with a great full sound, lots of rythym, and they clearly enjoyed playing their music. I was in Harare with some felow VSO volunteers & saw a poster advertising for the same band, at the Kamfinsa Hotel (now closed?). They were amazing, and after the 2 hour show in Bradford, I then learned that it’s different in Zim…they played all night! I became a regular wherever they played – Jobs Nitespot, Mushandira Pamwe, Club Hideout or where I most saw them, 7 Miles Hotel. I became friends with several of the band. All except one were from Zaire (now DRC) but had married Zimbabweans & settled. I still listen to them via YouTube.

My first taste of sadza was soon after we arrived in Zimbabwe, at a training centre in the north of Harare, and I instantly took to it. It was at Pakati I had Kapenta (similar to anchovies) for the first time, cooked by my colleagues & housemates (George Mutatapasi & Regis Chriape – where are they now?). I had locally grown greens, tomatoes, onions, potatoes all fresh, eggs & chickens also locally produced. A butcher from Musami occasionally cycled over selling beef from a cool box. I ate as well there as I have anywhere in the world.

In Musami I tried Chibuku (a local maize-based beer) for the first time, declined roast mice (too burned, I wasn’t drunk enough!), discovered the Mombeyarara bar had the coldest beer & was the only one selling Zambezi…I played darts in Musami, and occasionally walked there & back from school.

At Chigwada I met Thomas Gombera, owner of the Hamamaoko store, and his wife. Also several local farmers, teachers from other schools, and my own colleagues met there regularly as it was the nearest store in 1989. I had a birthday party there at least once with two other serving VSO volunteers who were working in Tanzania at the time. The hill where some old rock paintings can be found overlooks Chigwada, and I took several visitors there. Many good memories

To get to Chigwada was a 40 minute walk. 30 minutes to get to the dirt road, then walk along it, round a curve in the road, before walking towards the store past the grinding mill. At the apex to the curve there was a homestead and one day as I walked past, I was asked the best question anyone has ever asked me. I heard a voice of a small child, a young girl of maybe 5 or 6 years old, and as she ran from her home to the gate to greet me, she said at the top of her voice:

‘Why are you?’

To this day I am unable to answer. But I did respond after a short stunned silence:

‘I am fine and how are you?’

She ran off clearly delighted, laughing all the way back to her home.

Hi! My name is Matthew Marimo. I was born in 1976, at St Paul’s Hospital in Musami, in the District of Murewa.

I did my Primary education at Chanetsa Primary School from 1983 to 1989, not far from Pakati school.

I attended Pakati Secondary school from 1990 to 1993, but did not actually complete Form 4 at that time. I returned to the school in 1996 and wrote my ‘O’ Levels in 1997. I have not done any further studies since then.

My favourite subjects were English, Science Geography & commerce. The teachers I can remember the most were Miss Beattie, Miss Chadbon, Mr Veremu and Mr Sidhuna.

In 2002 I joined the Zimbabwe Prison Service ( ZPS), and I am still there now. I live in Goromonzi District, and this is where I met my wife, with whom I have 4 children now.

We have a new Saturdsy Star lined up for tomorrow – a gentlemam called Matthew Marimo. Looking forward to telling you about the latest former Pakati student profile!

Today I added another £120 to the http://gofundme.com/friends-of-pakati from recent sales of football shirts.

This means we have now passed the total of £1000 !!! Fantastic news !!! Many thanks to all contributors – would be great to get to the £2000 mark if we can…

Many thanks also to Simon who is continuing to sell more shirts online via ebay for us. He has provided more contacts for me to try & acquire more sports shirts to sell.

More tales from the author….

After accepting my new role as Acting Head, I found a number of things needed dealing with….Visit to the Staffing office once more to explain which teachers we were short of….duly rectified with new arrivals later that week.

Timetabling…I finally got to use the coloured felt-tip pens I had bought in the UK. Prefects….I had discussions with the staff on Head Boy & Girl plus prefects. An agreement was reached after an hour or so.

Parents meeting organised…not like ones in the UK. It is a day – long community event. Setting a 9.00 start time was largely irrelevant, as they turned up after finishing their work in the fields for the morning. I, along with the then Deputy Mr Veremu (who later replaced me as Head in 1991), introduced ourselves, discussed many things including the school finances, & plans to buy the books & desks so desparately needed. They went home mid-afternoon, seemingly satisfied with the meeting.

A visit to the Provincial offices in Marondera to see the Ministry of Education officials about getting equipment for the school, and asking for an inspection to make sure the school was complying with regulations.

So, after setting these things in motion, one day I was waiting for a bus, at the stop by the school sign board, to take me to Harare for the day. After a while, a couple of members of the family who lived close to the stop approached me with the usual greetings – which can take a while – but said something else along with it. I asked them to please explain as I hadn’t understood. They said ‘now we call you ‘Gushungo’, it is your totem now. (Yes I now know who esle has that totem…it wasn’t an issue back then!). They went on to say it is because of: you are the Headmaster of our school, you always use our bus stop, plus you made our children Head boy & Head girl, so you must be one of us! You are Gushungo now!

It is only years later that I (only slightly) understood the significance of it, what an honour it was to have bestowed on me. It meant I was well & truly accepted by the community. Even now I dont really understand all of the meanings, or rights or responsibilities it may have brought (so if you do know, please explain as much as you can!), but safe to say I am still delighted by it. So thank you to the Njenje family. I haven’t forgotten.

A unique opportunity came my way…read on..

Life at Pakati had settled down to a gentle pace by 1990, and after 2 years I decided to take a trip home. Flights were paid for by VSO, along with an extra allowance for extending my contract to the end of August 1991. The intention was to study for a Masters to start in October that year.

I went home to spend time with family at Christmas in Scunthorpe, followed by New Year with friends in Bradford. At times the contrast between my life in England and my life in Zimbabwe was remarkable, but at the beginning of January 1991 I could not wait to return to Pakati.

On my return to the school, I learned that Mr Samakomva, the Headmaster, had fallen ill and was unlikely to return. After going to the Primary school to consult with Mr Rugoyi (their Head) about the situation and to get the key for the schools post box in nearby Murehwa (2 bus rides away). He suggested I visit the Ministry of Education staffing offices there.

I talked at length to the Staffing Officer about the school, and he promised me he would sort things out for us. I set off back, and made my way to Musami, a small township a few kilometres from Pakati. I went to a local store which had a cafe, ordered some sadza ne nyama and waited for the bus back to Pakati, due around an hour later.

While I was waiting, talking to a friend in Musami, a woman came up to me and said to me ‘Are you Mr Walker? I said yes, I am. She then handed me a letter, introducing her as a new teacher at the school, but it was addressed to:

Mr C Walker

Acting Head

Pakati Secondary School

Murehwa

Carrying the signature of the Staffing Officer I had spoken to less than 2 hours before….

From Newly Qualified Teacher to Head teacher in 2 years was quite a surprise to me that day to say the least!

More of my recollections from Pakati 30 years ago…

Continuing on from my previous story about a non-existent light switch, and having read through all of the early posts on the blog, I thought I would tell another little story about my time at Pakati.

A 40 minute walk from the school is a small township called Chigwada. In 1989 it was little more than a single store, Hamamaoko Stores, owned & run by Thomas Gombera and his wife. About 10 minutes further is a low sloping hill, with an overhang above a cave, from where you can look right aucross the area. At the back of the cave are some rock paintings dating back around 1500 years.

I went to see the rock paintings one day, a bit of a clamber, but a slip on my way down meant I had to struggle getting home with what was a twisted knee. Next day a Monday, I could barely move so stayed in my bed. In the house I shared with 2 local teachers, the lady who had the room next to mine came out, walked into the kitchen area & as she went out of the kitchen door, spotted a snake in tbe corner. She ran out screaming ‘Nyoka, nyoka’, banged on my window shouting Chris, can you get rid of the snake (nyoka)…difficult as I couldn’t move!

In the end, two other colleagues came into the kitchen area with long sticks, and got it out of the house. As it had probably followed some prey into the house, it was considered the snake would return, so sadly had to destroy it. They later identified it as a Black Mamba, one of the most dangerous snakes in Africa…

I have some very vivid memories of life at Pakati…some of the teacher profiles further down in this blog hint at life there 30 years ago. For me it was all new to begin with, but as I got used to the area I explored more & more.

I lived up to my name – Walker – more than at any other time of my life. To get to the bus stops took between 25 & 30 minutes, to get to the nearset store took 40 minutes. To walk to Musami between 1 hour 20 & 2 hours depending on how high the river was. I walked a lot back then!

I wrote & recieved letters from home & friends as regularly as possible, turn around was about 2 weeks. My brother subscribed to the Guardian Weekly for me. I had a radio & cassette player & a torch. I had a solar powered battery charger. I explained in letters about how little water you need for showering when you have to hand-pump it & carry it 50 metres yourself…but with the (shared) house provided, no electricity & no running water meant no bills! Got to take a positive view.

I shared a house with two Zimbabwean teachers & we took turns in cooking, relying mostly on localy produced food & tinned goods. Fresh produce like eggs, chickens & vegetables were brought to the teachers to buy, from local farmers like Mr Masawi, an old friend of mine who I met again recently.

One thing I remember early on, I had been there a few weeks so thought I was used to it all. It got cloudy & very dark as the rain was about to fall. I quickly walked to the classroom I was due to teach in, and the instinct of reaching for a light switch took over without thinking….the students looked at me as if to say ‘what is he doing’? No electricity, no light switch….

Some of my earliest memories.

The then Headmaster of Pakati Secondary School, Mr Samakomva, made a request to VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas, an international development charity from the UK) as he thought they needed a qualified Maths teacher, and Zimbabwe was not producing sufficient numbers of teachers to staff the rapidly expanding education sector.

I had applied to VSO in 1988 as a newly qualified teacher, an idea planted in my head by (coincidentally) a Zimbabwean friend and his family. Having been accepted & then posted there, I arrived at the school on a Saturday, before starting work as a teacher at Pakati on Monday 16th January, 1989. I was met first by the Deputy, Mr Nyamauya, then on the Sunday, by the Head & other staff.

I had basic household equipment & some food to get by on, but it was daunting to say the least….new job, new country, new language, new culture, new sights, sounds, tastes & smells, new ways of doing everything. No electricity & no running water…plus heat, mosquitoes, difficulty in getting around. Much to learn but a challenge for me. But…it was me who put myself in that position so I just had to deal with it, no matter how different things would be.

To be honest, the first few days were a bit of a blur, as the Head took me round the various Ministry of Education offices in Murehwa (District), Marondera (Provincial) & Harare (National). I did start to settle as I started to teach, getting used to how people spoke – and them getting used to understanding how I spoke too.

In my first term, initially I couldn’t wait to get back to the city – Harare – for the modern conveniences. By the end of that term I couldn’t wait to get back to the school if I was away for any reason. I had learned to love the place, I felt settled. It is a place where I was made so welcome by all, and I still feel the same to this day 30 years later.