By Staff Reporter
THE United Arab Emirates (UAE) has donated bicycles, furniture and other accessories to two schools in Hwange District of Matabeleland North province.
The donation, handed over this Saturday at Matetsi Secondary Schools and Chinotimba Primary, is part of a larger consignment donated to the First Lady, Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, for distribution to underserved communities.
More than 200 bicycles were handed to Matetsi Secondary, while over 300 sets of chairs and tables, 10 writing boards, and a television set were handed over to Chinotimba Primary school in Victoria Falls.
“We used to travel long distances every day to and from school. This gave us very little time to focus on our studies. But now, with these bicycles, we can dedicate more time to schoolwork. Life wasn’t easy, travelling long distances. This furniture is a real game-changer for us. I would like to thank the UAE for being pillars of support and catalysts for change. This equipment will help us go a long way in our learning. We will certainly improve in terms of attendance and dedication to schoolwork. We thank the UAE for this support,” a beneficiary said.
School authorities echoed the learners’ gratitude, saying the impact will be immediate and far-reaching.
“We have learners who travel long distances every day to and from school. This made some of them dislike school. With these bicycles, attendance will increase and more are likely to enrol. Our pass rate will also improve,” Matetsi Secondary School Headmistress, Mrs Thandekile Dimbira noted.
“We are thankful to the UAE for this donation; it will help kids succeed in their learning. Now, because of this, learners are likely to improve. Some of the items are state-of-the-art whiteboards; they are smart,” Chinotimba Primary School Headmistress, Mrs Thandiwe Mathema added.
“Matetsi Secondary School is growing, hence these bicycles will help to fulfil the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind. This should help in improving the pass rate and attendance at this school. This donation of school furniture will help learners to be comfortable in classrooms, and eventually they will all like school,” Provincial Education Director Matebeleland North, Mr Jabulani Mpofu said.
Representatives from the UAE and Zimparks also highlighted the broader impact of such partnerships.
“These bicycles will help you go to school more safely and easily, and give you more time for your studies. The United Arab Emirates always stands with Zimbabwe. We will continue to support schools in the future, and we will continue to support schools in Victoria Falls,” UAE Deputy Ambassador, Mr Rashed Al Shamsi noted.
“The donation will complement the ministry’s efforts in improving access to and quality education, leaving no child behind. I’m confident Chinotimba Primary School will effectively utilise the donation towards improving the learning outcomes. May the school development committee and teachers ensure that this donation serves the current and more children to be enrolled in the school,” Zimparks General Director, Professor Edson Gandiwa added.
Established in 1940, Chinotimba Primary School now has over 1 000 learners.
Matetsi Secondary School, which opened its doors in 2012, caters for nearly 300 students, many of them previously walked long distances just to get to class, but now, thanks to the UAE, the education journey has just become shorter, and the classroom more welcoming.
-Zbc
