Shot in the arm for Chinotimba
Victor Sibanda
VICTORIA FALLS-A group of United Kingdom-based former pupils of Chinotimba Primary School have donated grade seven textbooks worth ZW$260 000 to the school.
The alumni who were part of a 1980s class, handed over the donation at a colourful ceremony held at the school sunday. Mrs Cynthia Khumalo, the headmistress thanked them for the gesture saying their donation will go a long way in helping to improve school’s pass rate.
” I have been a head for 25 years and I haven’t experienced such kindness extended to a school. I wish other schools could also receive such favours to boost our education,” she said amid ululation from a crowd of parents and teachers.
Former teachers who taught the donors were were visibly happy to reunite with their ex- learners. A representative of the retired teachers, Mr Reuben Ndebele was full of praise for the ex learners .
“Today we are feeling very important to be invited to such a function. We always hear about such things happening elsewhere especially at secondary schools,” said Mr Ndebele who also regretted the passing of most of the 80s’ teachers.”
The donation has come at the right time. Our grade seven classes have inadequate books and these books are a timely boost for us as parents. I have run out of words to express my joy over this donation. As SDC we implore you to continue doing more for your former school,” said an ecstatic Bhekimpilo Tshongwe, the School Development Committee Chairperson.
The former students said their aim is to establish a foundation so that they can be in a position to do all required projects for the school. Leader of the ex learners’ group, Ms Lindani Sibanda said that their next project is to complete the sports pavillion which the school has failed to complete due to inadequate of funds.
” Our aim is to establish a foundation to do more for our school. Today we bought books worth ZW$262 312 but we are set to do more for other grades too. We have seen a lot of areas which need attention. We are not stopping, we will join with friends to do more for the school,” said Ms Sibanda.
Chinotimba Primary School is one of the largest primary schools in Matebeleland North province with close to 2000 learners.
