UAE donates furniture and bicycles to boost education in Victoria Falls
By Victor Sibanda
VICTORIA FALLS – In a heartwarming display of international solidarity, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday, last week, donated furniture and bicycles to two schools in Victoria Falls, drawing jubilation and ululations from excited school children, parents, and community members.
The generous donation, including 350 desks, 350 chairs, 43 whiteboards, a television set, and 267 bicycles, aimed at improving access to quality education and enhancing the learning environment for pupils in both urban and remote settings.
The furniture was handed over to Chinotimba Primary School, while the bicycles went to Matetsi Secondary School, located approximately 50km outside the city, to ease transport challenges faced by rural learners.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony, the UAE’s Deputy Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr. Rashed Al Shamsi, said the gesture reflects the growing bilateral ties between the two nations.
“Education is critical. This donation is meant to improve the quality of education in Zimbabwe and demonstrates the sound relationship between our countries. We urge schools to put this donation to good use,” said Al Shamsi.
The Guest of Honour, Dr. Evelyn Ndlovu, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Wildlife was represented by Professor Edson Gandiwa, Director of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. He urged schools to link education with environmental conservation.
“Let this donation help improve education while promoting respect and interaction with our natural environment. The furniture has been graciously donated to Chinotimba Primary School and 267 bicycles to Matetsi Secondary School and this has already been dubbed ” Wheels for Education”.
Innovation is the bedrock of the HBC and learners should link education with the natural resources. Conservation should not be an isolation. Leaners should interact with nature. Conservation plays a great role in our communities. We have abundant biodiversity in Victoria Falls and hence the need for sound interaction with the environment,” said Prof. Gandiwa adding that learners to desist from substance abuse as the donation is designed to improve education. More donations to be extended to the schools in future.
Matabeleland North Provincial Education Director, Jabulani Mpofu, thanked the UAE for the support and encouraged recipient schools to align the benefits of the donation with the Heritage-Based Curriculum.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, I wish to express deep gratitude for this timely donation. Schools must use these resources wisely to uplift our children’s education,” Mpofu said.
The Head of the school, Thandiwe Mathema was grateful to the donor and promised to utilise the donation effectively.
“We are going to use the furniture effectively. This donation will raise the confidence in the learners such that our pass rate will improve. Learners are going to excel in the comfort of this donation. I thank you,” said Mathema.
Community leader Chief Mvuthu, giving a vote of thanks, echoed the sentiments of appreciation and promised responsible use of the donated items.
“On behalf of the people in my jurisdiction, I thank the UAE for this noble gesture. This donation will certainly help improve results and reduce the burden on learners and families,” said the Chief, amid cheers from learners at Chinotimba Primary.
The event concluded with traditional performances by pupils, as the community celebrated what many hailed as a game-changing investment in local education.
