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Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
DEKEZI Primary School in Filabusi, Insiza District is fundraising to build modern facilities to improve the learning environment for rural pupils ahead of the school’s centenary celebrations that will be held next month. The celebrations committee chairperson, Angilacanga Ndlovu, who is also Bulawayo’s former deputy mayor and an ex-student at Dekezi, said improvements at the school would see the introduction of e-learning.
“We’ve come up with a vision to revamp, revive, and reconstruct the school for the next hundred years. The school has been in existence for 100 years and on August 1, it’s going to hold its centenary celebrations,” said Ndlovu.
“The school is already electrified so we want the school to have computers. The children must be exposed to E-learning- projectors and PowerPoint slides. Why can’t a rural child touch a mouse, use a computer or access the internet?”
Ndlovu said as part of the centenary celebrations, former students had approached the corporate world and individuals seeking donations to ensure that their dream of transforming the school comes true.
“We’ve already engaged companies with our vision for the school and I would say the response has been overwhelming. However, we’re still calling for more support because we want this project to cater for students who will use the school in the next 100 years,” said Ndlovu.
A Bulawayo businessman and former Dekezi student, Bhekimpilo Sithole, who runs Max Hardware, called on the business community not to forget where they came from through initiating developmental projects.
Sithole donated paint and window frames to the school.
“I’m ploughing back to the community. I grew up in Dekezi so this is an opportunity for us to remember where we’re coming from. Although the economy is not doing well, it’s always good to share the little we have,” said Sithole.
His sentiments were echoed by Zandile Dlamini, an administrator at Kadion Hardware who said rural schools were under developed and needed people to be united in developing them.
“We’ve been involved in schools in areas such as Lupane and Plumtree but we hadn’t had an opportunity to work in schools in Filabusi. Filabusi is known for gold panning and we hope by donating books and paint in line with their 100 year celebrations their vision can be met,” said Dlamini.
The school also received a donation of 45 chairs from Vast Engineering Company.
Reason Ndlovu, Vast Engineering’s manager said his desire and passion for the education of children moved him to donate to the school.
Some of the individuals and companies who have donated towards the school’s project include Jeys Marabini, Sandra Ndebele-Sibindi, Smart Pack, High Way Security, DM academy among others.
People or companies wishing to donate to the school can contact Langa on 0774012645 or the school’s headmistress Virginia Siqo on 0714870012.
Online Reporter