Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
CHURCHILL Boys High School in Harare has appealed to well-wishers for donations in cash and kind after the school’s Form 1 and 2 dormitories were burnt out in a fire on Sunday afternoon.
Fifty four pupils lost valuables in the inferno, including trunks, uniforms, bedding and blankets, as well as their food and other personal belongings.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, but an electrical fault is suspected in the old building converted from temporary Second World War quarters. The other hostel, Spencer, is far more modern.
In an interview yesterday, the school development committee chairperson, Ms Chipo Bessie Mahamba, commended the community for their support.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the community and fellow school heads who have been providing emotional support and counselling to our affected students since morning,” she said.
“The fire affected 54 students who lost their uniforms, blankets, and personal belongings. We relocated the affected students to Spencer hostel, which has enough space and is also where our senior boys reside. Ideally we separate them to prevent potential bullying, but in the meantime, they will be housed together.”
Ms Mahamba said people had already started trickling in with donations, adding that they were expecting more support.
“We have received generous donations from teachers and parents, including eight blazers, blankets, and toothbrushes. However, we still need more support,” she said.
“As we look to the future, we plan to rebuild and improve our hostels, and we invite well-wishers to partner with us in this endeavour.”
She also said the school was grateful that all the pupils were safe and unharmed after the dormitory fire, which occurred at around 3pm.
When The Herald visited the school yesterday, provincial officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education were assessing the damage.
