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Morris Mtisi: Post Correspondent
ZIMBABWEANS in New Zealand have donated more than 50 thousand used books to 26 schools in Zimbabwe, most of them in the rural areas.In a hand-over ceremony to the lucky schools in October this year, 2016, in Harare, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Professor Mavhima said it was encouraging to note that there were still some Zimbabweans who were out of the country making an effort to support their home country.
“I am greatly honoured to be part of this gathering to receive books that have been jointly sourced by Zimbabweans based in New Zealand, through The Rock International Church and the Zimbabwe Rural Schools Library,” said Professor P. Mavhima.
“The Rock International Church has demonstrated that the role of the church is not only about converting people to The Lord, but also to empower the young so that they grow up to be informed individuals who can help not only themselves and their families, but the country as a whole,” he added.
Professor Mavhima thanked Zimbabwean Rock International Church coordinator, Pastor Elvis Joseph and the Zimbabwe Rural Schools Libraries Trust (ZRSLT). He said he had participated in some earlier events by ZRSLT and was encouraged that despite the challenges they faced, the group was determined to bring about a better life for Zimbabwe’s rural school population. Said the Deputy Minister- Primary and Secondary Schools: “Most pleasing for me is that the recipients of the books today, with the exception of one peri-urban school, all are rural schools.”
Professor Mavhima revealed that 70 percent of school children failed English, Mathematics and Science subjects at Ordinary Level. “The main reason for the failure rate is under-resourcing which affects the public rural schools more than mission run schools and urban schools,” said the deputy minister.
“Government is making a lot of effort to address this situation hence the donation of books from New Zealand couldn’t have come at a better time.
“I am aware of some of the initiatives the ZRSLT is making to encourage the establishment of libraries, including sensitizing legislators on the need for libraries, and my ministry will do all it can within its means to ensure that the initiatives are a success,” the professor said.
Deputy Minister Mavhima strongly encouraged schools receiving books from New Zealand to ensure that the books were made good use of. He said he would be pleased if, when he visited one of the recipient schools in future, was told stories about the benefit realized out of these books.
“I will be very pleased to be told stories about the improved performance at the schools partly as a result of this donation. I encourage schools to motivate students to read these books. We have reached a stage in our development where we need to transform the capabilities of reading into production.”
He said the knowledge gained from reading these books should be translated into practical skills that will help the country to eradicate poverty.
“This gesture by Zimbabweans in New Zealand, through the Rock International Church and indeed ZRSLT, is not philanthropic but an open act of national development,” said the Professor.
Some of the schools that received the books from New Zealand are Chitombo Secondary School- Gokwe, Rusununguko Primary and Secondary Schools-KweKwe, Chikanga Primary and Secondary Schools, Chegutu, Nyakasikana Primary and Secondary Schools, Mount Darwin, Chigwedere Primary School-Wedza, Zimuto High School, Simon Chimbetu Primary School-Chegutu, Break Through College, Hatcliffe Extension- Harare, Marisamhuka Primary in Chivero-Mhondoro, Muwangirwa Primary School-Marange-Matute, Zvamapere High School- Chivi, Gumunyu Primary School-Bikita, Sharara Secondary School-Nyazura, Bubi Primary in Maranda-Mwenezi and Domboreshato Primary School-Tandi in Rusape, among others.
The deputy minister ended by advising the book-donation recipient schools to go back to their schools and start planning.
“Some of the schools receiving books may not have library infrastructure, and I would encourage you to go back and start planning. I am sure the ZRSLT, which has a few success stories of helping rural schools establish libraries, will be willing to work with you in the process.
‘‘As Ministry, we also have the National Libraries and Documentation Services which you can approach to discuss the establishment of libraries at your schools,” said Professor Mavhima.
“Development is never about individual organizations, but is also about the coming together of people with a common vision who work together to ensure the vision is collectively achieved.”
The deputy minister ended by thanking the Rock International Church in New Zealand and Zimbabwe, and the ZRSLT and encouraged them not to tire.
“Keep up the good work. If every Zimbabwean, wherever they are, could think about the schools that made them who they are, and gave back to the same schools in some way, we would be the envy of many,” Professor concluded and led the hand-over ceremony.
Speaking at the same occasion, founder of an education support organization called EducationPanorama, also The Manica Post educational materials writer and guest columnist and Mutare’s DiamondFM Radio educational talk-show’s host- HEAD-TO-HEAD WITH MM, Morris Mtisi, echoed the deputy minister’s words.
“It is one thing to source books in their millions and distribute them into schools, but quite another to make sure they are read and read usefully to bring about desired changes in knowledge, wisdom and pass rate amongst readers, especially students. ‘‘If we give out books and they gather dust or are used as fuel for cooking, we have done nothing. It is my belief that teachers here present to collect their share of the donation will make sure the books are read and read to effect tangible change in the schools. May the relationship between Ministry of Education, ZRSLT and the Rock International Church, Zimbabwe and New Zealand continue to be more romantic,” Mr Morris Mtisi said.
Meanwhile Mr Mtisi, a beneficiary of the New Zealand donation has already started a Reading Culture Library in Mutare where the community is encouraged to come and read to satisfy or meet specific purposes under expert reading guidance on special days per week. Those in Mutare interested in the project- Reading Fit For Purpose, can contact the EducationPanorama Reading Culture Library mentor and coordinator, Rumbidzaishe Muchena on cell phone numbers 0777 311 880 (also WhatsApp) to access the community library.
The ceremony held in Harare in the deputy Minister’s offices, was attended by Director of Education, former Provincial Education Director-Manicaland, Mr Peter Muzawazi, ZRSLT chairperson, Pastor Elvis Joseph of Rock International-Zimbabwe and receiving teachers from various schools.
Online Reporter