dyton mupawaenda
Lucia Mazhou
THE plight of an 11-year-old orphaned girl from Rest Haven Primary School in Goromonzi has inspired a local NGO to work towards transforming her school.
Living in Love Foundation project manager, Thomas Gufu, told H-Metro they were touched by the challenges which a determined but opharned girl called Maria has been facing.
“Maria’s journey to school is marked by hardships. Orphaned and shuffled between overcrowded foster homes, she dreams of a life filled with stability and learning.
“Yet, her classroom, overcrowded and worn down, is far from an ideal space for growth. Old, uncomfortable desks, faded chalkboards and a student-to-textbook ratio of 8:1 makes even basic learning a struggle.
“Hunger often compounds Maria’s challenges and many students, like her, arrive at school without breakfast.”
He added:
“Without adequate resources, such as the school’s mere four outdated computers for 24 classes, students’ access to modern educational tools is severely limited, leaving them far behind in an increasingly digital world.
“Recognising these urgent needs, we at Living in Love Charity Trust joined hands with the HXRMC Company to launch the Transformative School Development Project.
“This ambitious multi-phased plan aims to rebuild and expand Rest Haven’s infrastructure, providing safe and spacious classrooms, improving sanitation facilities and implementing a sustainable feeding programme so that no child has to learn on an empty stomach.
“The project seeks to ensure each student has access to their own textbook, introduce modern computers and internet access, and create a bursary fund to support disadvantaged families.”
He said they were not only doing it for Maria.
“Maria’s story is only one of many at Rest Haven.
“Countless students face similar battles ranging from overcrowded classrooms to outdated resources, down to the inability to afford tuition or even basic menstrual hygiene products.
“For parents and community members, the project is a symbol of hope and pride.
“It means their children won’t have to study outside in the rain or cold, won’t be hindered by hunger or inadequate resources and can grow up equipped to create change within their community.
“The efforts to transform this humble school into a place of safety, opportunity, and academic excellence are more than just plans on paper – they are a beacon of hope for hundreds of students, each deserving of a chance to dream and succeed.
“That is why we’re calling upon any individual or organisation who would like to join hands with us to come forward. Together, we can rewrite Maria’s story.”
Online Reporter