Plans afoot to rebuild Nyatsime

gathered momentum with former students meeting last weekend to relaunch the old students association.
Nyatsime Old Students Association had been defunct for years.
The launch was attended mostly by students who went through the school in the 1990s although those who were educated at the institution earlier promised to work closely with the grouping.
Most of the graduates of the school that attended the relaunch pledged to help fulfill the dream of the late veteran educationist and founder of the school Professor Stanlake Samkange.
The ex-students also got a feel of the challenges at the school from the board members,administration and pupils before touring the school.
Current students were given a brief history of the school in the yesteryears.
Among ex-students who donated to the school were Mr David Tapera who had in the past assisted the school with building materials and sport uniforms.
Of particular note was the fact that the former students had one common vision of seeing their school regaining its rightful place in the country’s education system and to help current students realise their dreams.
The also noted that dreams of the current crop of students could only be realised by the participation of former students.
The newly elected NOSA chairperson Mr Ernest Ngoma said the association would raise resources towards the development of the school.
“It was good to note that all the generations that passed through Nyatsime College were represented with, Mr Tenson Tinofirei who completed his O’ Levels at the school in 1973 and is currently doing part time teaching in London.
“Following introductions by former students, as a way of enhancing our reunion and also to gauge the status that each of the members had attained after such a very long time we had a tour of the school,” Mr Ngoma said.
After introductions and other discussions on challenges facing the school, the students had an opportunity to tour the school.
Mr Ngoma said they had agreed on the need to re-launch the NOSA and come up with mechanisms that would ensure those willing to help the school, could channel their resources through.
“One thing emerged from the discussions is the need to come up with a solid and vibrant structure to kick start the operations of the alumni on developmental issues,” he added.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new committee, long serving teacher at the school, Mrs Jimu Shumba said she welcomed the re-launch of the association saying it would go a long way in attracting former students to come to the aid of the school.
“The re-launch of NOSA will attract more students to the school and thus bring with them much needed development as most of them hold important positions in society.
“From now onwards we expect increased cooperation with our former students in the development of the school,” she said.
The association pledged to renovate the school’s pathways and making donations towards re-surfacing of roads.
Owing to erratic water supplies in Chitungwiza, NOSA pledged to fundraise towards sinking of an additional borehole to augment water supplies at the school. As such the school – which has an enrolment capacity of more than 500 students has been relying on boreholes that have however failed to provide adequate water.
Mr Ngoma described their meeting and tour as an eye-opener that had given them insight into the challenges affecting the school.
“The association will not be a talk shop but will start work on electrifying and lighting the boys hostels. That will be done at the same time with the resurfacing of some of the school roads.
“The association will also provide flowers and shrubs to plant along the main lane leading into the school as well as provide painting for some of the blocks.
“On the long term, the association will have to meet with the board and school administration to come up with areas we can assist.”
He said they had been receiving lots of inquiries from other former students who wanted to assist.
After the deliberations and with help of the school authorities elections for a new executive for Nyatsime Old Students Association were conducted ushering in Mr Ernest Ngoma, a training and development officer with SOS Children’s Villages, Zimbabwe as chairperson and deputised by Mr Zvakabvepi Kamutondore an engineer by profession.
Ms Fiona Ruzvidzo of First Mutual Reinsurance was elected secretary while Mr Desire Chafa who works for African Export Import Bank was given the task of controlling finances that come through the association.
An eight-member committee team was also elected to run the association and help in fundraising for the school’s developmental needs in association with the school authorities.
Formerly one of the most-sought-after schools in the country, being the first private school to be established and administered by black people, the school is now a pale shadow of its former self.
Through its board chairperson Dr Tommie Anne Samkange the school had identified amongst its main challenges a shortage of adequate water, deteriorating infrastructure and appealed for assistance from former students.
Do you think your school is facing challenges? Do you want to reach out for help to your former students? This is your platform. Get in touch with me on [email protected] or 795771 ext 1405 between 9am and 5pm during weekdays.