adminEmmanuel Ndlovu, Chronicle Correspondent
VILLAGERS of remote Singeni village in Nkayi district, who have been building a school from opaque beer sales proceeds, have received a donation of 280 bags of cement from Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC) Zimbabwe.
The donation was made last week after The Chronicle carried a touching story recently on the dilapidated pole and dagga structures at Singeni Secondary School and the hard work villagers are putting in to build a better learning and teaching environment.
The school is situated in Ward 25 and has an enrollment of about 150 pupils.
The School Development Committee (SDC) chairperson, Bishop Ndlukula, said the donation will change the face of the school which has been in a sorry state since its establishment in 2010.
“The development of our school is the greatest achievement that we are proud of as villagers because that is where the bright future of our children and youths lies.
“All along their future has been in jeopardy because our school has not been conducive enough for proper learning. But we stood up as the community and pooled our resources together towards its transformation.
“We are grateful to PPC for stretching forth its helping hand through this donation. The cement will go a long way in changing the face of the school,” said Ndlukula.
Headman Elina Siphunyuka Ndlovu said a new era has dawned on Singeni community.
“Most children travel long distances to better schools but today we are glad because they have been relieved of the burden.
“At last there seems to be light at the end of tunnel for us. The ball now lies in the hands of our children to attain education and use it as a weapon to develop our area,” Ndlovu added.
Last year, the Nkayi Rural District council resolved to close the school due to its structures which were falling apart. This was also worsened by the bush system used by pupils as the school had no proper toilets.
However, villagers decided to raise money towards building the school by brewing opaque beer for sale. Through their efforts, they have managed to construct 12 Blair toilets, three teachers’ houses and a classroom block.
The most recent fundraising activity conducted last month enabled them to buy roofing material while foundation for a second classroom block has already been dug.
Online Reporter