Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube [email protected]
A Grade Seven learner from Rangemore Primary School, Day Nyasha, has received a Form One scholarship from philanthropist and Christian Union Club (CUC) Global Connect partner Mrs Beatrice Mashonga with the organisation donating stationery to assist him as he prepares for his Grade Seven examinations.
The scholarship and donation were officially presented on Friday, bringing renewed hope to the learner and his family after years of financial hardship.
Day Nyasha attended a private school from Grade One to Grade Four before his parents failed to keep up with school fees, forcing him to stay at home.
In 2024, he returned to school after being enrolled at Rangemore Primary School through the Back-to-School Campaign Programme, an initiative coordinated by the Government through the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to promote school enrolment and facilitate the return of out-of-school children.
Mrs has pledged to pay the learner’s Form One fees at a local school of his choice, while the organisation provided stationery to support his Grade Seven studies.
Christian Union Club Global Connect president Ms Nomathemba Ndlovu said the gesture reflected the importance of investing in children’s education.
“As CUC Global Connect, we give glory to Almighty God for allowing this opportunity to support Day Nyasha. Through our partner, Mrs Beatrice Mashonga, he has received a Form One scholarship, while the club has provided stationery to help him prepare for his Grade Seven examinations,” she said.
Launching the organisation’s “Go Back to Your School” campaign, Ms Ndlovu encouraged professionals, businesspeople and former pupils to remember learners in need at the schools they once attended.
“We are calling upon everyone who is now employed or running a business to go back to the school where they learnt and remember the needy child sitting in the same classroom where they once sat. Your support can change that child’s life,” she said.
Founder Mr Brilliant Sithole said every child deserved access to education regardless of their financial background, while vice-president Mr Bongani Nkomo urged communities to embrace a culture of giving back.
Personal assistant Mr Londubuhle Mthupha said simple donations such as exercise books and pens could make a lasting difference in a learner’s academic journey.
Expressing his gratitude, Day Nyasha said the scholarship and stationery had given him hope and motivation to work hard.
“I am very happy and thankful for the gifts and the scholarship. I promise to study hard and make everyone who has supported me proud. I now believe that I can achieve my dream of continuing with my education,” he said.
Day Nyasha’s parent, Ms Sphilisiwe Moyo, thanked Mrs Mashonga and Christian Union Club Global Connect for restoring hope to the family.
“We had reached a point where we did not know how our child would continue with his education. We are grateful for this kindness and for believing in his future,” she said.
Rangemore Primary School headmaster Mr Mehluli Sibanda described the support as timely, saying the scholarship and stationery would motivate the learner to excel in his Grade Seven examinations and continue his education.
Teacher Ms Shelly Mazuru said Day Nyasha had remained determined despite the challenges he faced and expressed confidence that the support would inspire him to work even harder.
The scholarship and stationery donation forms part of the Christian Union Club Global Connect’s “Go Back to Your School” campaign, which encourages successful former pupils and community members to support vulnerable learners and keep children in school.
