Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
INSIZA Senator, Esther Nyathi, donated exercise books to six primary schools and also handed over four tonnes of rice to support the school feeding programmes.
The beneficiary schools include Zhampale Primary, Ntunte Primary, Mbokodo Primary, Ndola Primary, Singwango 1 Primary, and Mganwini Primary.
During the handover ceremony at Zhampale Primary School, Sen Nyathi emphasised the importance of investing in education to drive development.
“There are many challenges in the education sector, especially in rural areas. One of them is the lack of exercise books, which disrupts the learning process,” she said.
She also highlighted the impact of hunger on students’ concentration, making school feeding programmes vital.
“When children are hungry, they struggle to focus on their studies. That’s why I saw it fit to distribute this rice donated to us by His Excellency President Mnangagwa to schools,” she added.
Sen Nyathi reaffirmed her commitment to supporting education and called on all stakeholders to join hands in developing schools and empowering learners.
“It will help to augment the school feeding programme. We thank President Mnangagwa for this kind gesture. I urge other stakeholders and parents to actively participate in school development projects, including constructing classroom blocks, procuring furniture, rehabilitating schools and building more schools to reduce long walking distances for learners,” she said.
Parents and school officials welcomed the donation, saying it would significantly benefit learners.
Zhampale Primary School Development Committee chairperson, Mr Onsen Ndlovu, said the rice would boost the school feeding programme, which has played a key role in improving learning outcomes.
Local villager, Gogo Sithokozile Moyo, expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting the struggles faced by families in Insiza due to the El Nino-induced drought.
“We want to thank our mother for remembering us. Farming is our main livelihood, but due to the drought, many families are struggling. This rice will help ensure that our children get proper meals,” she said.
Zhampale village head, Mr Stephen Siziba, emphasised the importance of improving the welfare of learners to achieve better academic performance.
“The poor learning conditions in rural areas are affecting children’s performance. More interventions are needed to uplift our schools,” he said. — @DubeMatutu
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter