adminto support President Mugabe in promoting education development in Zimbabwe.
Air Marshal Shiri made the remarks at the handover of 120 desks and benches to Muzunga Primary School in Matepetepa in Mashonaland Central.
“Today I have come to demonstrate that besides our key role of defending the country’s airspace, the Air Force of Zimbabwe is truly a people-oriented force. Our inspiration to associate with schools is founded on the ideals displayed by his Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
“He has taken the initiative to support education through various programmes such as the computerisation and the Presidential scholarship for university students among others,” he said.
Air Marshal Shiri said the AFZ had assisted communities in building schools, clinics and transport for movement of food during droughts and in times of disasters. He said it was the duty of the AFZ and the Defence Forces in general to provide assistance to needy communities especially during times of peace. “We are here because our role is not only during times of war but also to uplift standards of living especially education,” he said.
The desk and benches were bought with the assistance of Multichoice Zimbabwe and the AFZ fundraising initiatives.
Air Marshal Shiri said the AFZ was assisting Burongwe Primary School in Dande to build proper classes. Zanu-PF Mashonaland Central provincial chairman Cde Dickson Mafios said the AFZ gesture showed that people talking about security sector reforms were misguided.
“Their actions today have demonstrated that the ZDF have a mandate to develop the country. That is the kind of reforms that we need in the communities. What kind of reforms do you need with soldiers who know the background of the country and bring development to the communities,” he said.
Mrs Madeline Manyika, widow of national hero Cde Elliot Manyika, donated 2 100 exercise books to the school.
derick.khumalo