Vusumuzi Dube
Fairness Moyana, Hwange Correspondent
SINOHYDRO Corporation has made a significant contribution to Nechibondo Primary School in Hwange, donating a variety of sporting and educational materials to assist in implementing the country’s heritage-based curriculum.
The donation comprised 500 whiteboards with markers, 10 soccer balls, 10 volleyballs, 10 basketballs, 2 nets, school bags and ECD skipping ropes.
The school, which is managed by the Hwange Local Board, has a current enrolment of 1750 learners and employs 51 qualified teachers along with seven support staff, catering to both the local council area and Chibondo rural community.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, which featured an array of items including sports balls, school bags and whiteboards, the general manager of Sinohydro Corporation Zimbabwe’s Hwange Operations and Maintenance, Mr Li Xiaobin underscored the firm’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and educational advancement.
“In the spirit of the ancient Chinese proverb, ‘Education is the foundation of a century-long plan,’ we understand the vital role education plays in shaping futures. Today’s donations, made in consultation with the school, are intended to support students’ academic growth and help them realise their potential,” said Li.
He also took the opportunity to share advice with students and parents on the importance of education, character development and community contributions.
“Education is the key to unlocking your future. I encourage all of you to focus on your studies and strive to contribute to Zimbabwe’s development. Remember, generosity and kindness are powerful virtues and as you benefit from this support, I hope you will give back in kind,” he added.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the teachers for their dedication to nurturing the next generation. HESCO Facility Site Manager, Engineer Ngonidzashe Dzumbira praised Sinohydro’s donation, emphasising its positive impact on the school’s most vulnerable learners.
“Education is key to a prosperous future, extending beyond traditional classrooms to include holistic child development. We appreciate Sinohydro’s commitment to community engagement and support,” said Eng Dzumbira.
Nechibondo Primary School headmistress Mrs Getrude Magaisa expressed her heartfelt gratitude and highlighted how the donation would enhance both teacher and student participation in the heritage-based curriculum, particularly through sports like soccer, volleyball, and basketball.
“This generous gift will transform the lives of vulnerable learners and assist us in implementing our curriculum goals, which include physical education and the arts.”
Mrs Magaisa also appealed to local stakeholders for assistance in constructing additional classroom blocks to alleviate the severe shortage of learning facilities at the school. “Currently, we have only 23 classrooms for 49 classes, forcing us to adopt hot-sitting arrangements. We urgently need support to build more classrooms,” she added.
Sinohydro Corporation has been instrumental in the Hwange Power Station Stage III Expansion Project, a major initiative that underscores the collaboration between China and Zimbabwe.
The project, which includes two units of 330 MW each, is notable for being Zimbabwe’s largest infrastructure effort in nearly three decades. The power plant is jointly operated by Sinohydro, which holds a 36 percent stake, and the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), which owns 64 percent.
Since assuming control of the power plant, the company has focused on operational efficiency, achieving over 6,8 billion kWh in electricity generation, which meets more than 50 percent of Zimbabwe’s domestic electricity demand.
Mr Li noted that the company currently has a workforce of 450 employees comprising 173 Chinese and 277 Zimbabwean staff members.
Online Reporter