Thornhill High former learners give back to school

Johnsias Mutonhori

Former Thornhill High School learners, who formed Thornhill Old Students Association (TOSA) in 2020, donated 450 chairs on Thursday to assist the institution, especially as its enrolment continues to grow.

The association consists of 100 former learners mostly above the age of 40.

Upon its formation, TOSA donated textbooks worth US$4 200.

In 2021, it also donated water pumps, including three Jojo tanks, amid the water crisis that had hit the school.

This year, the association plans to buy solar systems for lighting and other school-related business that needs electricity.

TOSA executive member Mr Allan Benza, who attended the school between 1984 and 1989 (from Form One to Six), said they
were proud to see Thornhill flourishing.

“As an association, we decided to develop the standards of our former school and maintain the pride that we have as Thornhill alumni.

“The school that I am talking about produced the likes of businessman Kuda Tagwirei, former Deputy Minister Tapiwanashe Matangaidze, lawyers, doctors and a lot of big names in the country.

“It is our responsibility to maintain the good standard and produce better people for the country.

“Pre-Independence the school was dominated by whites, but, as blacks, we also want to prove that we can do better,” said Mr Benza.

He challenged Zimbabweans to develop a culture of giving back to their communities.

“I think if all Zimbabweans develop a culture of giving back, we can make the best of communities where we come from.

“If you visit clubs, you can see people spending thousands on fine whisky every weekend. How about if one spares some money for areas of need from their communities,” he said.

Thornhill High School head Mr Solomon Mazvazva commended TOSA for the generous contribution, saying they are filling significant gaps at the institution.

“I would like to thank the Thornhill alumni for their commitment for the development of the institution. It is wonderful to have such a generous generation, which strives to develop where they came from,” he said.