Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve,Victoria Falls Reporter
The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has donated over 200 bicycles, 300 furniture sets and modern learning accessories to two schools in Hwange District, marking a pivotal step towards improving learner attendance and the overall teaching environment.
The donation, which was officially handed over on Saturday at Matetsi Secondary School and Chinotimba Primary School, is part of an assortment of goods donated to the First Lady, Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, by the UAE for onward distribution to communities in Hwange District.
The event highlighted a strong partnership aimed at uplifting educational standards in Matabeleland North Province.
For Matetsi Secondary School, the donation of 266 bicycles is set to be a game-changer. The school’s head, Mrs Thandekile Dimbira, expressed profound relief, saying the bicycles would directly address the challenge of student absenteeism and dropout rates.
This sentiment was echoed by the Provincial Education Director for Matabeleland North, Mr Jabulani Mpofu, who emphasised the strategic importance of the donation.
“Matetsi Secondary School is growing, hence these bicycles will help to fulfil the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind. This should help in improving the pass rate and attendance at this school,” he said.
At Chinotimba Primary School, the oldest school in Victoria Falls established in 1940, the donation included 350 tables, 350 chairs, 30 whiteboards and a television set. The school’s head, Mrs Thandiwe Mathema, was elated, highlighting the immediate impact on the quality of education.
The guest of honour, Professor Edison Gandiwa, the Director-General of ZimParks, provided context on the scale of the intervention at Chinotimba Primary, which has an enrolment of 1 328 learners.
Mr Rashed Al Shamsi, the Deputy Ambassador of the UAE, conveyed his Government’s continued commitment to supporting Zimbabwe. The donation was facilitated through the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation.
“I am happy to be here today with you. We are providing 266 bicycles to Matetsi Secondary School. These bicycles will help you go to school more safe and more easy and give you more time for your study.
“The United Arab Emirates always stands with Zimbabwe. We will continue to support schools in the future and we will continue to support schools in Victoria Falls,” he said.
