Online Reporter
Judith Phiri [email protected]
WOMEN empowerment group, Women of Strength and Dignity (WOSAD) has donated some early childhood development (ECD) chairs to Mahlabezulu Government Primary School as part of giving back to the community.
Handing over the donation to the school situated in Bulawayo’s Tshabalala suburb on Friday, WOSAD founder, Mrs Thembelihle Khumalo Madondo said they bought the chairs from proceeded they got through the Buy a Chair Campaign for the ECD classroom.
“We reached out to the WOSAD membership about the campaign we have. The chairs were US$15 each, so members could buy a chair or donate the cash equivalent. The goal was for helping build dignity through education,” she said.
She said in March they were invited for a business breakfast by the school which had a theme a chair for every child and they made a pledge seeing that there a need for chairs for the new ECD block that is currently under construction.
Mrs Madondo said as women and mothers they saw the need to also participate for the children’s development as part of giving back to the community.
“This was our way of showing that as mothers we care also considering that Mother’s Day fall in May, we said the need of empowering the learners as we have a passion for kids.”
Mahlabezulu Government Primary School headmaster, Mr Coggan Bhebhe expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the contribution was heart-warming and will greatly enhance the quality of education for learners.
“We applaud such a gesture as education is a shared responsibility. The new chairs will improve the learning environment, reduce shortages and motivate both learners and teachers to excel.”
WOSAD member, Mrs Siphathisiwe Mkhwebu said they value courage, authenticity, wisdom, empowerment and resilience as a group of women.
“This is one of the initiatives where we foster a sense of community and belonging. The chairs will improve the learning environment and reduce shortages as we invest in building a brighter future for our children.”
