The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube and Tanyaradzwa Mujati
DANGAMVURA High School, which is facing a myriad of challenges, received a major boost after some members of the Old Students Association raised more than US$500 and RTGS$1,5 million at a fundraising event held at the school last week on Saturday.
The funds will be channelled towards the rehabilitation of the school which is in dire straits in a bid to restore its former glory.
Speaking at the event, Big Rock Logistics managing director, Mr Blessing Tendai Mangwiro, said although the school is facing challenges such as lack of adequate water, he hailed the school authorities for improvising.
“The biggest challenge which we must address is the ablution facilities. Had it been a private school, it could have been closed a long time ago. The toilets do not have running water. They are operating on bucket system and at times the buckets are stolen. Health should be a top priority and these are some of the critical challenges that need redress. We are glad that the fundraising event went on well and we hope that the money raised will play a role in addressing some of the issues that the school is facing,” he said.
Mr Mangwiro handed over $1,5 million to the school.
The event’s committee chairman, Mr Sham Torindo, said they are extending a begging bowl to individuals and stakeholders to come on board with assistance.
“It is important to try and engage donors and twin the school with the Diaspora community. Indeed, the school is facing a lot of challenges that need urgent redress and there is need for financial assistance. That is why we are appealing to members of the public to assist us in restoring the school’s former glory. We are, however, grateful with the money we managed to raise,” he said.
Among an avalanche of challenges raised include vandalism of school property, inadequate chairs and no Information, Communication and Technology facilities.
“The school is trying to manage, but it cannot solve all the challenges on its own. There has been a lot of vandalism to property and the school resulting in some classes having just 10 chairs. There are no ICT lessons because there are no computers. It is shocking for a school located in town not to have such facilities.
“The Food and Nutrition Department is not offering practical lessons because the stoves are not functioning. They have since closed the Metal and Woodwork Departments due to lack of equipment. This is just unacceptable as the country works towards achieving Vision 2030,” added Mr Mangwiro.
One of the school’s old students, Ms Getty Makoni called upon the business community and other old students to chip in as well.
She lauded the collective efforts by the old students who participated at the fundraising event.
