The ManicaPost
Ray Bande in CHIMANIMANI
THE country’s leading diversified media group, Zimpapers yesterday donated computers and printers to Chikukwa Primary School in Chimanimani District in a gesture that dovetails with Government’s inclusivity drive.
The donation of five computers and five printers to Chikukwa Primary School, which is expected to culminate in the construction of a computer laboratory at the remote school, is part of the Cyclone Idai response project which saw the media house constructing a classroom block at the school.
Speaking during the hand-over ceremony at the school where she donated 2 000 exercise books to the learners, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa implored other companies to emulate Zimpapers and ensure the welfare of learners was taken care of.
Sen Mutsvangwa said the initiative augured well with Zimbabwe’s quest to leave no one and no place behind in all development initiatives.
“I am really humbled by the efforts being undertaken by Zimpapers Group in helping rural communities develop. Government’s thrust is anchored on inclusivity. President Mnangagwa has said it over and over again — no one should be left behind in the development of the country.
“The President’s wish is that the children here at Chikukwa Primary School should have equal opportunities with all the other children in the country,” she said.
Sen Mutsvangwa said the continuous assistance going to Chikukwa Primary School learners, including those whose school fees was being paid by Zimpapers Group, was further evidence of the country’s efforts in ensuring that every child has access to education.
Turning to Cyclone Idai recovery efforts, Sen Mutsvangwa said the Government had made significant strides to ensure the rehabilitation of the infrastructure that was destroyed by the cyclone in 2019.
“What we have witnessed here is more evidence of the efforts that the country is making in response to disasters such as Cyclone Idai.
“We have been to countries where 10 years after disaster struck, schools, roads and bridges remain damaged.
“Here in Zimbabwe, with the little resources that we have from our domestic resources, we have managed to build back better.
“At times we fail to appreciate what we have, but if you look closely you will realise that we have done so much to better our lives, especially after experiencing disasters such as Cyclone Idai,” said Sen Mutsvangwa.
Chimanimani District Education Inspector, Mr Micheal Chinyau echoed Sen Mutsvangwa’s sentiments, saying the donation by Zimpapers would help the learners develop in line with the digital world.
“Through the provision of ICTs, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education will achieve its competence based education. Every learning area under the competence based education is connected to the use of ICTs. This is even more important when it comes to schools in remote areas such as Chikukwa Primary School.
“It is in that context that we applaud Zimpapers for this initiative,” he said.
Speaking during the same function, Zimpapers Chief Executive, Mr Pikirayi Deketeke, pledged to donate 10 more computers by the end of the year.
“I remember we were here in November 2020. We had 10 children we assisted with their schooling needs. We have added another two. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we could not come earlier as we had planned, but today we are back with laptops and printers to fulfil the pledge made during our last visit.
“This is meant to facilitate e-learning for the children here. We are expecting to hand over 10 more computers so that by the end of the year we will have 15 computers here.
“In our discussions with the headmaster, we have also seen the need for a computer lab. We will explore ways to see how best we can embark on that project,” said Mr Deketeke.
