Paul Pindani in Chinhoyi
Schools in Hurungwe and Kariba received a shot in the arm, when a local organization donated 3000 masks.
The donation was handed over to the Provincial Education Director, Gabriel Mhuma during a handover ceremony that was held, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mary Mliswa-Chikoka’s offices.
She said that it was her pleasure to have the opportunity to handover the 3000 masks, which had been donated to the schools, particularly in Hurungwe and Kariba.
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“I just want to thank ECOZI, for what they have done. It helps in every way this donation that you have given.
“And the fact that you are targeting the rural schools,” she said.
Mliswa said that learners in urban areas had an advantage, because their parents can afford to buy the masks while it was difficult for the rural folk.
“But the schools in the rural areas, even if their parents want to buy the masks, the issue of the finance is what then deters them from buying the masks ending up putting the children at risk.
“We just want to appreciate your efforts in making sure that the rural schools are actually on the map regarding the masks,” she said.
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Mliswa added:
“Now that the schools have reopened for examination classes, there is great need for PPEs.”
She said that PPEs were consumables and that it was of paramount importance for the stakeholders to come aboard to complement government’s efforts like what ECOZI has done.
Provincial Education Director, Gabriel Mhumha, said schools in the province had produced about 154023 masks, with Chikangwe High in Karoi, leading the pack in the manufacturing of masks and sanitizers.
“Chikangwe, Chinhoyi High, Kutama College, Jameson High and St Michael’s are the leading schools in terms of production.
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“Our aim is to ensure that very learner, every teacher, and non-teaching staff has at least three masks,” said Mhumha.
He added:
“We are happy that the ministry has produced through Natpharm, additional masks.
“Just a few days ago we received 10 000 masks and they are bringing more,” he said.
ECOZI board chairperson for Mashonaland West Province, Ms Shupikai Zebron, said that the donation to the ministry of education was a good sign of the strong bond between ECOZI and the ministry of education.
“Our relationship and is a long term marriage with this province and other provinces in the country,”
“We work very well with the ministry of education.”
– HMETRO
