By Archford Chirimudombo
MARONDERA- Harare Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church Archbishop Robert Ndlovu has appreciated the support which government always gives to the country’s Christian community.
He was speaking at last week’s All Souls High School centenary celebrations at the school’s grounds in Mashonaland East province’s Mutoko district.
Archbishop Ndlovu said the relationship, which he described as outstanding, has gone a long way in ensuring the transformation of people’s lives in the country’s remote areas.
“We are thankful to Government for all the support to the church in various ways. We are partners. In hospitals, education we are together, not to mention even in other areas that we join hands together for the betterment of our people especially in the remote areas.
“This school is in the remote areas but this is where we are supposed to be with the people. This is where we should make a contribution and a difference. Let us be in these areas and see how people are making it out in life,” he said.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga who graced the centenary celebrations accompanied by Senate President Mabel Chinomona, Minister of State for Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Dr Aplonia Munzverengwi and other officials hailed the schools’ contributions in the education sector as well as well as uplifting lives of ordinary members of the community.
“We thank the country’s Vice President Chiwenga for gracing this occasion together with Government officials. I want to thank parents and traditional leaders for their presence as well. This school has managed to reach a hundred years in this place because you welcomed the first Missionaries to this place,” Archbishop Ndlovu said.
Dominican Sisters at the Roman Catholic-run Mission school were the first people to establish an orphanage at the establishment.
He dissuaded students enrolled at the Mission school and the youth to desist from abusing drugs and other substances.
“To students, this is an opportunity given to you by your parents. Make use of it. They are sacrificing so much for you so do not disappoint them. Stop drug and substance abuse. Desist from that. Please make sure you are leaders of today not only for tomorrow. Do better now and empower yourselves with the education that you get here,” he said.