Mutare, (Pungwe News-New Ziana) – The learning environment at some schools in Cyclone hit areas is set to improve following support received recently from Prison Ministries International-Zimbabwe African Correctional Chaplains Association (PMIZ-AFCCA) and its development partners.

PMIZ-AFCCA, which is headed by Bishop Noah Pashapa, with the support from Pastors Taizo and Yuke Morimoto of Kurume Christian Church in Tokyo Japan handed over US$4 000 towards the purchase of new furniture for primary schools in Chimanimani.

The schools which benefitted from this gesture include Manase, Marirwe, Ruwedza A and B and Hangani primary schools.

Each school will be allocated chairs and tables for students.

Many schools in Chimanimani and Chipinge were destroyed when tropical Cyclone Idai ravaged the south eastern parts of Manicaland province in March this year, leaving a trail of destruction and deaths.

In an interview after the handover ceremony in Mutare, Bishop Pashapa said the beneficiaries were selected randomly using a telephone directory.

“As an association, we saw it necessary to assist the victims of Cyclone Idai, giving focus on the education sector. We believe education plays a critical role in shaping our society, therefore we have decided to extend support to that sector,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to Pastors Taizo and Yuke Morimoto for helping in sourcing the funds in Japan to assist those who were affected by the Cyclone.

Headmasters interviewed said the donation will go a long way in improving the learning environment following the devastating effects of Cyclone Idai.

“We are very excited about this development. Our property was destroyed by the Cyclone. We are very grateful and we expect our pass rate to improve,” said Farai Muchai of Ruwedza B primary school.

Lovemore Timbira of Hangani Primary School weighed in, saying the learning environment at the school was set to improve as some students were conducting lessons while sitting on the floor due to lack of furniture.

“We are happy and this is going to motivate our students. We thank Dr Pashapa and their development partnership for remembering us during this dark hour,” said Timbira.

More than 90 000 pupils were affected after 143 schools were damaged by Cyclone Idai in Manicaland province, according to the United Nations.
Pungwe News-New Ziana