Story by Nyasha Makota
CHINA has reaffirmed its support for Zimbabwe’s inclusive development agenda through the donation of groceries, stationery and learning materials to Jairos Jiri Centre Primary School in Harare, reinforcing efforts to ensure that children with disabilities are not left behind.
The donation aligns with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s development philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind, with education and social inclusion remaining central pillars of the Second Republic’s policy framework.
The latest support builds on previous assistance from China, which last year provided the institution with a solar power system valued at US$12 000, helping to address persistent electricity challenges at the specialised learning centre.
Learners at the school welcomed the donation, saying the supplies would support both their learning and daily needs.
“I am happy because we were given school stationery and food for our school,” one learner said.
“Today our school received many items, including toys,” another added.
Jairos Jiri Association president, Dr Alpha Mandizvidza Senderayi, said the assistance addressed practical challenges faced by institutions catering for learners with disabilities.
“We are grateful for this donation. It directly addresses some of our daily challenges in specialised learning. Electricity was now becoming a challenge at this institution, so we appreciate the timely gesture. We also want to thank the assistance we get from our parent ministry and the Ministry of Education. China has consistently stood with Zimbabwe as an all-weather friend,” Dr Senderayi said.
Speaking after handing over the donation, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Ambassador Zhou Ding, reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to Zimbabwe’s development priorities.
“We are happy as a government to be supporting Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe and China elevated their relationship last year to an ‘all-weather friendship’ and a ‘community with a shared future’. We are proud of the existing ties as we continue to support President Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind, as well as the Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo mantra. Our strategic partnership is multifaceted, from infrastructural development to social and economic development,” Ambassador Ding noted.
The donation forms part of broader cooperation between Harare and Beijing, which has seen China support major national projects, including infrastructure, energy and social services.
The gesture at Jairos Jiri Centre Primary School underscores the continued emphasis on inclusive development within the long-standing strategic partnership between Zimbabwe and China.
