Story by ZBC Reporter
THE Mthuli Foundation has extended vital support to Cowdray Park Primary School in Bulawayo with a substantial donation of textbooks, computers, internet access, and food aid, aimed at tackling both academic and nutritional challenges faced by learners.
Led by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, the Foundation handed over mealie meal for the school feeding programme and textbooks to ease the chronic shortage of learning materials. The donation was received with gratitude by pupils, teachers, and parents alike.
“For many learners, the scarcity of textbooks has been a significant barrier to their education. I am very happy about this donation because we were in dire need of textbooks. Many of us had to share one book between several students, and it was difficult to understand lessons without a textbook reference. Now, learning will be much easier. This dual approach tackles both academic and nutritional challenges, recognising that a child’s ability to learn is deeply connected to their well-being. As parents, we are truly grateful for this donation,” a student said.
The Deputy Head of the school, Mrs. Zanele Haruzivishe, spoke of the profound impact of the donation.
“We are excited by this gesture from Minister Ncube. These resources will change the lives of our learners and help position Cowdray Park Primary as one of the best schools in the city. This is a blessing not just for the students, but for the entire community,” a parent noted.
Professor Mthuli Ncube underscored the need for citizens and private organisations to complement government efforts in improving education and access to technology.
“The Mthuli Foundation donated these textbooks to ensure the students of Cowdray Park Primary, the only government school in this area, are not left behind. There is a need for us to prepare children for the digital era. Zimbabwe’s strong global standing in digital literacy must be maintained and built upon through strategic investments in educational technology. To ensure that, we are bringing computers and access to the internet to the only government school in the area so that children are part of the learning process that the government is implementing,” he said.
The government has undertaken various initiatives, including the rollout of a comprehensive digital literacy curriculum in primary schools aimed at bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas, ensuring that every child has access to quality, technology-driven education, in line with the goal of Vision 2030.
