The Sunday News
Tinomuda Chakanyuka, Senior Reporter
A GROUP of retired academics, The Committee of Friends Trust, has donated a consignment of 80 Advanced Level science books to Mabhikwa High School in Lupane, Matabeleland North Province.
The donation is part of the Trust’s efforts to assist schools in the Matabeleland region improve teaching of sciences subjects.
Schools in the region have not fared well in science subjects, owing to a number of challenges, among them lack of learning material and qualified teachers.
Committee of Friends Trust secretary-general Mr Joshua Mpofu, a former headmaster at Northlea High School in Bulawayo as well as former deputy regional education director for Matabeleland South handed over the donation on Friday last week at a colourful event held at the school.
The consignment included 20 books in each of the following A-level subjects Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and Physics.
Mr Mpofu said schools in the province, particularly in Lupane District, should be well equipped to produce students for Lupane State University which has relocated to its site at Lupane Centre.
“With Lupane State University (LSU) relocating to Lupane District, it is an educational imperative that schools in Matabeleland North in general and schools in Lupane District in particular should be well equipped to produce students for Lupane State University, otherwise the university will become an Ivory Tower in the middle of Matabeleland North,” he said.
Accepting the donation on behalf of the school, Matabeleland North provincial education director Mrs Boithatelo Mnguni commended the Trust for its kind gesture.
She said the work being done by the Trust had over the years made a difference in improving the learning of sciences in the province.
“The Trust has indeed made a difference. These people have no business in doing this but it is through sheer passion for children that has motivated them to embark on this project,” she said.
Lupane State University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr Nomathemba Ndiweni who also graced the occasion, encouraged pupils, particularly girls to take up science subjects.
“Sciences change people’s lives, indeed transforms lives for the better. As a scientist myself I can attest to this. Girls I encourage you to study the sciences, don’t believe the nonsense that sciences are difficult, that is untrue. Believe in yourself and have the courage to trail-blaze,” she said.
Traditional leaders, schools heads from surrounding schools, parents and school children graced the event.
The Committee of Friends Trust was established in 1997 and has been assisting schools in the Matabeleland region with learning material for science subjects and equipment for science laboratories.
The committee is chaired by the founding Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) Professor Phineas Makhurane.
@irielyan
