The Sunday News
Tinomuda Chakanyuka, Senior Reporter
NEW Zealand-based Zimbabwean teenager, Tinotenda Kunaka has entered the Hamilton (New Zealand) Round the Bridges race as part of efforts to raise funds towards setting up libraries at rural schools around Zimbabwe.
The Round the Bridges race is one of New Zealand’s oldest annual events which attracts participants of all age groups and abilities and offers a memorable day out for the entire family.
It provides the platform for various charitable causes to raise funds for projects of their choice. Kunaka’s participation in the race is part of work by the Zimbabwe Rural Schools Library Trust to raise $100 000 needed for the rural schools libraries project.
The 18-year-old lad, through his participation in the event which is slated for 19 November this year aims to raise NZ$500 (US$366,51).
Kunaka said the money will go towards the Zimbabwe Rural Schools Library Trust musical album project, which is expected to help raise more funds for the project. Those that are keen to support him can make their donations on the following link,https://roundthebridges17.everydayhero.com/nz/run-for-the-zimbabwe-rural-schools-library-trust. The teenager explained what inspired him to take part in the fundraising initiative.
“When I last visited my country of birth, Zimbabwe, I realised how privileged we are to have so much reading material around us, hence I have decided to participate in Round the Bridges to raise funds to enable the rural children in Zimbabwe access reading material,” he said.
The Trust’s New Zealand treasurer, Ms Belinda Chakonda described Kunaka’s offer as timely and implored people to support his initiative.
“Tinotenda’s offer comes at the right time as we are working towards finalisation of the musical album project, but struggling to raise the resources. I am appealing to the community at large to support Tinotenda’s initiative,” she said.
The Trust has held several events to raise funds for the musical album. Some of the events include, the Rotorua Marathon where Paolo Aguilar, a student at Toi-Ohomai Institute of Technology, raised NZ$505 (US$370), and the raffle of a replica of Tariro, a giant doll knitted by Faustinah Ndlovu which raised NZ$230 (US$168).
Ms Chakonda said the Trust had just released NZ$1200 ($900) to Zimbabwe to progress the work on the album, and efforts were underway to raise more funds. She added that production of the album, which features artistes such as Pastor The Trust, which was launched in 2014, has so far supplied books to more than 40 schools in all provinces in Zimbabwe with the exception of Matabeleland North, which they hope to reach this year.
@irielyan
