The Sunday News
Thobekile Khumalo, Sunday News Reporter
SEVEN Upper Sixth pupils from Sobukhazi High School in Bulawayo have come up with an organisation that mobilises resources to cater for the academic needs of less privileged learners.
The organisation, named Mount Salem, provides under-privileged pupils with stationery, school uniforms and fees from Early Childhood Development (ECD) up to Ordinary Level. In an interview, one of the members, Prince Farai Sibanda, said the idea was influenced by their humble backgrounds.
“The group was formed last year on 22 May by myself and Louran Moyo and it was mainly influenced by our backgrounds and how hard it was for us to get to where we are now. It was formed not because we have enough but only because we know the feeling of not having,” said Prince.
He said the group has been budgeting the little they get in order to change the lives of others.
“Although we do not work, so far we have managed to donate to Emthunzini Wethemba Home in Mzilikazi and also we have managed to donate uniforms to a number of pupils at our school,” said Prince.
He said they were in the process of registering the organisation.
“We are in the process of being registered under the Ministry of Social Welfare (Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare) and so far we have managed to do all the requirements that do not need money and only left with advertising. On the issue of council, we are only left with a support letter they are supposed to give us,” said Prince.
“Although we might not be getting as much support as we need from the school there is Mr Bhekusizi Ndlovu our teacher who has been of great help in making the organisation move.”
Asked on future plans Prince said:
“Our dream is to operate at national level and to also build a home where we can keep orphans and street kids so that we can give them a chance to go to school.”
Besides Prince other members of the group are Pritchard Zhou, Natasha Mavengano, Pride Chapanduka, Brenda Mpofu, Louran Moyo and Esnath Tshuma.
