Shot in the arm for Gutu school

THE Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980) Ltd Group donated a marimba musical set to Gert Nel Primary School in Chartsworths, Gutu as part of the media firm’s corporate social responsibility programme.

The marimba set, was handed over to the school during its Early Childhood Development (ECD) graduation ceremony last week which was themed, “Leveraging growth through partnership” to encourage smart partnerships amongst schools, parents, government, corporates and individuals.

The theme was premised on the school’s belief that without the support of others; it cannot succeed.

In a statement, Zimpapers public relations and corporate affairs manager Ms Beatrice Tonhodzayi said the company was keen on investing in children’s development as they were the future of the country.

She said schools and the education sector were critical to any nation’s development hence the need for everyone to rally around and support where possible.

“The school invited us as guest of honour at their event and we agreed. We noted their requirements and decided to go with the marimba set for it is key to developing the many talents that children have. It is not all of them who are meant to be academics. Some are meant to be musicians while others are meant to be sportspeople. We believe in availing opportunities for empowerment and growth as a corporate and have a deep passion for young people,” she said.

Ms Tonhodzayi said the school’s theme which calls for partnerships resonated well with the true essence of corporate social responsibility; which is about working with communities for growth and development.

The donation will see the school form its very first marimba band.

Ms Tonhodzayi praised the school for its infrastructure and innovativeness which has seen it sourcing 34 computers and setting up an arts and culture centre where pupils get to appreciate their heroes and their past. The school’s culture centre has an extensive photographic collection of the country’s national heroes. She urged parents, teachers and authorities of the school to keep working together.

The school’s acting deputy head, Mrs Margareth Munyaradzi, expressed gratitude over the donation by Zimpapers saying it would go a long way in the development of arts at the school.

She bemoaned poor ablution facilities; the lack of a borehole and sporting grounds for sports such as basketball, tennis, cricket, among others saying rural children also need exposure to such sports as they could form careers. She called on corporates and individuals to chip in and contribute towards those areas.

“We believe that we cannot wait for Government to do everything for us. We must be seen to be doing some of these things ourselves. When you reach out your hand; at times you get help. We are grateful to Zimpapers for hearing our pleas and urge them to forge a long term relationship with the school,” said Mrs Munyaradzi.

Zimpapers is the largest publishing media house in the country with reputable newspapers and radio stations in various parts of the country.