Scouting spreads to rural schools

ZIMBABWE Scout Association has embarked on the decentralisation of the scouting movement to rural schools in an endeavour to spread opportunities to previously marginalised learners.

The association’s Manicaland chapter last week hosted an outreach programme at Mupfumi Primary School in Makoni West were five schools seconded over 200 learners to a two-day camping exercise.

Scouting is a global initiative centred in schools were learners are equipped with vital survival skills that will be useful in their careers after school.

In Zimbabwe, the movement was mostly popular in urban schools, a scenario that led to students in rural areas missing out.

Manicaland Scout Association chairman and businessman, Mr Ernest Mungwari said his organisation is working with the community and other stakeholders to groom students.

“Scouting was well embraced in Zimbabwe when it was introduced. However, for a long time it remained a preserve for schools in urban areas. We are, however, changing the narrative by taking scouting to every school so that no child is left behind.

“We work with children, imparting them with educational and life skills. We also put emphasis on our duty to serve God and the country. Children’s rights and responsibility issues are also addressed during these camps. Issues of drug abuse that have gripped the nation are tackled there in order to protect these innocent souls,” he said.

Mr Mungwari said they are also identifying child-headed families to assist them.

“Here in Makoni West, we are happy that the Member of Parliament, Dr Jenfan Muswere, has embraced scouting and pledged to work with us for the betterment of the learners,” Mr Mungwari said.

Mr Tonderai Jokonya, a teacher at Chitenderano Primary School in Makoni South, said learners from his school benefited a lot from their maiden camp.

“This camp has been an eye opener to both the teachers and pupils as we got training on various life skills. We want to have well mannered citizens.

“The school is the best place to mold the students into responsible citizens, said Mr Jokonya.