GWERU-BASED businesswoman and philanthropist Smelly Dube has refurbished an early childhood development (ECD) classroom block for orphaned children in the Midlands capital.
The ECD class for orphaned children was established by a local non-governmental organisation Multi-Aid Support Organisation (Maso).
Dube is also Maso brand ambassador.
Speaking on Tuesday when she donated groceries worth over US$1 000 to orphans, Dube said less-privileged children also deserved access to quality education.
“I would like to thank the Maso board and team for their sterling work, especially ensuring that less privileged children access education and other basic rights,” she said.
“I am happy that the refurbishment work is almost complete. I have observed that it’s just the electrical wiring and interior painting that need to be done.”
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Dube, who is also River Valley Group of Companies chief executive, pledged to buy school furniture and pay salaries for two teachers who were working on a voluntary basis.
River Valley is supporting Maso’s educational programmes through its charity arm, S and M Hand of Compassion.
Maso chief executive Veronica Nhemachena applauded Dube for helping disadvantaged children.
“The children we have for this educational programme were chosen from the most vulnerable backgrounds,” she said.
“Besides failing to access education, the children lacked adequate food and we appreciate that Dube has continued to support us with groceries including food items to cater for the children.”
Senator for people with disabilities, Anna Shiri, applauded River Valley for embarking a developmental approach to help marginalised children.
“I am happy that River Valley is moving away from welfarism to the developmental approach,” she said.