SOUTH AFRICA-BASED philanthropist Ernest Mthandazo Ngwenya has donated essential supplies to Homestead Primary School in Matobo district, Matabeleland South province.
He said the donation was driven by a desire to instil confidence to attend school in local children.
Ngwenya’s donation included 45 pairs of school shoes and 275 packs of sanitary pads.
Similar to many schools in rural Zimbabwe, Homestead Primary School caters for underprivileged pupils who can hardly afford basic necessities.
Ngwenya, originally from Number 4 village under Chief Nyangazonke in the area, specifically chose to support Homestead over his childhood school, Gohole Primary School, to directly benefit his local community.
“While I went to Gohole because my mother taught there, my heart is with Homestead,” Ngwenya said.
“It’s where the children from my village receive their primary education. These donations are for them.”
While some rural schools may be less strict on uniforms, students from disadvantaged families often attend school barefooted or in worn out clothing, affecting their self-esteem and potentially hindering their learning.
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Ngwenya said teachers identified students who were most in need of shoes, while sanitary pads were distributed to girls in Grades Six and Seven.
A parent, who requested anonymity, said they felt relieved by the donations, acknowledging the financial struggles faced by many families.
“These donations are a lifesaver for many. We all know the situation in the country. People are struggling. I would like to thank Mr Ngwenya for his generosity,” the parent said.
“Imagine 45 children who used to go to school barefooted now have shoes and the girls have sanitary pads. This is such a wonderful gesture.”
School development committee chairperson Mqabuko Ncube expressed gratitude.
“We are incredibly thankful to Ngwenya for his generosity. These donations will greatly benefit our students,” Ncube said.
Efforts to reach Matobo district schools inspector Nicholas Moyo for comment were unsuccessful as his office had not yet received a report on the donation.
