Former students give back to school

Mlambapele Primary School, located in Gwanda District in Matabeleland South Province, has received a significant facelift thanks to the efforts of the Mlambapele Former Students Association (MFSA). The association, which was established last year, celebrated its first major achievement by erecting a perimeter fence around the school, marking the beginning of a series of planned developments aimed at improving the learning environment.

The MFSA was formed by former students who felt the need to give back to the school that shaped their lives. The association, which has expanded with chapters both within Zimbabwe and abroad, is focused on making a tangible difference at the school.

The new perimeter fence serves several purposes, primarily enhancing the security of the school and keeping livestock from wandering onto the premises. According to the association's secretary-general, Mr. Melulwazi Dlamini, the project is the first step in their mission to transform the school, and they are already planning additional developments in collaboration with the school development committee (SDC).

"The association is driven by a commitment to give back to the school that shaped our lives," Mr. Dlamini said. "We have completed our first task of erecting a perimeter fence around the school to enhance the security of the learning environment for current and future learners."

The project was funded by contributions from former students, who each donated US$5. These funds were used to purchase the materials necessary for the fence, which now surrounds the entire school. Mr. Dlamini revealed that the next steps include renovating classrooms to ensure that the learning environment is comfortable and conducive to producing good results.

"We are dedicated to renovating, maintaining, and creating an environment that ensures the school remains a secure and respectful place for learners," he added. "This milestone demonstrates the power of community and the positive impact of collective action, as well as the difference former students can make in developing the institutions that shaped them."

The school's SDC vice-chairperson, Miss Verocious Modayihaile, expressed gratitude for the timely donation, noting that the fence was in poor condition prior to the project. She emphasized that the work done by the MFSA has inspired both the teaching staff and the broader community.

"This donation came at the right time because the school fence was in tatters. This project was one of our priorities as the SDC, so it has really come in handy. We urge the association to continue with their efforts, as it will make our school one of the best," said Miss Modayihaile.

The school head, Mr. Tetso Ncube, acknowledged the challenges the school had faced due to the poor state of its infrastructure. He revealed that many parents had started transferring their children to other schools as a result, and there had been growing doubts within the community about the school's ability to recover.

"There was a time when our school was in a poor state, and parents were withdrawing their children. They had lost hope that the school would regain its former glory. We are grateful to the leadership of the association, and we hope to see more work being done to transform the school to its full potential," Mr. Ncube said.

Looking ahead, the MFSA, in partnership with the SDC, has several upcoming projects planned to further improve the school. These include replacing solar batteries, purchasing soccer and netball kits, renovating the play center, installing a sliding gate, and adding signposts to the school grounds.

The efforts of the MFSA highlight the power of former students coming together to give back to their alma mater and the long-lasting impact they can have on their communities. With more developments on the horizon, Mlambapele Primary School is well on its way to regaining its former glory.