By Ndumiso Tshuma
The Determined Resilient Empowered Aids-Free Mentored Safe (DREAMS) initiative donated 22 desktop computers, 10 new solar panels, and a new borehole pump to Robert Sinyoka Primary School in Bulawayo, enhancing the learning environment for the school’s 805 students.
The donation was in collaboration with the Community School Education Partnership (ECOSP).
The ECOSP task force, led by Susan Chakundwa, worked closely with school officials and headmistress Senelisiwe Sibanda to identify the school’s needs and priorities.
“ECOSP was created in May 2024. We united with the DREAMS organisation, which aimed to create a better learning environment for children. The task force was assigned to handle the logistics and manual work of securing equipment for disadvantaged schools. Another committee was formed to oversee the task force’s work and ensure everything went according to plan,” said Chakundwa.
Chakundwa explained that the school’s water situation was a major concern, and the initiative addressed this issue by installing a borehole pump. She added that the solar panels will provide electricity, allowing the school to use computers and other electronic devices.
“We sat down with the officials of Robert Sinyoka Primary and their headmistress to discuss the necessary equipment to improve the school. We identified two main needs: water and learning equipment. The water situation was resolved with the installation of a borehole pump, and we acquired 10 solar panels to provide electricity. Now the school has both water and electricity, and we have computers,” Chakundwa said.
Headmistress Senelisiwe Sibanda commended the DREAMS initiative for its efforts in protecting the girl child. She noted that the school’s previous environment often led to girls being excluded from education due to financial difficulties. However, with the new facilities, both boys and girls can now attend school.
“One of the main objectives of this development was to protect the girl child. At my previous school in Ntabazinduna, girls often stayed home while boys went to school due to financial reasons. We have now changed that narrative and accommodated both girls’ and boys’ needs with the solar panels, laptops, and borehole pump. For a long time, we relied on water bowsers, but now we have a borehole to supply our water needs,” said Sibanda.
Sibanda mentioned that the school has 805 students, with only 192 coming from stable financial backgrounds. Despite this, the school has collected only 97 payments towards school fees, but students who have not paid can still attend school and learn.
Ward 17 councillor Sikhululekile Moyo praised the initiative’s efforts in addressing climate change by installing a solar borehole. She assured parents that by next year, the school will have a green lawn and garden, providing food for the children.
“With the computers, students can now learn ICT skills, which are essential for most jobs today,” said Cllr Moyo.
