Elevate Trust, a youth empowerment organisation has donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to schools in rural Gwanda, Matabeleland South as part of the efforts to create a safer environment for learners and teachers.
Schools opened on Monday for Grade 7, Form Four and Form Six classes who are preparing for their final examinations.
Through their safer schools campaign which aims at fundraising and donating PPE to rural schools, Elevate Trust noted that since the onset of the coronavirus, more than 70 percent of the learners were affected the closure of schools in March.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at Selonga High School last week, Elevate Trust representative, Samantha Xaba said the donation is driven by a need to promote education activities.
The school received 11 thermometers, 55 litres of hand sanitizer, 1 000 facemasks and 10 micro side sachets.
“The program is about creating a safer environment when schools re-open. Elevate trust is actively seeking more ways to protecting our students when schools reopen. As such the organisation has come up with an innovative portable kit, which they are proposing every teacher to have in Zimbabwe. The safer schools campaign is about fundraising and donating Protective Personal Equipment to rural schools,” said Xaba.
Xaba also called on other developmental partners to assist rural schools in getting PPE to ensure a safe environment for the students.
In appreciating the donation Matabeleland South Provincial Education Director (PED) Lifias Masukume said they are pleased with the donation and urged Elevate Trust to continue with the good gesture.
“The established relationship must go a long way,” said Masukume.
A representative LEC Biotech Ivan Mpofu explained to the audience how to use the micro side (disinfectant solution) in order to prevent the spread of the corona virus within the school environment and explained the necessary precaution that individuals must bear in mind during dilution.
Meanwhile, the District Schools Inspector (DSI) Mr. Sibanda also appreciated the donations and noted that schools around Silonga cluster did not have the required PPE which was a cause for concern.
He appreciated the Elevate Trust for such a great initiative that ensures the safe re-opening of schools and saves to protect students and the teachers.
