Over 500 school children in Masvingo Central received a significant educational boost last weekend as the Mutumwa Development Trust donated essential stationery and paid school fees for vulnerable learners.
The trust, founded by Member of Parliament Moses Mavhaire, distributed 5 000 books, 1 500 pens, and 2 000 pencils to students across Wards 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, and 34.
Additionally, the organisation stepped in to pay school fees for 50 children within these communities.
The “Donate A Book Campaign” has been running for two years, specifically targeting underprivileged children in rural areas during school term openings.
Mavhaire said the intervention was prompted by the government’s withdrawal of stationery support, which has left many unemployed parents and elderly guardians unable to afford basic school requirements.
“The government is no longer providing stationery to schools... the dilemma then becomes seeing children writing three or four subjects in one book because of lack of resources,” Mavhaire said.
He explained that the trust seeks to ensure children have the necessary tools to succeed while easing the financial burden on families.
While Mavhaire serves as the face of the trust, he highlighted that the resources are mobilised through a network of friends who prefer to remain anonymous.
The trust has a history of supporting the region, having previously donated English textbooks and school uniforms.
Masvingo Central Ward 23 councilor, Masline Chikuriri, described the trust as a vital “bridge” for local learners. “Most of the children in the ward did not have enough stationery and this donation has come as a blessing to them,” she said.
Beneficiaries also expressed their gratitude.
Alice Chikoto, a parent from Ward 20, emphasised that the lack of stationery remains a major hurdle for rural education. “The donations we received today will go an extra mile to enhance education... a gap has been covered,” she said
