Zim Diaspora map education assistance to Zimbabwe

Freeman Ncube

A group of committed Zimbabweans based in the United Kingdom gathered in London to map ways of assisting rehabilitate the education system in Zimbabwe.

The meeting, chaired by and organised under the Matebeleland.Com, a forum for  development, education, health, investment and tourism promotion for  Matabeleland and Midlands regions of Zimbabwe was attended by individuals and charities serving the regions.
 
One of the organisers, Mr JZ Moyo of the Zimbabwe Community Association said: "Education in Zimbabwe has suffered because of the current crisis and we are losing a whole generation of young people.
 
"Children in Matabeleland and the Midlands can not afford school and examination fees and it is our duty to help as Zimbabweans."
 
The meeting was held at a time when Zimbabwe Minister of Education Senator David Coltart is visiting the UK to discuss how Zimbabwe can be assisted.
 
Matebeleland.Com  Chairman Freeman Ncube said: "We have realised that the best way to ensure effective participation is for local communities to define their  problems and solutions and for the Diaspora and others to meet the needs as prescribed by the communities on the ground."
 
Freeman Ncube urged against the Diaspora taking a "we-know best" attitude but to listen to what the children and parents and communities say they  want.
 
For that reason the meeting agreed to initiate a profiling project where four  high profile individuals will be resourced to go to all districts and schools in the Midlands and Matabeleland and establish baseline conditions, define the needs and recommend how the education system can be rehabilitated.
 
Meanwhile, the ZCA will be starting fundraising for fees and school fees for  identified schools and children in the regions.
 
The meeting also tasked Mr Felix Ndiweni to lead on a position paper to be submitted to Senator Coltart during his visit. All Zimbabweans and friends of  Zimbabwe are encouraged to make contributions and suggestions on how Zimbabweans in the diaspora may assist.
 
"We encourage Zimbabweans from other regions of Zimbabwe to do the same for the communities that nurtured them." said Mr Freeman Ncube.

Matebeleland.com communications team