The Sunday Mail
Dennis Chimanzi recently in Chihota
LILY of Valleys Home of Hope has embarked on a mission to improve the learning conditions at Materera Secondary School, which is situated in Chihota, Mashonaland East.
The organisation intends to start by building a library and hall. They also have plans to refurbish classrooms.
In addition, Lilly of Valleys Home of Hope is economically empowering members of the Chihota community. Families also get food.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail Society during the ground-breaking ceremony, the organisation’s founder and patron, Pastor Fortunate Kufakunesu, said it was part of their mandate to help improve infrastructure at learning institutions.
She added that they also empower women and girls economically, socially and spiritually, with the aim of helping them reach their full potential.
“I saw it necessary to construct a school library and hall at Materera Secondary School. This is an old school, which, by now, should have such amenities but that, sadly, is not the case. I felt obliged to mobilise funds for the project,” said Pastor Kufakunesu, who is a former learner at the school.
Materera Secondary School was established in 1984 and has an enrolment of 362 learners.
“I’m a former learner at this school. I was groomed here about three decades ago. It pains me to see the school lacking basics. As an entrepreneur and philanthropist, I have decided to play my part in improving the institution.”
The 51-year-old philanthropist said they intend to complete building the two structures before the end of this year.
“The building materials are all in place and so are the funds to pay the builders. Thus, we expect no hitches in our plans,” she said.
Pastor Kufakunesu further revealed that they are paying fees for at least 50 learners and taking care of their upkeep.
Girls are getting sanitary products.
“It is my prayer that we are able to do the same in other provinces in the country. My goal is to help so many youths to achieve their goals, thus, we will have more learners on our scholarships,” said Pastor Kufakunesu.
Marondera West Member of Parliament Sphiwe Mukunyaidze applauded Pastor Kufakunesu’s gesture.
“When complete, the new library will certainly help the school improve its pass rate as learners will now have a conducive and well-resourced reading place. I want to thank Pastor Kufakunesu for her philanthropic work in ward 14. I am very proud of her and may God bless her,” said MP Mukunyaidze.
The school headmaster, Mr Silo Simango, weighed in. “I just want to thank Pastor Kufakunesu for the work she has done to the school and the community at large. I am praying that we get more people of her calibre,” he said.
The school development committee chairperson, Mr Muzondiwa Kizito Kuzu, was equally delighted.
“Pastor Kufakunesu is doing a number of things in this area. Through her efforts, poverty has been kept at bay,” he said.
