The Sunday Mail
Society Reporter
Alick “Baba Sharo” Macheso says it is his wish to see every child in the county learning in standard classrooms.
He also reckons no child must fail to attend school because of failure to pay tuition fees.
Baba Sharo made the remarks last Wednesday as he commissioned an Early Childhood Development (ECD) classroom block at his former school, Enterprise Primary School, in Shamva.
The Orchestra Mberikwazvo frontman sourced funds from Enhanced Mortgaging and Housing Africa (EMHA), where he is a brand ambassador.
“I had a rough upbringing and I know how it feels to be poor and uneducated. I have made a decision to assist disadvantaged schoolchildren in every possible way,” he said.
“Friends and partners like EMHA, promoters and businesspeople are making my dream a success. We are not done here, we need to add more blocks, including constructing an arts centre.”
The “Charakupa” singer is not new to philanthropic work.
He currently pays fees for over 200 children, with 109 of them being Enterprise Primary School learners.
“I have assisted a lot of kids with school fees and some have even gone to the diaspora either for work or to further their education.”
Zimbabwe Red Cross Society promised to pay fees for selected students for two terms.
EMHA finance director Dr Cathrine Muchechetere pledged unwavering support.
“He has a dream and through our chairman, who happens to believe in his ambassador, we want to make it come true. This journey began on June 6 last year and I am glad it is producing results,” said Dr Muchechetere.
The unveiling event was attended by fellow musicians, promoters and businesspeople.
Promoters Partson Chimbodza, Josh Hozheri, Wanisai “Mahwindo” Mutandwa and Regis Munhenzva pledged to pay fees for selected pupils.
Shamva South Member of Parliament Mr Bramwell Bushu said the musician is inspiring kids both as a musician and a philanthropist.
Fellow musicians, he added, should emulate him.
The school’s SDC chairperson, Mr Shepherd Chidanhamabwe, said the new ECD block will help shield learners against the elements.
Also, fellow sungura musician, Simon Mutambi, indicated that he felt challenged to construct a block at his former school.
“I copy everything good done by Macheso,” he said.
Enterprise Primary School head Mr Godfrey Chifanzwa said the new classroom block naturally aidrd the institutions aspirations.
“We are committed to raising the school’s standards and with such partnerships with the likes of Macheso, we can achieve our goals. Today’s event is in line with our Visual and Performance Arts curriculum. This was an educational session as the pupils came to interface with the artistes and promoters.”
