eBusiness Weekly
Kudakwashe Mhundwa
Zimbabwe’s platinum producer Mimosa Mining Company, has invested $350 000 towards refurbishment of Ruvimbo Primary School as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.
Ruvimbo Primary School that caters for children living with disability, partnered the mining concern for the improvement of standards at the institution.
Mimosa managing director Fungai Makoni, said the partnership with Ruvimbo is part of the education sector initiatives aimed at improving the standards of education in the country with a special focus on disadvantaged groups.
“When the school first approached us, we were touched by the amount of work they were doing, albeit on limited resources. We were especially touched by the plight of the children who are mentally and physically challenged and immediately appreciated that the school’s mandate of educating intellectually and physically challenged children was a mammoth task, requiring unparalleled dedication and substantial resources,” he said.
Speaking on the sidelines of the handover of state-of-the-art facilities built at the school Makoni said; “Mimosa’s involvement and contribution has enabled the establishment of state-of-the-art modern facilities that are conducive for these children.”
He disclosed that three structures – a physiotherapy classroom, an Early Childhood Development (E.C.D) classroom block and ablution facilities were constructed at the school with funding from the company.
Makoni added; “As a result of Mimosa’s assistance, Ruvimbo Special School increased its enrolment capacity and now caters for a growing need for its service. Currently, Mimosa is paying school fees for 10 children with special needs at the school.”
The focus has been on going beyond brick and mortar and focusing on the beneficiary. Other areas of intervention on the disadvantaged groups include Shungu Dzevana Children’s Home where Mimosa constructed a three double storey blocks, furnished and relocated the children for a better life.
Manhinga Children’s Home is yet another area where the six cluster villages were refurbished and furnished and water reticulation was improved, as well as addressing their sustainable projects for survival after the intervention.
Among the schools is Mtshingwe Primary School, which is just a stone throw from Mimosa operations in Zvishavane.
Work at the school includes the construction of classrooms and administration blocks, ablution facilities, sporting grounds and installation of a water reticulation system, as well as state-of-the art nursery which has created a culture of planting around the communities.
