Jenya High head Austin Hakunavanhu with Mbuya Mhande, teachers and school pupils
Moses Ziyambi
CHIVI – Dozens of pupils from Jenya High School, led by their teachers and school head, recently paid a visit to a forsaken old widow in Mudyazhezha village under Chief Madyangove where they presented her with gifts before doing some work at her homestead.
Mbuya Revai Mhande was overwhelmed by emotions when the children donated groceries to her and spent some time entertaining her.
The old woman, who estimates her age to be somewhere around 84, stays alone at home and she struggles to see each day through, with nobody available to help her out with the basics of life.
Pupils donated groceries that included cooking oil, sugar, bread and flower. Thereafter, the pupils took hoes and other equipment and cleaned up the yard.
“It is a good experience to have a school and its children remembering people like me. I never expected to receive such an early Christmas present so I thank God for this visit.
“I stay alone and my life is not at all easy. Getting food is a daily struggle and with old age, I also find it difficult to do all the work that is needed to maintain a decent home outlook. This is a gesture that I will never forget for the rest of my life,” said Mbuya Mhande.
Children who were present pointed out that it was their wish to continue with the work of charity, saying they will mobilise resources and return again next year.
Jenya High School head Austin Hakunavanhu said the welfare of the elderly, especially those who struggle to survive in the rural areas, should be a priority for everybody.
“As members of society, we must be more caring. Old age is part of our destiny if we are fortunate enough to live as long as Mbuya Mhande has lived. She represents the needy people we must care for and I am deeply humbled by the efforts of Jenya High School members of staff and pupils,” said Hakunavanhu.local
