By Beatific Gumbwanda
Chiredzi Central Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Ropafadzo Makumire recently launched the Constituency Educational Assistance Program (CEAP), a programme that is targeting disadvantaged children in the rural part of his constituency, with 20 children from Nyawagi Primary School set to benefit at its inception.
The programme targets learners from Ward 31 and 19, in Hippo Valley, which are estates mainly run by black farmers.
The 20 learners from Nyawagi Primary School in Ward 31, who will be the first beneficiaries of the programme will get their school fees, uniforms, school shoes, and stationery paid for.
Addressing parents and guardians of the beneficiaries, who were selected by the school staff and School Development Committee (SDC), Makumire said he was setting aside money from his allowances as well as those from well-wishers towards the cause.
“I will be funding the programme from my allowances as well as resources mobilized from well-wishers in the constituency and abroad.
“These children are the future of our country; hence, we need to invest in them. Being here as your MP, I was also assisted during my time to be where I am today, and this is not a political initiative but developmental, “said Makumire.
One parent said they were happy that someone had remembered them since most of them were failing to take care of their children’s school needs.
“I want to thank the MP for this sponsorship and hope it will extend to other parts of the constituency where there is a need. I have been failing to take care of my child’s school needs and I am now relieved,” said the parent.
Chiredzi Central Constituency has 10 wards, eight from Chiredzi Urban and two from Hippo Valley Estates.
Ward 19 is better in terms of income status as most people are employed by Hippo Valley (Pvt) Limited, while Ward 31 is mainly occupied by black farmers, whose employees are failing to make ends meet in the country’s economic crisis.
