By Meditation Mposi
Three special needs schools from Masvingo Province recently received soccer uniforms from the Masvingo Association of Residential Care Facilities Trust (MARFCT), a network of care homes in the province.
The beneficiary schools include Henry Murray School for the Blind, M Hugo Primary, and M Hugo Secondary Schools.
MARFCT Executive Director Zendakwaye Zendakwaye said the organization donated enough uniforms for a starting eleven team, along with extra items.
He explained that the uniforms came after one of the schools initially requested choir uniforms, but the organization was only able to secure soccer uniforms through their partners. Zendakwaye emphasized the importance of sports as part of the school curriculum.
“Every year, Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ) schools hold choir competitions. One of the teachers from M Hugo appealed for choir uniforms for the next competition, but after discussing with our friends in the UK, they offered us soccer uniforms instead.
“We could not secure adequate funds to buy a special ball for M Hugo as we lacked additional funding sources apart from our UK partners. Sporting is important for development, and some learners may even pursue it as a career path,” said Zendakwaye.
He also highlighted other ongoing projects aimed at assisting learners beyond the recent donation.
“For about three years now, we have been donating 400kg of mealie meal to various schools to improve learners’ health and nutrition, among other initiatives. We work closely with these schools to ensure quality care, education, and sustainable projects that support our homes and schools.”
Henry Murray School for the Blind received one jersey for the goalkeeper, 12 jerseys for the team, 14 extra blue shorts, a ball, and a pump.
M Hugo Secondary School got 11 blue shirts, 15 blue T-shirts, and 12 extra shorts while M Hugo Primary School received 12 blue shorts, 13 T-shirts, one black short, and one green short.
