By Wezhira Munya
In the picturesque rural landscape of Masvingo Central, a remarkable story of community empowerment and educational transformation is unfolding.
Advocate Moses Mavhaire, the 2023 President Nelson Chamisa House of Assembly Candidate for the Masvingo Central, has taken it upon himself to uplift the lives of the children in Mamoti Village through a visionary preschool project.
The plight of the young children in Mamoti Village had long been a concern for the local community since 1980. However, Zanu PF led Government neglected them. On the other hand , the current Zanu PF member of parliament of Masvingo Central Edson Zvobgo Junior failed to assist these villagers and villagers are regretting voting him, said one Village head.
Mamoti Village is located approximately 5 kilometers away from the nearest established preschool at Machitenda Primary, the rugged terrain and steep mountain paths made it nearly impossible for the 2 to 4-year-olds to make the arduous journey. Recognizing the pressing need for accessible early childhood education, the parents of Mamoti Village approached Mavhaire in 2019, seeking his assistance.
True to his reputation as a dedicated public servant, advocate Mavhaire wasted no time in responding to the community’s call. Driven by his unwavering commitment to the well-being of the children, he sprang into action, initiating the construction of two brand-new preschool classroom blocks within the village.
On a chilly 8th June 2024 day in 2024, the community gathered to witness a momentous occasion – the donation of the roofing materials among others by Advocate Mavhaire himself. Braving the drizzle and low temperatures, the resilient residents of Mamoti Village came together to express their gratitude and support for this transformative project.
“We have to help the children. These children who are at this preschool are our future leaders. Remember, the parents of these children support different political parties. This is not about vote-buying; this is about paying back to the community. I love the people of Masvingo Central, and the little we have, we must give to our communities.” Advocate Mavhaire stated with conviction.
Advocate Mavhaire’s selfless gesture extends far beyond the construction of the classrooms. He has also appealed to the broader Zimbabwean community to lend a hand in completing the preschool. From window frames and panes to furniture, toys, and playground equipment, Mavhaire has called for donations of all kinds to ensure the children of Mamoti Village have a nurturing and enriching educational environment.
The preschool, which currently boasts an enrollment of 45 students and one qualified teacher paid by the parents, is a testament to Mavhaire’s unwavering dedication to his constituents. But his support for the community extends even further. In the past, he has donated wheelchairs to citizens with physical disabilities and assisted Masvingo Central residents with income-generating projects, such as providing seeds, irrigation materials, and soap-making supplies.
As the sun sets on Mamoti Village, the gleam of the newly installed roofing materials casts a hopeful glow over the community. The children of Mamoti, once faced with the daunting challenge of accessing early education, now have a brighter future, thanks to the tireless efforts of Moses Mavhaire and the resilience of the people he serves.