LATER PRIMARY SCHOOL YEARS .....
In my previous blog post, you may remember what I wrote - I started my primary education at a remote rural school in Mutoko, Zimbabwe, in the early 1970s. The civil war in Zimbabwe had only just begun and no one was sure where the country was heading in terms of the war.
Most school children came from distant villages and were walking barefoot to get to school. Most ran the danger of running into 'Rhodesian forces' on the one hand or 'guerilla freedom fighters' on the other, in the dark and scary forests which they had to pass through.
I started my primary education in 1973. Two years after that my siblings and I left the school because the civil war had intensified. I left behind all my classmates who had nowhere else to go. I left behind Sarah and Rosewitta (names changed). Rumours were that Sarah had already been forced to marry a polygamous man from a certain religious sect, although she still came to school, and indeed she behaved like a married 'woman' at that tender age. One of my teachers liked and admired Rosewitta. He would send her to his house - to clean his house, cook for him; and wash his clothes and under-wear.
Years later, that remote school was closed. I don't know what happened to most of my school mates, whether they continued with their education or not.
*
At the new location, the ordeal continued. My siblings and I still travelled long distances, and on bare feet. We now had to pass through dark, scary forests and along the way we met insane people who always threatened us with violence.
Even though that region was much better (in terms of the climatic conditions and accessibility) life was still hard. The new school was still in a rural region. We found it hard to get the basic things of life – food, water, books, school uniforms, shoes, pens or pencils. Hardships were evident all over the rural landscape – every other year there was a drought, low rainfall and extreme temperatures. This was not helpful as most people relied on the land. During the farming season, when climatic conditions were conducive, we worked hard in the fields. The income from agricultural activities would help us pay our tuition fees. All this inspired me to get an education as I did not want to work in the fields all my life. I worked hard in the fields, and twice as hard at school. I had to make maximum use of the natural daylight to study, (fortunately there is plenty sunshine in Africa), only if I wasn't working in the fields or performing household duties.
At the school, the events which had happened at the remote Mutoko school, seemed to repeat themselves. One of the male teachers at the new school liked and admired one of his female pupils. (I will call her Ruva – flower.) He would send her to his house to do chores for him. This took a sinister turn and rumours were that something bad was happening to this young girl. No-one reported anything, no-one took action and no-one investigated. During that time no-one carried out criminal checks on adults who worked with young children. We did not know who was who.
I have a few questions though, 40 years on - or 33 years after Zimbabwe became independent;
Is every eligible child getting the education they need?
Is the quality of education improving – access to books, provision of good buildings – classrooms, libraries, sanitation?
Are criminal checks done on teachers who work in Zimbabwean schools today?
Are safeguarding policies and child protection in force in our remote schools?
*
This blog post is written in support of the work done by a charitable organisation called Charity Hope Trust. Find them onhttp://www.charityhope.org.uk
My new book BEING A WOMAN IN AFRICA will be available soon:
This novel will come in the following formats;
* 6 x 9 Perfect bound soft cover ISBN 9-781-4918-7957-3
* 6 x 9 Case bound hard cover ISBN 9-781-4817-9814-3
* E-book ISBN 9-781-4918-7958-0
It's likely to be available before the end of November 2013. There will be a Book Launch Buffeton the 30th of November 2013 at a venue to be announced. Come and listen to your favourite speakers, and also get a chance to support your favourite Charity.
*
Comments on the book so far;
“It is a very moving story portraying some of the sad realities that Zimbabwean women face. ….. Many will shed a tear as I did whilst reading it.”- Dr Mercy Nyawanza
“A very good story line ….. with an unexpected ending.” Monilola Ogundare (University of Hertfordshire law graduate)
“An intense and gripping read......... it brought tears to my eyes.” - blog follower on
ruthpink.blogspot.com
*
.JPG)