In a bid to enhance the quality of education, the Marketers Association of Zimbabwe (MAZ) made a significant contribution to Msasane Primary School in Plumtree, Matabeleland South. On 31 October 2024, the organization donated textbooks aimed at bolstering the school’s resources and supporting the implementation of the newly adopted heritage-based education curriculum.

The donation, funded by proceeds from the SwingForACause Charity Golf Day held earlier in July 2024, is set to benefit students from Early Childhood Development to Grade Seven, equipping them with essential learning materials that will help foster a deeper understanding of the curriculum. The textbooks, which cover a range of subjects, are expected to make a marked difference in the students’ academic journeys, providing them with the tools needed to excel.

Mr. Gillian Rusike, Executive Secretary of MAZ, shared that this donation forms part of the institution’s broader community outreach program, which aims to support education across Zimbabwe. “Through initiatives like our Annual Golf Tournament, we have been able to raise funds to support educational efforts. Today’s donation is just one example of how we are giving back to communities in need,” Mr. Rusike said. He also noted that similar donations have been made in other regions, including Manicaland, Mashonaland West, Harare, and Mashonaland East, emphasizing MAZ’s ongoing commitment to supporting education in diverse areas.

Acknowledging the various challenges schools face, including a shortage of teaching materials, Mr. Rusike expressed the belief that knowledge should be accessible to all, starting at a young age. “This donation is critical in closing the educational gaps many schools face. We are committed to ensuring that every child has access to the resources they need to succeed academically.”

He also urged the students to take full advantage of the textbooks, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and passion in the learning process. “These books are not just educational tools, but gateways to knowledge. Use them wisely and let them help you achieve your goals,” Mr. Rusike encouraged.

The textbooks donated to Msasane Primary School are aligned with the heritage-based curriculum, ensuring that the students’ learning experiences are both relevant and engaging. In addition, the availability of these new resources is expected to foster peer teaching, with students helping one another to understand the material more effectively.

Mr. Khuphe, the head of the school, also took the opportunity to highlight the school’s other needs, including the lack of a perimeter wall, which poses a security risk for students. He appealed for additional support to create a safer environment for the children.

This donation follows MAZ’s commitment to social responsibility, which is deeply rooted in the association’s ethos. Over the years, MAZ has been involved in numerous community-focused initiatives that make a tangible impact on the lives of Zimbabweans. Some of the key initiatives include:

• Donate a Shoe Campaign: MAZ has provided school shoes to children in Gutu and Matthew Rusike, ensuring that students have the footwear they need to attend school comfortably.
• Response to Cyclone Idai: MAZ responded to the devastating effects of Cyclone Idai in 2019, providing essential relief materials to affected communities.
• Donate a Basket Program: In 2020, MAZ donated food baskets to Epworth Methodist Church, supporting families in need during challenging times.
• Donate a Hat Campaign: The association provided sunscreen lotion to the Albino Association of Zimbabwe, helping protect vulnerable individuals from the harmful effects of the sun.
• Rescue-A-Teen from Substance Abuse Initiative: In Ziko, Chitungwiza, MAZ established a chicken project with a fowl run for 1,500 birds, providing the youth with an opportunity for entrepreneurship and support in overcoming substance abuse.
• Prisons Campaign: MAZ contributed toiletries and basic goods to Chinhoyi Prison Depot as part of a larger initiative to improve the lives of incarcerated individuals.
• Masasa Clinic Renovation: MAZ supported the renovation of Masasa Clinic in Buhera District by contributing roofing, plastering, and painting efforts to improve the healthcare facility.

The SwingForACause Charity Golf Day, held earlier in July 2024, raised funds for educational support, which helped make this donation to Msasane Primary possible. The golf tournament brought together corporate teams united in a common cause, improving access to education for students in Zimbabwe.

Lenox Mhlanga, Chairperson of the MAZ Charity Foundation Committee, emphasized the significance of these initiatives: “Every donation and every effort counts. By supporting education, we are not only impacting individuals but also contributing to the long-term development of our communities.”

MAZ’s track record of philanthropy shows its dedication to creating positive change. The association’s focus remains on improving educational opportunities, ensuring that future generations have the resources they need to succeed.

Through these ongoing efforts, MAZ is not only fostering professional growth but also nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.