VISIT TO SIHANDE PRIMARY SCHOOL: My first impression

Visit to Sihande Primary School: My first impression

The day I met my former primary school teacher marked the glory to my everlasting passion. I have been always wishing to turn back to my community with development initiatives through dissemination of information. My passion for excellence in school librarianship could come true at the moment. I was grieved as I was on my way back from the burial of my aunt who passed on after a short illness. The moment I saw a glimpse of my grade six teacher, Mr. Shepherd Maseko, my heart missed a bit and a numbing wave of joy filled my veins. All the worries that have been filing my minds were swiped away. I could not hide my joy.

In his late 40s, Mr. Maseko was now teaching at Sihande primary school 3km north-west of Mataga growth point in Mberengwa district of Midlands province, Zimbabwe. On 7 July 2015, I was jus waiting for ZUPCO bus which was the only suitable means of transport at that time. This is when I accidentally met my lovely mentor. He had accompanied pupils to Msume primary school for provincial sports competitions. We had a face to face conversation of approximately 30 minutes.  We had to talk about the events that were happening at my primary school during my early childhood days. Mr Maseko was very glad to learn that I was now a married professional librarian, blessed with a son and a daughter.

We had a lot to discuss, but as I had my passion, I could find this being the only opportunity to sell the idea of school librarianship in Mberengwa district. When I started to share with him on the subject, he displayed a positive concern about it. This simultaneously cultivated my zeal and stimulated my hope. He promised to share the idea with school authorities, which he did. I left Mberengwa for Gweru with the idea in mind. I then discussed the matter with Mr. Hosea Tokwe, Zimbabwe Library Association (ZimLA) National Executive Council Treasurer. He gratefully welcomed my idea and promised to assist me in any way possible during the course of establishing the library at the school.

One weekend late afternoon when I was on weekend duty at work, I heard my phone vibrating in the pocket of my jeans. I saw a new number and was wondering whom this stranger was. On answering the call, I heard a lady’s voice; this was Mrs. Chisi, the headmistress of Sihande primary school. She introduced herself before she interviewed me a bit on how I expect my dream to come true at her school which is located in the remote, poverty stricken Mberengwa district. We discussed a bit and during that conversation is when I advised her to discuss the matter with the School Development Committee (SDC) before formally inviting me to the school.

After sometime, Mrs. Chisi came to collect ZIMSEC examination papers at the provincial offices. This is when she brought a handwritten letter for my invitation to the school which she left at the ZIMSEC offices in Gweru. This gave me a clear sign that the school is operating under harsh conditions. In this era of technological advancement, I expected a typed letter. However I was glad to see that initiative by the poor primary school. I collected the letter and again informed Mr. Tokwe about the invitation and we agreed to visit the school together using our own resources.

Soon after that my mother fell ill and that delayed my plans to visit the school. One day when I went to Gweru provincial hospital with my mother, I received a text message from Mrs. Chisi reminding me of the invitation. I instantly responded apologising for the delays but giving her assurance that I will definitely turn up soon. Luckily, my mother had a speedy recovery and after she was fit I had to accompany her to our rural home which is located in chief Chingoma in Mberengwa. I took this as an obvious opportunity to visit the school for the first time. I advised the headmistress to arrange a meeting with SDC on Monday 9 November 2015 which she did.

I travelled home safely. Considering that I had limited resources to travel to the school, I had to travel on foot a distance of approximately 15 km. On Monday, I woke up early in the morning at around 0330hrs. At dawn I was almost half way to the school. I arrived at Mataga growth point at 0725hrs and called Mrs. Chisi for directions to the school. She ordered me o wait for her at the only service station in the growth point. She requested a teacher at the school by the name Mr. Shumba and they came and picked me from there by his ford ranger pickup. Both of them could not hide their joy when we met as the time they have been long waiting has come to pass. We travelled to the school and in not more that 15 minutes we were already at the school. On the way we have been discussing general issues affecting them at the school including shortage of funds, failure by parents to pay fees due to harsh economic environment, to mention just a few.

When I arrived at the school I realised that the school authorities were working very hard to develop infrastructure. I observed that the school is partnering with the community to implement development projects, which I commended as the key to success. I also appreciated the moulding of bricks at the school which saw approximately 2000 common bricks moulded. The moulding of bricks is done in parallel with painting of old buildings which was 75% complete. The digging of a foundation for a new building was also underway. The new block is meant for an ECD classroom and the School Library. We did not take a tour of the school except for the room they will use as a temporary library facility.

When I arrived at the school the pupils have just left the assembly for their classrooms. I arrived simultaneously with the members of SDC. The headmistress had to attend a short briefing with the teachers before inviting me into her office. Soon after the briefing everyone was ready for the meeting. The headmistress did not take time to introduce me to the deputy head and the members of the SDC which marked the beginning of our meeting. I was given the platform to inform school staff and SDC on the importance of the school library and the stages in the establishment of a school library.

I described the library as the heart of every academic institution. I also highlighted the importance of library to pupils, teachers as well as to the community at large. This range from life skills development, reading habits, literacy levels, social status, to mention only a few. I also emphasised the need for the library as an essential tool to improve the pass rate at the school. I highlighted that the materials needed includes picture books, curriculum books, fiction books, nutritional books and reference books. I also took this opportunity to market the Professional Association that caters for librarianship as a profession in Zimbabwe the Zimbabwe Library Association (ZimLA). I advised the school to register as a member of the Zimbabwe Library Association so that they will benefit in receiving book donations and being invited to attend National Workshops and Annual Conferences

I further went on to explain the importance of library on the security of information resources. The school community concurred with me especially with particular reference to recent donations from UNICEF during the inclusive government. In addition I highlighted that the existence of the library at the school will guarantee book security and accountability thereby protecting resources from theft.  I also added that collection development and management will ensure that the school will know the number of information resources that they have through the use of the accession register.

The school authorities expressed enthusiasm on the subject and were eager to implement the idea. During the course of the meeting the school authorities sited various possible financial challenges they might face in implementing the projects they are undertaking. I then advised them to make use of a teacher librarian as a way of getting rid of labour costs. They requested me to engage the donor community on behalf of the school so that we can source the required materials. They also promised to join ZimLA early next. I went on to advise them on the formation of the School Library Committee that will play and advisory role on the day to day running of the School Library

At the end of the meeting the Headmistress requested that we see the room that they have allocated for the library.  Together with the SDC, the Headmistress we inspected the room and I observed that it was too small and the books inside were not arranged. This gave me an insight that the school deserves to be assisted to establish a library. The headmistress suggested that there might be another bigger room at the school which we visited as well and I found it suitable since it has the 25 pupil sitting capacity. I advised them to tidy the room and construct some book shelves. During my next visit in January next year I will try to find out whether they will have implemented my suggestions.  .

I must say I was very impressed by my first visit to Sihande Primary School. The welcome reception was good. I took time to hold conversations with few teachers who showed intense interest on this new development. The Grade zero teacher also displayed keen interest. Despite being very hot on that day, I had lasting impressions of this School, and I can forsee positive development that will lead educational achievement and higher pass rate in the near future.