50 Students Receive New Uniforms at Umgusa Primary School

Earlier this, from January through April 2026, I spent time in Bulawayo visiting communities and furthering the work of Amantombazana. During this trip, I had the pleasure of visiting Umgusa Primary School. The school was originally built in the late 1950s to cater to children of Black farm laborers and domestic servants during colonial Rhodesia. Today, the school still serves children mainly from the farming communities and low-income areas. Children travel long distances to and from school, some with no shoes nor adequate meals.

Understanding the school community

I was invited to attend a school assembly and had the privilege of meeting the school administrators and students. They shared stories about their day-to-day lives, especially as it related to education accessibility, and the hardships that contribute toward absenteeism. I also noticed that some students were wearing incomplete or badly battered and torn uniforms. After meeting with school administrators, I requested them to identify the children with the greatest need.

Although the request initially focused on girls, in keeping with Amantombazana’s mission, it became clear that several boys also needed assistance. In total, the school identified 50 students who did not have complete, serviceable uniforms.

Providing uniforms to 50 students

Amantombazana purchased complete uniforms for all 50 students. The uniforms were presented at a school ceremony attended by the students’ parents and caregivers.

The gathering gave us an opportunity to learn more about the circumstances affecting families in the community. I learned that most of the women whose children were beneficiaries were mostly single mothers or grandmothers. The women shared stories about their economic hardships leading to inability to cater for their children or grandchildren leading to unintended school absenteeism.

Encouraging family participation

I encouraged the parents to persevere through these difficult times and to work with teachers and show an interest in their children’s education. I emphasized the importance of engaging in school activities, such as being present during school sports days and volunteering to assist in other school activities.

The school head had shared that the school receives breakfast cereal from the government. However, she had to hire two individuals to prepare and serve the cereal to the school children because parents were reluctant to volunteer for this. Following our conversation with the parents and caregivers, and encouraging their participation, a few of them ended up committing to assist in the cereal program and assist in other school activities upon request.

“My goal was to help parents and caregivers understand how important their involvement is to their children’s success. When families work closely with teachers and take an active role in school life, children are more likely to feel supported and stay engaged.”

On a subsequent visit to the school, I had the opportunity to speak with students during their assembly. I encouraged the girls and boys to stay focused on their education, make thoughtful choices, and treat their teachers, families, and classmates with respect.

The School Head extended another invitation for me to attend a meeting at the school. This time, I was guest of honor, and addressed parents at the school’s Teacher/Parent Meeting. I challenged attendees to collaborate with teachers and model their children’s behavior at home and not expect teachers to achieve this on their behalf. I also mentioned the importance of volunteering in school activities, emphasizing that parents and teachers share responsibility for helping children develop positive habits and succeed at school.

Extending support to women and families

In addition to providing school uniforms and stationery, Amantombazana distributed in-kind donations such as skin care cosmetics from Thrive Causemetics from the United States of America to women. Other in-kind donations from Amantombazana donors included baby clothes to expectant mothers.

These efforts reflect our commitment to supporting education while responding to the broader needs of women and families in the communities we serve.

Women receiving Thrive Causemetics along with Amantombazana’s encouragement to participate in school activities.

Thank you to our donors

We are deeply grateful to every Amantombazana donor who made this work possible. Your generosity helped 50 children receive new school uniforms and provided useful supplies to women, students, and expectant mothers.

Together, we can continue removing barriers to education and creating opportunities for girls, women, and their communities in Zimbabwe.

Please consider making a donation today!