Chris Walker back in UK after Pakati visit

Chris Walker (L) during his visit to Zimbabwe

Zim Now Writer

Chris Walker, a British national, who once taught at Pakati Secondary in Murehwa, Mashonaland East province, is back home after an emotional return to the institution where he donated goods sourced from well-wishers.

“I really enjoyed the week I spent there. We donated to five schools in total, and I got the chance to visit all of them. We also celebrated Pakati restoring the solar power at the schools,” said Walker.

Walker described the welcome he received at his former school – which he joined through Voluntary Overseas Service – as outstanding, saying:

“We were treated to poetry, music and traditional dance when we arrived. It was very heartening to see our contributions helping the students learning. It was great to see the computers we donated in 2019 being used in lessons, powered by the repairs to the solar power. The schools all gave their thanks to everyone who donated.”

Chris Walker from Bradford spoke highly of the visit and benefits that were derived by recipients of donated computers and a solar power project, among other gifts.

He taught at Pakati Secondary between 1989-91 before returning to Europe where he established a charitable organisation called Friends of Pakati.

The organisation supports a primary and secondary schools to access some resources they do not have. Chanetsa School is one of the beneficiary institutions.

Friends of Pakati representative Lorraine Mapuranga – a former student of Walker – hosted her mentor at her family home during the whole course of his stay.

His translator was a Mr Mundodzi, an English teacher at the school who is blind.

Walker spoke of the good support Mr Mundodzi receives, noting that he is not treated any differently to any other members of staff.

He reminisced on the opportunity he was given to superintend over an assembly of students, after which he handed out Scunthorpe United scarves and shirts to both staff and students.

“I’d like thank to everyone who organised the visits, all the distinguished guests, the Telegraph & Argus and the staff and students at all five schools. We hope to be back again next year,” he said.