Tonga classes gather momentum:Dozens of Tonga books outsourced across Zambezi

By Luumuno Siangoma Mudenda

Nelson Mandela once said, “If you speak to a man in English he will understand you but if you speak to him in his own language he will reason with you.” For almost two decades after independence, most society tribes were not recognized in the country, all ten provinces wrote either Ndebele or Shona, which are still recognized as the official languages in Zimbabwe to some individuals.

 Chi Tonga is one of the languages which was termed to be marginalized just like its people.Of current most people still consider the Tonga people as a backward community which is affiliated to poverty.The constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) ACT 2013 came as the long awaited manna, to alleviate language grievances of the BaTonga people and other marginalized tribes.

Mr Maxwell Munenge,with some of the books which were purchased in Zambia

Basilwizi have managed to assist in promoting the teaching of Tonga in schools. Being an Organization which has its vision on uplifting the Valley people, they have facilitated the item writers of the Tonga language at ‘0’ level in collaboration with Zimbabwe School Examination Council (ZIMSEC) and Curriculum Development Unity( CDU) and they also  assisted schools by purchasing Tonga novels from Zambia. These novels include Mubekwabekwa, Ayuma Malweza and Nyoko Ngumwi.

“The whole process of purchasing Tonga books for schools from Zambia has enlightened the Zambezi valley communities.it is now clear that exclusion for our communities from learning their own languages in school prevented them from equal recognition and exercising their social and cultural life. I salute Basilwizi, it has a program that is unique and relevant to a people that have been marginalizes for years “says Maxwell Munenge,the officer responsible for the purchase of the books.

The three Tonga set books purchased from Zambia

Schools only paid for the book fee and the rest of expenses which include transport, fuel, upkeep of the driver and duty was funded by Basilwizi Trust. A total sum of one thousand and forty-eight books were bought, Nyoko Ngumwi, three hundred and forty two, Mubekwabekwa, three hundred and sixty six and Ayuma Malweza three hundred and forty respectively. Schools are really appreciating the work being done by the Organization.

“It would have been very difficult if schools individually bought from Zambia considering the expenses involved. Basilwizi have truly represented us as far as the teaching of Tonga is concerned and we do hope they continue to support us”says Albert Chaguma ,Tonga teacher at Pashu Secondary.

Hard work pays

 By Luumuno Siangoma Mudenda
 

Life illuminates for the 17year old aspiring magistrate.Although life had a lot of obstacles, he however managed to overcome them with help from good Samaritans who made it possible for him to be where he is now. Being the first born in a family of three, raised by a single mother, life was not easier for him. Payment of School fees was a challenge to Benevolence Ngwenya but determination and hard work made him to be selected as a beneficiary under Firelight Foundation program under Basilwizi Trust. He managed to be the one of the few individuals who excelled with good pass rate,Ndebele A, Commerce A, History A, Religious Studies A, Agriculture B, English C, Integrated Science C, Literature C and Geography C .

“I believe I was chosen because I worked hard in my school work and showed determination when it came to academics that is why I think my community chose me” says Benevolence Ngwenya.

Benevolence in his "|A" level classroom

Before the scholarship, life was not easier for Benevolence. Although he was doing well in terms of school work, there was room for him to do better. Stress of being chased away from school for lack of payment deteriorated his pass rate. However this soon changed.

‘’When I became a beneficiary ,life became easier for me, I no longer had stress of payment of fees, accommodation and grocery since I was in boarding, this really was stress free and gave me time to read  hence that explains the reason for my ‘O’ level academic achievements, he continues .

Benevolence greatly appreciate his mentor Mr.Ndlovu who had been there for him and who should take all the credit for these achievements.He was the one who instilled confidence and leadership qualities in Benevolence.

“I would like to say a big thank you to Mr. Ndlovu the Project Officer, as he is the one who made me realize my potential and who made me realize that it was possible to be who I want to be ,with determination and hard work. I remember he used to visit me almost once a month, bringing me the basic things I would use at school. On those visits he would advise me, encouraging me to work hard to be a better person. Indeed I would like to say a big thank you, I would not have done it without him’’ he says.

“To the donors, I am really grateful for assisting me financially when it came to school fess, it is you who made my future to look bright and I hope you continue assisting other pupils who have financial constraints like me” says Benevolence.

Unfortunately, the 17 year old still finds himself in financial constrain yet again, this is mainly because the benefits only ended at “0”level and did not continue to “A” level which he is currently doing. However the grinding mill at his community which was contributed by Basilwizi does assist in payment of his fees.

Benevolence in front of Binga high Administration office

“The grinding mill pays school fees to a lot of children who are orphans including me however, the money being generated is not enough to accommodate everyone, so they give me $100 every term which I am really grateful but it is not enough as it would have $271 shortfall making it hard for me to  pay the outstanding money ,I do not know where I am going to get the money for next year but I really hope to finish my “A” so I can achieve my dream,” says a smiling Benevolence.