Two philanthropic organisations, the Red Cross Society of Zimbabwe and Higherlife Foundation donated items worthy a thousand dollars to Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE). The donated items which were to be channelled towards student development programmes were handed over to the University at a handover ceremony which was held on 19 May 2021 at the University’s Main Campus.
The Red Cross Society of Zimbabwe donated seventeen (17) pairs of soccer kits, ten (10) pairs of volleyball kits, ten (10) soccer balls, two (2) volleyballs, table tennis set, ten (10) courts, and sets of first aid kits. Higherlife Foundation donated eight hundred (800) reusable face masks and thirty (30) veronica buckets.
In his acceptance speech, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Eddie Mwenje expressed his gratitude to the two organisations for this kind gesture.
“During this period of great uncertainty caused by the COVID pandemic, we feel much honoured and comforted that you can come through to the University even in such a time to present the donations you have given us today. I accept these donations with a deep sense of gratitude,” said Professor Mwenje.
He added that the partnership between the University and the two organisations was very crucial in student development. He stressed that the ingredients for producing holistic graduates who were able to contribute to the development of humanity both locally and internationally were embedded in the provision of services such as sports, health and wellness programmes to the students. To Professor Mwenje, the donated goods were going to contribute significantly to the achievement of the University’s goal in the areas of students’ sport, health and wellness.
Commenting on the face masks and veronica buckets, Professor Mwenje said these were timely interventions meant to enhance the University’s fight against the deadly corona pandemic. The donations were going to help the University in ensuring that staff and students were safe from the corona virus.
In his concluding remarks, Professor Mwenje showered the two organisations with praises for their philanthropic works and urged them to continue helping the society.
“Thank you Red Cross Society of Zimbabwe and Higherlife Foundation for this generous gesture. You have the youths and young people at heart. It is our hope that other corporates would emulate the good example you have set today. We hope this relationship shall continue to grow,” said Professor Mwenje.
The Red Cross Society of Zimbabwe was represented by Mr M. Mujuru, the Youth Development Officer for Mashonaland Central; Mr Stambuli Kim, the Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs and Mr Munyongani, the Youth Development Coordinator based at the Head office.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr Munyongani said that their donation to the University was in support of their organisation’s goal to promote sexual and reproductive health rights in tertiary institutions. “We believe that we can impart knowledge on vital life skills through sport,” he said. Mr Munyongani also gave a brief narration on the roles of his organisation as well the three year project on Youth, Sexual Reproductive and Rights that the organisation was running in partnership with the Danish Red Cross Society. The donation BUSE received was part of the project’s outcome.
Mr Kim who was also representing the organisation’s Secretary General touched on possible areas for future collaborations between BUSE and the Red Cross Society of Zimbabwe that included work related learning opportunities and student exchange programmes. The donated items from Higherlife Foundation were handed over to BUSE by the Dean of Students, Mr Crispen Mazodze. He stressed that the donations will go a long way in assisting students in their wellness and health programmes.
Also present at the occasion was the Acting Registrar, Mr SG Chitera; the Acting Bursar, Mr M. Kamba; the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Science, Professor I.W Nyakudya; the Research and Postgraduate Centre Director, Professor C. Mahamadi; the Public Relations and Protocol Director, Mr JJ Gutura who was also the Director of Ceremonies; the Director for Sports and Recreation, Mrs T. Muzuva, some members of staff and representatives from the University’s Student Representative Council.