Mother and twins river tragedy inspires village school to embrace digital future

Raymond Jaravaza [email protected]

MORE than a decade ago, tragedy struck a community in Nkayi District when raging floodwaters swept away twin girls attempting to cross a river on their way to school.

Their mother, who watched helplessly from the riverbank, threw herself into the torrent in a desperate attempt to save them. She too was swept away.

In a matter of moments, a family was lost to a river that had long stood between local children and their education. Yet from that heartbreak emerged a powerful story of resilience and community determination.

Determined that no child should again risk their life crossing a flooded river to attend school, villagers in Ngwaladi mobilised their own resources and built a secondary school. That school became

Thokozani Secondary School. Today, 10 years after tragedy inspired action, the small rural school is preparing to embrace the digital age. With just 104 learners and six teachers, Thokozani Secondary School is set to roll out online learning that will link its pupils with teachers at some of Matabeleland South’s established mission schools.

Teachers from Wanezi, Matopo and Mtshabezi high schools will conduct virtual lessons for Thokozani learners, potentially making it one of the first rural schools in the region to use technology to overcome geographical barriers in education.

The development marks a significant milestone for a school born out of grief. Its six teachers have no staff cottages and are currently housed in a building owned by a villager.

One of the school’s classroom blocks remains incomplete, while learners also face shortages of furniture and other basic learning resources. Despite these challenges, the school continues to make progress.

Brethren in Christ Church (BICC), which officially took over the running of Thokozani Secondary School on April 27 this year, hopes technology will help narrow the gap between the remote Nkayi community and better-resourced schools.

BICC clergyman Reverend Mandlenkosi Moyo said the school’s origins are rooted in the tragedy that struck the community.

“Thokozani Secondary School was established in 2016 after a tragedy that claimed the lives of twins and their mother, who drowned after trying to cross a flooded river. Villagers decided to mobilise resources and build their own school on the other side of the river. The school still faces infrastructural challenges, as one of its two classroom blocks is partially complete but is being used by learners,” he said.

The church plans to complete the second classroom block, build teachers’ cottages, construct a science laboratory and strong room, and ultimately turn Thokozani into an examination centre.

A recent donation of technology equipment has provided fresh impetus to those plans.

Companies and individuals pooled US$2 331 to provide the school with a Starlink kit, projector, solar battery, inverter and stationery. The equipment was handed over at the BICC offices in Bulawayo on Thursday.

“BICC runs three high schools in Matabeleland South, namely Mtshabezi, Matopo and Wanezi and we plan to have teachers from the three schools assisting learners from Thokozani Secondary School by doing online classes.

“One of our donors has pledged to train the teachers in Nkayi to use the equipment for online classes. We believe that technology will break the distance barrier to benefit the learners of Thokozani Secondary School,” said Moyo.

The technology is expected to open up new learning opportunities for pupils in a remote area where access to specialist teachers is often limited.

Learners in Ngwaladi will now be able to receive lessons from teachers based hundreds of kilometres away, bringing expertise that would otherwise be beyond their reach.

Former BICC Bishop Sindah Ngulube said the donation represented an investment in the future of the school’s 104 learners.

“Your generosity has provided 104 learners and their teachers with essential resources that will directly enhance their daily learning and academic growth. These items are not just tools; they are investments in the future of our children,” he said.

“We promise to utilise them effectively to nurture the potential of every student at Thokozani Secondary School and the educational institution will never be the same again.”

The project has also attracted support from former mission school pupils who have gone on to establish successful businesses.

Skhosi 3 Eagles Investments donated a 3kVa solar system, inverter, 24-volt battery and accessories.

Company representative Andile Ndlovu said the donation reflected the organisation’s commitment to supporting communities.

The company’s directors, Nqobile Skhosana and his wife Sibonginkosi, are former learners of Wanezi and Matopo high schools respectively.

“They strive for the company to be a business that provides services, creates employment, develops young people, supports communities and participates in meaningful development projects,” said Ndlovu.

“We recognise the important role that the church plays in our communities, providing spiritual guidance, bringing people together and contributing to the development and welfare of society.”

Another donor, Melusi Moyo of Next Gear Driving School, said his own journey through rural schools inspired him to support learners at Thokozani.

“I grew up in the village and attended rural schools. It wasn’t easy but looking at where I am today, I’m proud that my circumstances did not define me. Some people believed in and supported me and that contributed to my personal growth,” he said.

Moyo said learners’ current circumstances should not define their future.

“We must not look at the hardships that they are going through but see future doctors, teachers, engineers, lawyers, nurses, entrepreneurs and leaders of this great country,” he said.