zimbabwe

Zulu Time Project
Featuring Mahlabezulu Primary School, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Sibekithemba (Themba) Ngwenya immigrated to Canada in 2001 from
Zimbabwe. He often worked two jobs in order to support his extended
family in Zimbabwe. He is currently studying Accounting at Sheridan
Institute of Technology & working in the finance department the Shred-it
company in Oakville, Ontario. Before coming to Canada he worked in the
finance department of Haddon & Sly Ltd, in Bulawayo.

Themba has plans to help restore the quality of education in Zimbabwe back
to its high standard before the economical and political distress that has
ripped the country apart over the last decade. Previously, Zimbabwe was
regarded as the country with best literacy rate in Africa.

The focus of the Zulu Time Project will be on Mahlabezulu Primary School in
Bulawayo. The school was built in 1963 and has about 1200 students. Each
grade has 3 or 4 classes. A shortage of teachers and basic supplies make the
work environment difficult for remaining staff and students.

Themba has a special attachment to this school as both he and his wife
(Nomaxhosa) graduated from it. In the long-term Themba wants to establish
a library and computer room. However, there is an immediate need to supply
students with school text books, writing pads, furniture, pens/pencils, and
even chalk.

In September this year, Themba hopes to return to Buluwayo to (among other
things) collect his wife and bring her back to Canada. He also wants to
purchase and deliver to the school $1000 in school supplies and work with
the Parent Teacher Association to develop a long-term strategy for a
sustainable restoration of Mahlabezulu's educational standards.