Mr John Mellor
President
Staff Member 1966-1974
A message to all supporters of the Thekwane Alumni Association
The AGM of the Thekwane Alumni Association was held in Sheffield on 30th July 2011.
It was a smaller meeting than the one held in 2010; there were 4 former students and 3 former members of staff present. 8 others were unable to attend but sent their apologies and greetings. However, despite the small number able to attend the AGM, during the year TAA has been supported by nearly 40 former students and staff and much has already been achieved in helping to improve Thekwane for the present generation of students.
During the year 25 computers were purchased in the UK and shipped out to Zimbabwe, the cost of this operation being just over £4,000. These were presented to the school on 12th May 2011 by 2 local representatives of TAA, Joshua Nyoni and Abiathar Mujeyi, at a celebration attended by the whole school in the Beit Hall. A video of this event was brought to the AGM and we were able to see the gratitude and enthusiasm with which this gift was received by everyone. Clearly the computers have given a great boost to the morale of both staff and students at Thekwane. However a big problem which has been brought to our attention by the governors is the unreliability of the electricity supply to the school. This is particularly highlighted by the gift of the computers, and the earlier gift of 2 freezers, which obviously cannot operate during the frequent power cuts. So this has become the next target for TAA. The purchase of a suitable electricity generator to supply the whole school has been costed at just over £6,000. This is a considerable sum but we have raised that amount already and I'm sure that it can be done again. A generator would make an enormous difference to the quality of education possible at Thekwane and we need to make every effort to provide the school with this vital piece of equipment.
Please give as generously as you can for this very worthwhile project.
Donations can be made via the TAA website, direct to the TAA bank account (Natwest Bank, 60-30-20, 28162099) or to our Treasurer, Clifford Chigaru.
John Mellor
A note from one of the current Thekwane student to the TAA
Date: 14 June 2011
On the 12th of May 2011, a group of former Thekwane students donated computers to us. It was really a dream come true for us as students. The longing of surfing the internet for educational purposes was now gone. The donation of these computers will play a pivotal role in our learning process. Research work can now be done on the computer using internet. Examination projects can now be fully researched on the computer laboratory unlike the previous years where we had to travel to other schools.
As we assembled at the Beit hall, only gestures of smiles were exchanged on the way. As stepped inside, it was decorated in a way that changed the atmosphere of the whole room and that made me feel at home. A chorus was sang with great pride just before we caught a glimpse of the headmaster marching in with the representatives of only bthe TAA and the Board chairman of the SDC. A moment of silence was observed as the headmaster was doing the introductions. We were not very much surprised by the donation as the had done that in the previous years but on that day what was before us was really intriguing.
As one of the representatives was giving his speech, one could sense the spirit of love and pride in which he had for this school. As he closed, he encouraged us to stand firm, cultivate the spitir of oneness in ourselves and make Thekwane a better school. After he ha finished delivering his speech, what everyone was waiting for was now around the corner. He then proceeded to hand over the computers to the Board Chairman on behalf of the school. Flashes of camera were seen all over and ululations from the students could be hear from a distance. On that day a new Thekwane era had begun.
On behalf of the Thekwane students, I would like to show my appreciation and thank you on the generous donation you made to this school. You have shown us love and your willingness to make Thekwane a better school. I hope and trust that the good Lord will strengthen, protect and bless you with more so that you continue the good work not to us only but others as well.
Tatenda Dzokora L6th student.