By Fanuel Chinowaita
Zimbabwe, Bocha Marange, 20 June 2025 – Betera Primary School received a significant boost this week after the University of Zimbabwe, through Dr. Bernard Kusena, a Senior Lecturer and Tutor, donated over 300 new textbooks and numerous English novels aimed at enriching the school’s library and strengthening learners’ English communication skills from an early age.
The donation covers various primary school subjects and is expected to enhance the quality of learning at the rural institution. The books were personally collected in Harare by the school headmaster, Mr. Last Nhimbe.
Transport for the donation was sponsored by Mr. Steven Kusena, who facilitated the journey from Betera to the University and back. The books were safely delivered to the school by hired transporter Mr. Privilege Kusena.
In an interview with The Wasu Post, Dr. Kusena said the donation was part of his personal commitment to give back to his home province, Manicaland.
“When facilitating a book donation to the said schools, I was particularly interested in ploughing back to the region I come from which is Manicaland Province,” Dr. Kusena said. “I learnt at Betera (Mutare) Primary School in Marange from 1980–1986 before proceeding to Mweyamutsvene High School. I taught at Marange High School before joining Belvedere Technical Teachers’ College, and later the University of Zimbabwe as a Senior Lecturer in Economic History. At some point, my children and those of my home area colleagues attended John Cowie Primary School in Rusape. We feel we need to remember such schools for the excellent grooming.”
He added that similar donations were made to Mweyamutsvene and Marange High Schools in 2023, with the aim of creating “endless learning opportunities” for students.
Dr. Kusena stressed the importance of quality learning materials in rural education.
“Quality reading material is key for the development of both rural and urban schooling. It enables learners to familiarize themselves early with core subjects like Mathematics, Science, English, and Shona, laying a firm foundation for their future,” he said.
“At the University of Zimbabwe, we emphasize heritage-based education that encourages learners to focus on evidence-based research and use of local resources, a journey that begins with access to the right materials.”
On the future of the initiative, Dr. Kusena said the gesture was part of a broader and ongoing effort to support rural education.
“This is definitely an ongoing process. We appeal to former students and other stakeholders to donate or cause donations in cash or kind to schools in their communities. If we continue accessing such books, we aim to serve more schools, especially in rural areas, that need teaching and learning support materials.”
The local community has applauded Dr. Kusena’s efforts and encouraged others to contribute.
“We encourage anyone willing to assist the school to do so, even if you have no children enrolled there. This is the school that raised us,” a community statement read.
Dr. Kusena also donated another 300 books to John Cowie Primary School in Rusape to expand the impact of the initiative across Manicaland.