By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Beitbridge – Chief David Tshitaudze was presented with a donation of Tshivenda textbooks today at Malala Primary School, an initiative by Bubye Valley Conservancy which is benefitting 15 primary schools in Beitbridge West.
The distribution comes after the chief’s plea made two years ago to promote the teaching and learning of Tshivenda language in the area.
The recipient schools, including Mtetengwe, Mugaladiva, Penemene, Jopembe, Zhopembe, Mapili, Majini, Malala, Tongwe, Masungane, Matshiloni, Madzivhe, Lesanthe, Langeni, and Mpande, received 20 textbooks each for Grade 3 and Grade 4.
The textbooks are intended to facilitate the teaching and learning of Tshivenda in primary schools, aiming to elevate and sustain the indigenous language’s status.
During the event, Chief Tshitaudze expressed his gratitude to Bubye Valley Conservancy for honouring his request, emphasizing the importance of promoting Tshivenda in the education system.
“The donation came at a time when we are trying to promote the teaching and learning of our indigenous language to greater heights so that it can be recognized like other languages in the country, such as Shona and IsiNdebele,” he said.
He further explained that the books will serve as a vehicle to carry cultural values from generation to generation.
“Learning Tshivenda will remind school children of our cultural values and norms, ensuring that our heritage is preserved and passed down,” he added.
The chief urged teachers and students to utilize the resources effectively to improve the pass rate in the local language.
A proud alumnus of Malala Primary School, Chief Tshitaudze also donated handball jerseys to the school, highlighting his commitment to youth development and community engagement.
In support of the event, Sollete Sayi, Community Education and Engagement Manager at Bubye Valley Conservancy, said, “We take pride in indigenous languages. We noticed that Venda teaching and learning resources had been insufficient and were not receiving the appreciation they deserve in their area of origin. Therefore, we are pleased to donate these resources in response to the chief’s request. “
He added that the donation is expected to strengthen the education sector and reinforce the relationship between the conservancy and the community.
“We hope this initiative will go a long way in supporting local education and preserving our cultural heritage,” she said.
Bubye Valley Conservancy has been actively involved in promoting education within the district.
Its efforts include providing relief supplies to schools, supporting feeding programs, donating stationery, and organizing educational activities such as quizzes, music and drama competitions. The conservancy has also paid school fees for orphans in the area, demonstrating its commitment to community development.
School heads from the benefitting institutions expressed their gratitude for the initiative, appreciating the support as a significant boost to their efforts to promote indigenous language education.
“This is a great step forward for our school and community. These textbooks will help us improve our teaching and ensure that our children appreciate and learn their cultural language,” said the head of Malala Primary School Mr Ncengani.
The ongoing support from Bubye Valley Conservancy underscores the vital role that collaboration between conservation efforts and community development can play in fostering sustainable growth and cultural preservation not only in Beitbridge West but the rest of the country.