Story by: Rev. Adam Mutemachani & Mr. T. Kabungaidze
Makoni-Buhera Communications

On January 28, 2025, representatives from seven United Methodist-run schools in the Makoni Buhera District gathered at the District offices in Wesley, Rusape, for a pivotal Financial Management Workshop organized by the Zimbabwe East Annual Conference Board on Education. This event aimed to empower our church-run schools in financial matters, ensuring effective management of school funds.

The participating schools included Clare Primary, Clare Secondary, Zuze Primary, Muziti Primary, Muziti Secondary, Anoldine Primary, and Anoldine Secondary. Each school sent a team composed of the Head, Deputy Head, Clerk, Center Treasurer, and Station Chair, resulting in an impressive 100% attendance.

Special thanks were extended to Rev. M. Timire and the Board on Education of the Zimbabwe East Annual Conference for initiating this program. They invited school inspectors from the Makoni East Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to serve as presenters. The workshop commenced with a devotional led by District Superintendent Rev. C. Musuruware, followed by opening remarks from Board member Mrs. Muusha. The session was enriched by Mr. Hwata, the Makoni East Schools Inspector, who delivered insightful presentations.

By the end of the workshop, all participants expressed clarity on the roles and responsibilities of Clerks, Deputy Heads, Heads, and Responsible Authorities in managing and administering school funds. Participants committed to implementing best practices in their mission schools, equipped with new knowledge on the administration of school and public funds.

“This was an uplifting and empowering program that prepared every school to operate with integrity as we embark on the year 2025,” remarked Rev. H. Sithole, the Makoni Buhera District Connectional Ministries Director.

During the workshop, Rev. M. Timire, Mr. Mhondoro (a member of the ZEAC Education Board), and DS Rev. C. Musuruware shared testimonies about the remarkable things God accomplishes in well-organized environments, especially concerning public funds. This workshop marked a significant milestone for the Makoni Buhera District Mission Schools, fostering a deeper understanding of school growth through engaged project planning.

In addition to the financial workshop, the Makoni Buhera District, under the leadership of DS Rev. C. Musuruware, received a generous donation of 2,900 trees from Nyaradzo Group of Companies. The donation included:

  • 461 Kenyan Croton trees
  • 521 Eucalyptus grandis gumtrees
  • 1,918 Eucalyptus camaldulensis gumtrees

Tatenda Mataranyika, representing Nyaradzo Group, spoke passionately about the company’s vision for environmental stewardship. Established in 2010, their initiative, Friends of the Environment (FOTE), aims to plant 500 million trees by 2026. This ambitious goal is part of their commitment to combat deforestation, mitigate climate change, and promote global sustainability.

Mataranyika emphasized Nyaradzo Group’s mission to restore Zimbabwe’s forests and enhance environmental sustainability through community engagement and partnerships. This collaboration with the Makoni Buhera District of The United Methodist Church exemplifies their dedication to amplifying their impact.

The district plans to distribute the donated trees to 29 circuits throughout Makoni Buhera, with each circuit and mission school receiving 100 trees for planting at church sites and schools. This initiative will be supervised by Project Chairs, Mr E Mutsengiwa and Mrs Gunda, CM Chair Rev. Selina Makate and CM Director Rev. H. Sithole.

In closing, DS Rev. C. Musuruware expressed heartfelt gratitude to Nyaradzo Group of Companies for their commitment to tree planting, highlighting it as a testament to their dedication to environmental sustainability and community development. Together, we are not only nurturing our schools but also cultivating a greener future for generations to generations.

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BD73Y6WGp/