The Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe His Excellency Zhou Ding through a youth-led movement Teen Rescue Mission this Friday donated stationery, uniforms and school fees packages to 100 parents who were affected by the Mbare inferno that happened on 8 October 2024 which gutted Mbare Complex and destroyed goods worth thousands of dollars.
The handover ceremony took place at Mbare Stodart Hall and was attended by the Zimbabwe Youth Council and the Ministry of Youth Development and Vocational Training among others.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe His Excellency Zhou Ding vowed their Embassy’s commitment to assisting young people to access good education particularly those who were directly affected by the disaster.
“As the Embassy we desire to uplift livelihoods of people in Zimbabwe. We remain committed to stand together with local partners towards assisting young people to acquire education without obstacles. I believe that with these donations we are having today, children who had their parents affected by the inferno will be able to continue with their education without trauma. Together we can ensure an educated generation for a developed nation without leaving no one behind,” he said
Meanwhile, the beneficiaries commended the intervention saying that it was timely and will go a long way in bringing relief to both parents and learners who were affected by the inferno.
One of the beneficiaries Mrs Nyamadzawo expressed her gratitude saying “When the disaster occurred, we were left with nothing. As you know that our families survive from vending, life has since been difficult for us. I am happy and thankful to the Chinese Embassy and TRM for this warm gesture. Our children will be able to continue with education,” she said.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa had on 15 November declared the Mbare inferno a state of disaster following the massive destruction it had caused.
