By Bookey Peek | Project Leader
Dear Supporters,
We were in the news last November, when the tanks rumbled into Harare, and Zimbabwe experienced its very own coup (that wasn’t really a coup). According to some, we are now living in “cloud coup-coup land”, but for most of us, that’s a whole lot better than where we were before. Nothing of much substance has happened, but it is early days for the new President, and the real test will come at election time in July. Can there possibly be “free and fair” elections after decades of vote rigging and subterfuge? And if the ruling party continue in power – this time with a very strong army presence in Cabinet – will anything really change? Opinions are divided – the upper echelon are keen for new business opportunities and the revitalization of local industries – but those in the lower strata (around 95% or more of our population) see it differently, particularly in our province, Matabeleland South, which has suffered the most under ZANU (Pf).
One old chap summed it up with his comment: “Change? I don’t think so. Same shoes, different socks.” Wait and see, we’ve been telling ourselves for nearly forty years now, and we are still waiting, but this time with a certain “cautious optimism”. In the meantime, Marula school continues under the direction of our wonderful headmistress, Danae, and her second in command, Mrs. Tshuma. Nothing has really changed for them – there is still the constant battle to find cash and to keep up with the rapidly escalating cost of living. I’ve added a picture of one of the ladies who comes to the school daily to cook for the 260 odd day scholars, thanks to your donations. I paid them each $50 (in our bond notes) today, and it was all in $2 notes, the largest denomination one can draw from banks, if it is available. Often, all the bank can give you is coins. The local “bond notes” were issued sometime ago on the basis that they were on a par with the US$, but in reality, one US dollar now buys US$1.50 in bond, so the black market is thriving. To add to that, due to the changing seasons, we are once again getting very late rains – too late for the maize that was planted in November.
So, not a lot of news from Marula – the children are getting their lunch every day – beans, soy mince, cabbage, tomatoes, sadza and gravy – in different combinations, and it makes an incalculable difference to their lives. I gave a lift home to three day scholars last week when it was pouring with rain. All three are under 12, the youngest around 7, and they had no raincoats or umbrellas. Each day they make a round trip of 20 kilometres to school and back home. You can imagine how much that daily meal means to them.
So, as always, our heartfelt thanks for your support – if we pass the children on the road in the early mornings, every single one of them waves and smiles – and that’s really for you – in appreciation for all that you do to improve their lives.
With Gratitude,
Marula School
By Bookey Peek | Country Director
By Bookey Peek | Project Coordinator
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