Chris Walker of Friends of Pakati returns from Zimbabwe visit

Chris Walker, of Great Horton, taught in Zimbabwe from 1989 to 1991, and now runs a charity which supports underprivileged children there.

Friends of Pakati supports a secondary and primary school in rural Murewa, where young people have less access to resources.

Chris, who counts Royd Mount Middle School in Thornton and Marshfield Primary as former employers, set up Friends of Pakati to help tackle these issues.

He returned to Bradford last week after donating laptops, t-shirts and football shirts to the schools.

“I really enjoyed the week I spent there,” said Chris.

“We donated to five schools in total, and I got the chance to visit all of them.

Chris with staff and some of their children (Image: Chris Walker)

“We also celebrated Pakati restoring the solar power at the schools.”

Chris described the welcome he received at his former school – which he joined through Voluntary Overseas Service – as outstanding.

“We were treated to poetry, music and traditional dancing when we arrived,” he said.

“It was very heartening to see our contributions helping the students learning. It was great to see the computers we donated in 2019 being used in lessons, powered by the repairs to the solar power.

“The schools all gave their thanks to everyone who donated.”

Students use a computer donated by Friends of Pakati (Image: Chris Walker)

Chris donates t-shirts to a school (Image: Chris Walker)

Chris was hosted by Friends of Pakati representative Lorraine Mapuranga – a former student of his – who allowed him to stay in her home while he was there.

Chris’ translator was Mr Mundodzi, an English teacher at the school who is blind. Chris spoke of the good support Mr Mundodzi receives, noting that he is not treated any differently to any other members of staff.

Lorraine showing Chris around the area, with the hill known as Chongwe in the distance (Image: Chris Walker)

Chris with Lorraine and student Rosemary (Image: Chris Walker)

While in Zimbabwe, Chris also delivered an assembly to the students – something he had not done there since August 1991.

Chris also gave out Scunthorpe United scarves and shirts to staff and students. Although an adopted Bradfordian, he grew up in the town and is a die-hard fan – he even held a fundraiser for Friends of Pakati when the Iron visited Valley Parade last season.

Chris gave out Scunthorpe United merch to staff, students and others (Image: Chris Walker)

He also visited nearby Chanetsa primary and secondary schools and Mapanga Primary as part of his visit.

Chris visits Chanetsa Secondary School (Image: Chris Walker)

“I’d like thank to everyone who organised the visits, all the distinguished guests, the Telegraph & Argus and the staff and students at all five schools,” Chris added.

“We hope to be back again next year.”