First Lady in heart-warming gesture at Churchill School

Blessings Chidakwa

In a touching show of compassion, the caring mother of the nation, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, on Friday visited Churchill School following a fire that destroyed dormitories housing 54 Form One and Form Two learners.

Amai Mnangagwa’s visit brought warmth, hope and reassurance to both learners and staff, demonstrating her unwavering maternal care.

The First Lady extended a generous consignment of essentials such as blankets, an assortment of food items and traditional mealie meal, a huge relief to those affected.

True to her role as the mother of the nation, the First Lady visited the school in her personal capacity as a mother.

Her visit demonstrated her deep love for the children and her dedication to uplifting communities in times of need.

Supporting the needy has become a way of life for Amai Mnangagwa across Zimbabwe, comforting and sharing with those in need.

The First Lady expressed gratitude to the teaching staff for their dedication during this trying period, urging them to continue guiding the children with love and vigilance.

“I came here to be with you during these difficult times, as challenges face all of us in one way or another. No one prepares for them.

“A child belongs to all of us. Let us be together during these difficult times. I was never called to be here, but I personally came as a mother, not wearing the First Lady jacket,” she said.

Dr Mnangagwa implored them to continue moulding children, as they are the first parents.

“We don’t want our children to be disturbed. We want them to be well prepared, especially considering that some will be taking examinations later on.

“Always constantly check on their state of mind. As teachers here at school, you are their parents, even doctors.

“As a mother, I have brought blankets and goodies for my children,” she said.

The First Lady, who is passionate about children, supporting several nationwide initiatives, said they are always in her heart, hence the visit to the affected learners.

“Teachers, you are so special and valued a lot. Even I still remember my teachers who moulded me to be who I am today. A child who lacks education is seen by a lack of discipline.

“It is the duty of a teacher to groom learners who later decide their profession, but it starts with a teacher. It is also the responsibility of parents and guardians to mould children so that it becomes easier for teachers,” she said.

Amai Mnangagwa, a passionate advocate of traditional foods, also encouraged teachers to prioritise preparing traditional dishes, taking advantage of their medicinal benefits.

“We are encouraging the uptake of traditional grains, which are nutritious and healthy,” she said.

With her unwavering commitment, the mother of the nation has traversed the length and breadth of the country helping the needy, including the young, the elderly and people with special needs.

Her visit was praised by community leaders, school authorities and teachers alike, who viewed it as a true reflection of the First Lady’s deep-rooted belief that every child, regardless of background or situation, deserves love, dignity and opportunity.

Sunningdale Constituency ZANU PF shadow legislator Cde Loice Magweba praised the First Lady for being a shining beacon.

“We really appreciate this, because once you face a challenge from the family perspective or community, normally we expect people to come and console us. So, what the First Lady has done here is very important.

“This gesture is going to impact positively on the children because, psychologically, they would ask, ‘Do we have anyone who can help us?’ And then they see Amai Mnangagwa from a high office coming,” she said.

Cde Magweba said the visit brought warmth not only to the children but also to the staff and the community at large.

“Even the schoolteachers, the head and we as community leaders are also very appreciative of this gesture,” she said.

Churchill School headmaster Mr Aquanos Mazhunga was overjoyed by the gesture, saying both learners and staff felt comforted by the visit and donation from the First Lady.

“Today the First Lady, our mother, brought a lot in this consignment.

“We are so excited; we are so happy. I am sure now we are on our feet. We need to rehabilitate the boys and make sure that they are happy once more,” he said.

The hostel was burnt on Monday, affecting 54 learners, with all their belongings, including blankets, clothes, school uniforms and other valuables, reduced to ashes.

Currently, the affected learners are being temporarily housed in the senior learners’ quarters.

The School Development Association (SDA) chairperson, Ms Chipo Bessie Mahamba, said as parents they were elated to have received support from the highest office.

“Indeed, musha mukadzi, you have taken care of our burdens in a way that we could never have imagined. You have indeed comforted us together with our children. May the Lord bless you abundantly, First Lady. May you continue to shine,” she said.

Schoolteacher Mrs Sarah Mhungu said the First Lady had taught them what a true mother should do.

“You have shown us the way, First Lady. You are a perfect example of a true Amai. Your presence has comforted us. Thanks a lot for the goodies you have brought us. We are indeed proud,” she said.

As founder of the Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa Children’s Home, a flagship initiative under her care, she provides shelter, education, food and psychological support to orphans and vulnerable children.

The facility is more than just a safe haven; it nurtures young people through formal schooling, life skills and mentorship.

Also, through her Angel of Hope Foundation, Dr Mnangagwa has led numerous child-focused programmes, including school fees assistance for underprivileged children and donations of uniforms and stationery to learners in disadvantaged communities.

Amai Mnangagwa has also been championing child nutrition drives, ensuring children in rural and marginalised areas receive proper meals.

The First Lady has also been facilitating Christmas and holiday outreaches, where she donates toys, groceries and clothes to orphanages and hospitals.

A passionate advocate of early detection of illnesses, Dr Mnangagwa has introduced health screening programmes in schools, especially for adolescent girls.

This includes cervical cancer awareness, menstrual hygiene education and reproductive health talks, breaking taboos and encouraging open dialogue.

To show her deep compassion for children, the First Lady has promoted the use of traditional grains in school meal programmes, helping improve child nutrition.

She has spearheaded campaigns that encourage schools and communities to grow crops like sorghum, millet and cowpeas, known for their nutritional value and resilience.

Dr Mnangagwa has also led numerous girls’ empowerment and mentorship sessions, where she speaks about self-worth, education and avoiding early marriages.

During those teachings, she distributes sanitary wear, promotes girls’ return to school after pregnancy and speaks out strongly against gender-based violence.

Amai Mnangagwa regularly visits institutions that care for children, including children’s homes and orphanages, where she donates essentials and engages with the children.

In paediatric wards at public hospitals, Dr Mnangagwa donates blankets, toys and medical supplies.

The First Lady has also prioritised inclusive support for children living with disabilities, ensuring they receive assistive devices such as wheelchairs and hearing aids. – Sunday Mail