Villagers tap development as tool of achievement

Villagers here are taking bold initiative to develop their area as witnessed through the participation in molding bricks within Chief Nyamhunga’s area of Hurungwe.

They are now defying continued ignorance of underdevelopment of their community that was characteristic in the past two decades. The resultant was the participation of more than 50 people under Mangisi and Chirasasa headmen on 19^th of September to light up the oven of the bricks that they had molded.

Chief Nyamhunga covers the greater part of Karambazungu area. A recent school development committee resolved that surrounding villages must provide bricks for the construction of an extra classrooms block to cater for the increased number of pupils.

Villagers from the two headmen were geared for the project and organized themselves to start molding bricks at Makokova River.

Headmen Aleck Mangisi told the gathering that there was need to work as a team to bring development through education of the children who are the future of any society.

Headman Mangisi, "we learn from what others do and let us lead by example'.

His statement is a testimony of how other communities are working together to develop their areas.

Headman Mangisi encouraged his subjects to be proactive in their approach in developing the area.

"We urge you to participate in everything that you understand. Do not just join projects that you do not understand their focus. It is better for you to seek better understanding for what you intend to do as a community '.

Hurungwe Rural district chairman who is ward councilor for ward 17 Tichaona Matthew also said it was a good project by local drama group Baptism of Fire to engage the community for developmental projects that will go a long way in fostering development in the area.

"The initiative by Baptism of Fire Theatre to educate people on issues of development and their will to work on one project area has brought about positive change. We are grateful that they know where they started and are giving back to the community that gave them the support to make themselves better artists not just locally but nationally, regionally and internationally'.

He also indicated that there is now increased community participation on community development issues.

Baptism of Fire is a community based organization that promotes community development and empowerment on social, economic, education, health and human rights to the underprivileged by communicating effectively through dramas, music, dances, poetry, community meetings, workshops and Festivals.

Baptism of Fire's goal is to minimize the number of illiterate citizens on development education and enhance ploughing back of knowledge and resources to the communities in respect of human rights.

Since 2008, Baptism Of Fire has been carrying out some of its projects in Nyamhunga area and have successfully conducted community workshops and festivals an advocating for behavior change in human rights, specifically child rights and women's rights, health education, political intolerance and citizen participation.

On a separate note, Nyamhunga community has organized themselves to construct four earth bridges popularly known as causeways on the 8 kilometer road that links Mashuma 2 and Karambazungu via Mangisi, Chirasasa and Makudzachamba Villages.