Jane Mlambo| A young librarian at Mt Selinda High School in Chipinge, Tinashe Kuzuwazuwa has started a campaign to mobilize books for onward donation to cyclone ravaged schools in Chimanimani district.

Kuzuwazuwa who hails from Chipinge town has since put out a call for book donations from well-wishers and will take advantage of the forthcoming International Book Fair to mobilize books for the affected children.

“Asking for your Support at The Zimbabwe International Book Fair – Harare Gardens from 29 July to 03 August 2019 . Our own librarian Tinashe Kuzuwazuwa in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Library Association will be having book bins for donation of books or any reading materials towards schools hit by Cyclone Idai in Chipinge and Chimanimani. Please pass by and drop something or contact her on +263 77 302 3535,” reads part of the call for book donations.

In an interview with ZimEye, Kuzuwazuwa said most school libraries were damaged by cyclone leaving pupils with very few reading material hence the need to also chip in with books.

“Most of the libraries and books were damaged during the cyclone leaving students with very few reading materials,” said Kuzuwazuwa.

She further noted that most donations to Chimanimani and Chipinge were foodstuffs and clothing while no-one paid attention to children’s need for reading material.

“People have been donating other commodities but no-one has donated books yet they are equally essential for the development of children.

“Reading is a therapy… it can give the children hope and inspiration after going through such a traumatising exprience,” added Kuzuwazuwa.

Cyclone Idai which hit Zimbabwe early this year left a trail of destruction at most schools in Chimanimani and parts of Chipinge.