By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
As part of its growing commitment to equitable education, the People’s Own Savings Bank (POSB) has donated USD 20,000 worth of solar kits to seven rural schools across Zimbabwe under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
The donation includes the installation of 5kVA and 3kVA solar energy systems, designed to provide clean, reliable power to schools that have long suffered from energy shortages.
Speaking at the official launch ceremony of the POSB Solar and Starlink Facility, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Honourable Torerayi Moyo (MP) commended POSB for its direct investment in the country’s underserved schools.
“This donation is more than a financial gesture. It represents a brighter future for learners who have, for too long, studied in the dark—both literally and figuratively,” the Minister said.
The seven beneficiary schools are located in:
Gokwe North (3 schools)
Chipinge (2 schools)
Bubi (1 school)
Bindura (1 school)
POSB Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Garainashe Changunda, said the donation is the first of many as the bank celebrates 120 years of service and recommits to transforming communities through sustainable development.
“This is about action. We believe every learner deserves access to modern education tools, and that starts with power,” said Changunda.
“Through this initiative, we are lighting up not only classrooms but also young minds and possibilities.”
Beyond powering lights and basic equipment, the solar kits are expected to support e-learning tools, digital libraries, and even school business units powered by clean energy.
The installations will be completed within seven days, with no cost to the schools.
In an emotional moment during the ceremony, representatives from one of the recipient schools in Gokwe North shared how their students have previously relied on sunlight or kerosene lamps to complete homework. With the new solar systems, both teachers and learners will benefit from extended study hours and improved learning conditions.
The donation complements a larger POSB plan to expand energy and internet access across 450 schools by 2027, funded through its USD 8.7 million Solar and Starlink Facility.
“No learner should fall behind because their school lacks electricity,” Minister Moyo emphasized. “This donation shows that we are serious about turning our words into actions.”
As Zimbabwe strives toward Vision 2030, the collaboration between government and forward-thinking institutions like POSB offers a beacon of hope—and power—for rural education.
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