THE country’s second largest Mobile Network Operator (MNO), NetOne yesterday donated five computers to Mutenderende High school from Chirumhanzu for being the biggest blood donor for the period 2017 to date.
By Michael Gwarisa recently in Gweru
The move is part of their countrywide program which seeks to support schools from all the country’s 10 provinces which are excelling in the areas of blood donation.
Addressing delegates at the World Blood Donor Day in Gweru, NetOne Executive Media Services Manager, Mr Clever Isaya said the schools support program was an addition to the $25 000 support they are already rendering to the National Blood Services of Zimbabwe (NBSZ) to ensure support for blood donation related activities in the country.
“NetOne remains committed to providing support to life saving institutions and our values resonate with this year’s theme which says blood donation as an action of solidarity. As NetOne we have been supporting NBSZ for the past 12 years, this partnership started in 2006 and we are proud to have walked with you over the years.
“This year, NetOne has been actively involved in all the NBSZ activities. Apart from the $25 000 contribution, as NetOne, we are also supporting schools that contribute the most blood during the year. This year all the winners in the provinces will receive awards from NetOne. Over and above that NetOne will soon be engaging the schools with the view of assessing their needs.
“We strongly believe our efforts will go a long way in making blood services affordable. To sustain this there is need for more involvement of corporates, education institutions and the general public. Allow me to congratulate the national winning school Mutednerende high school for being the biggest blood donor in 2017,” said Isaya.
Mutenderende High school will be receiving five computers as well as data connectivity to ensure the computers are connected. NetOne will also be partnering NBSZ in its blood drive which is centred on the one money service.
NBSZ Chief Executive Officer, Ms Lucy Marowa applauded the role schools play with blood donation as they are the biggest donor in the country.
“Thousands of people owe their lives to blood donors who selflessly give their blood. Without the voluntary unpaid donors there is no blood to give, this could be a mother bleeding post birth or child who would had lost red cells due to Malaria.
“There is however need to engage more adult blood donors. As we speak, 70 to 80 percent of blood is coming from you the young school people. We have to do more to make sure the adults take this blood donation drive so that there is a balance to the blood needs,” said Ms Marowa.
In 2017, NBSZ visited 354 schools in Zimbabwe to collect blood around the country and paid special tribute to the ministry of primary and secondary education for allowing them to move around the schools collecting blood.
