About BBRidgESZ

A Brief History

During a visit to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, I met a family there and we started talking. As a retired teacher, I wanted to know about the schools in their village. They took me to see Chidobe Primary School. I asked if the school had books for the library or the classrooms. It was then we decided that we could be of service to this school and community. With my various contacts, I could receive support through people and agencies that could donate or sell books at a low cost. Mr. Mutava contacted the headmistress of the school, Mrs. Tshuma who said, “Any help we could get would be greatly appreciated”. I received approval from my principal, Mrs. Whitten at PTAA to form a school team of students who assisted with the collection of donated books. Thus we began this most important mission Building Bridges to resources in the school and the community. Currently, leadership has changed. BBRidgESZ co-founders are now in communications with: Mr. Mudenda, the Headmaster of Chidobe Primary School and Mr. Moyo of Chidobe Secondary School. School support from Texas include Ms. Tara Addison and Mr. Terrance Gassaway, leadership at Pioneer Technology and Arts Academy.

Where we are today

BBBRidgESZ is actively supporting underserved schools in Zimbabwe, with plans to expand globally. We’ve partnered with school leaders, and Mr. Jakaranda Nyasha Mutava serves as our on-the-ground contact. Ms. Cynthia Wheat is engaging with education and church leaders for further support.

Our 501(c)(3) nonprofit application is pending. We’ve assembled a diverse board of eight volunteer members with expertise in education and business. So far, we’ve delivered library books to Chidobe Primary School, provided full curriculum materials, and supplied laptops to Chidobe Secondary School.

Plans are in motion to ship 23 boxes of additional books and to organize student field trips within Zimbabwe. Fundraising has begun, and we are energized by the collaboration between families across continents. Our long-term vision includes connecting classrooms globally to share and learn together.

On the Horizon

BBRidgESZ is getting closer to the primary goal of shipping library books to schools in Zimbabwe. We are in communications with the Ministry of Education to gain approval for the shipment. We will continue collecting books on an ongoing basis. In the interim, we provide resources and supplies to schools and children in the community. Our hopes are also to renovate classrooms and construct other needed buildings.

BBRidgESZ 2025 plans

• Povide curriculum materials for Chidobe Secondary School
• Provide supplies & resources to students/schools Offer field trip opportunities for students
• Provide scholarship opportunities
• Renovate classrooms
• Construct other needed buildings

We also have two more schools to add to our list.

We have begun fundraising events to raise awareness and hoping to gain support with funding so that we may continue this effort supporting schools around the globe.