United Kingdom-born Zimbabwean footballer Jordan Zemura has funded the installation of a solar-powered borehole at Gumbanjera Secondary School in Murehwa, his ancestral home.
Before the borehole, villagers and pupils were forced to walk nearly seven kilometres to fetch water.
Zemura, who plays for Italian Serie A club Udinese and is contracted until 2027, continues to support his roots through the Jordan Zemura Foundation.
The 24-year-old is also paying school fees for hundreds of underprivileged children nationwide and supporting thousands more in sport.
During Monday’s handover ceremony, Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Itayi Ndudzo, praised Zemura for his life-changing contribution. He said:
Let me take this opportunity to salute the gesture being displayed by Jordan Zemura. He is showing us just how one person’s vision can have a far-reaching effect across communities.
This borehole alone can change lives in a way one would never have imagined. It looks like just a source of water but its significance can never be quantified. He also donated goodies and that’s a sign of how warm-hearted he is as a person.
He is a world-standard player, well-known for his set of huge skills and work ethic across the globe. And for him to elect to spend his time with rural folks, doing all he can to better their lives, shows how humble he is.
I am sure he is not only touching and transforming lives, he is inspiring the next generation to pursue success.
All he is doing is showing the world that you can be super-successful in life but remain down-to-earth and live with a purpose.
Zemura said he feels truly fulfilled whenever he sees the smiles his efforts bring to the faces of community members. He said:
We will keep on supporting and helping everyone. I have decided to just help those in need. I always talk to my family about it because this is what keeps me going. All I want is to put smiles on each and every underprivileged face.
Ensuring a reliable and safe water supply system in remote communities makes me very happy. I become even happier when I then see smiling faces because of my efforts.
All I wish to do is give a helping hand to whoever needs it. It makes me happy, it soothes my mind and my soul. I wish to do more, always.
Zemura, along with fellow regulars like Warriors captain Marvelous Nakamba and Marshal Munetsi, was given a break from national team duties for the upcoming friendly matches in Morocco.
Despite sitting out the tour, Zemura remains a key figure in the Warriors setup, having played a big role in helping the team qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place in Morocco this December.
More: The Herald
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