By grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

UNITED KINGDOM: A Scunthorpe-based project to support schools in Zimbabwe has appealed for support following a boost from its links with Scunthorpe United.

Friends of Pakati was founded in 2018 by Scunthorpe man Chris Walker, a former civil servant, who had taught as a volunteer at Pakati Secondary School in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The organisation was originally set up to get the school kitted out with computers and has since expanded into wider support to help staff and students with a host of fundraising initiatives.

Now Chris, who has returned frequently to the southern African country over the years, hopes to raise enough money to support full electrification of two schools in Pakati – and is calling on local businesses to lend their support.

And the Iron fan, who has relocated back to Scunthorpe after 50 years away from the town, has the backing of his team thanks to Scunthorpe United investor Cuan Forrest.

The Zimbabwe-born businessman, who played professional football before a career in the energy industry, wanted to help Friends of Pakati and arranged a sponsorship deal that put the charitable organisation’s logo on the Iron’s kits for the 2026/27 season and placed a banner at their Glandford Park ground.

“He was looking to invest in the club,” explained Chris. “And that was through getting a sponsorship arrangement – something on the sleeve of the club’s shirt.

“He didn’t want to do it for his business or for himself so he decided to do the investing but to put our badge and logo on the shirt.

“That was his way of helping us, and I’m delighted with that. It looks brilliant on the shirts.”

The exposure is helping Friends of Pakati reach new potential backers. And Chris, who hopes to make the organisation a fully registered charity in the near future, is targeting local businesses who he thinks could provide vital support for its work.

“We’re trying to help with other things the schools need,” he explained.

“And right now, both schools need to get electricity supplied to the whole of the school. At the moment it just goes to the teachers’ houses and the admin block, so we’re trying to get power into the classrooms – that’s our big campaign at the moment.”