Stop The Cement Factory By Bryden

I’m Gerry Koen, an ex-student, and I’m running a GoFundMe campaign to help Bryden School. You can find out more about me on the school’s website: www.brydenschool.com.

As someone who walked those corridors, played under the Msasa trees, and received an education that shaped my life, I feel deeply compelled to protect Bryden for future generations.

Bryden Country School, Chegutu in Zimbabwe, was founded 43 years ago by the community for the community. It is a non-profit organisation and a true green haven set in the heart of savanna grassland a beautiful learning environment for pupils from all walks of life.

But on 12 February 2025, it became clear that Bryden’s future was in jeopardy.

A cement and brick moulding factory less than 400m from the school had been proposed and shockingly, the project had already begun without the necessary compliance, and without a valid Environmental Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Certificate.

This isn’t just a threat to Bryden. It puts the health of students from Bryden and three other learning institutions at risk approximately 5,400 children in total. Dust, air pollution and industrial noise will have serious long-term effects on children’s health and development.

If this project goes ahead, Bryden may have no option but to close. The land was chosen and developed as an Education Zone by the Chegutu Municipality but this peaceful learning environment will no longer be safe or viable.

Bryden has secured an interim interdict from the High Court in Harare to halt the project temporarily. The initial legal fees have been covered but the fight is far from over.

Time is critical. If we don’t act now, irreversible damage could be done to the environment, to children’s wellbeing, and to the future of the school itself.

Even if you are unable to donate, please help us by sharing this campaign with others. Your support, voice and visibility make a real difference.

Bryden’s motto is Tenacity and with your help, we will stand strong.

Let’s protect this incredible school for the children learning there today, and for generations to come.

Thank you so much for standing with us.