A New Cumnock woman, a school in Zimbabwe, and the power of giving your time

Stephen McNamara · 6 November 2026

Responding to: Woman from New Cumnock helps build Zimbabwe school for 153 children (Cumnock Chronicle)

The Cumnock Chronicle reports that a woman from New Cumnock has helped build a school in Zimbabwe for 153 children. I read it with a big smile on my face.

It's a reminder of something I see all the time in our community. People here just get on with it. They see a need, they roll up their sleeves, and they make a difference. Sometimes that's down the road. Sometimes, as in this case, it's thousands of miles away.

Think about what that means. 153 children with a school to go to. That's 153 young people with a better chance in life, because someone from our wee corner of East Ayrshire decided to help.

The power of voluntary action is wonderful to see. No big budget, no fanfare. Just people giving their time and effort because they care. We have plenty of that spirit in Cumnock and New Cumnock, from the folk who run local groups and clubs to the neighbours who look out for each other.

I think that spirit deserves to be noticed and thanked far more often than it is. Volunteers hold a great deal of our community together, usually without asking for anything back.

So well done to her, and to everyone who helped make this happen. It makes me proud of where we come from.

If you volunteer locally, or know someone whose efforts deserve a mention, I'd love to hear from you. Get in touch any time.