Temba Dube
Ronald Mpofu [email protected]
A COLOURFUL end of year speech and prize-giving ceremony became a source of inspiration for learners at Plumtree School on Friday as the institution showcased its motivational spirit and honoured pupils who excelled in various disciplines including sporting activities.
Hundreds gathered at the school’s pavilion to witness learners receiving awards as the institution marked its end-of-year achievements. Parents, students, Government officials, teachers from neighbouring schools, local stakeholders and School Development Committee (SDC) members were in attendance.
The school, which currently has a total enrolment of 800 learners — 416 boys and 384 girls — saw at least 110 students receiving awards in different categories.
Guest of honour, Mr Victor Olonga, a former Plumtree School student, urged parents to engage so that the school remains occupied and productive, noting that a boarding school can only run smoothly if parents pay their school fees. Mr Olonga recalled that the first black person to play for the Zimbabwe cricket team hailed from Plumtree School.
Mr Olonga paid tribute to the school, adding that Plumtree High School instilled discipline and entrepreneurship into their lifestyle.
“Plumtree School taught us discipline, time management, teamwork and resilience. When you lose a match, you learn humility. When you win, you learn responsibility. These are the same qualities required to succeed academically and in life,” said Mr Olonga.
“Plumtree has long been known for its strong sporting culture, particularly in rugby, cricket and athletics, producing generations of talented athletes. The field, just like the classroom, is a place of learning.”
Adding to the theme of the event, Mr Olonga noted that education at the school goes beyond academics only.
“However, education goes beyond sport. The arts play an equally important role in shaping the whole person. Through music, drama and creative expression, learners develop confidence, creativity and emotional intelligence. Sports and the arts together shape character, attitudes and aptitudes. They produce individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also confident, disciplined and well-rounded.”
Turning to the digital world of today, the guest of honour said digitalisation, which has been enacted by the school and the Zimbabwe education system at large, has brought learners closer to the world of surviving through ICT skills.
“In today’s world, we must also understand that talent development has changed. The trajectory is no longer local, it is global. A learner here at Plumtree School can now access international platforms, learn from global experts and showcase their talents beyond borders.
“This is where digitalisation becomes critical. Digitalisation represents the pinnacle of modern learning. It has transformed how we access knowledge, how we teach and how we learn. Information is no longer confined to textbooks, it is at our fingertips,” said Mr Olonga.
“But more importantly, it gives learners the power to create, innovate and solve problems. However, embracing digitalisation requires more than just devices, it requires a renewal of mindset.
“We must bridge the technological gap by changing how we think. We must be willing to learn, to adapt and to embrace new ways of doing things.
Teachers must evolve. Learners must take initiative and parents must support this transition. This brings me to the critical role of parents and stakeholders.”
Mr Olonga said in the past, schools like Plumtree were sustained not only by fees but by the commitment of parents and the community.
“Parents contributed building materials, labour and ideas. They built some structures we see around the school, supported school activities and took ownership of the institution.
“That spirit must return in order for us to quickly have a turnaround in infrastructural development. Today, the needs may be different: computers, internet connectivity, modern facilities, but the principle remains the same,” he said.
“Education is a shared responsibility. One key area that requires attention is learner transportation. The need for a new school bus is not just about convenience. It’s about access. It ensures that learners can participate in competitions, attend educational trips and gain exposure beyond their immediate environment. I urge you, parents, to ensure we have a new school bus.”
School head boy, Rowan Brandon Ndlovu, took to the podium and thanked his fellow colleagues while encouraging the next head boy and head girl on proper ways of leadership.
“To my fellow students, I have learnt that leadership is not about being in front. It is about standing beside people and walking together. Through athletics, sports, Zimsec preparations and district events, we proved that Plumtree School can compete with the best in Mangwe District and beyond,” said Ndlovu.
In his remarks Plumtree School headmaster Mr Sipho Khumalo said the learning institution has 68 workers who are committed to hard work and paid tribute to them.
“We are humbled to come and celebrate excellence, achievement and commitment to hard work. Congratulations to the award winners. The school has 35 teachers and 33 ancillary staff. I would like to thank the teachers who go an extra mile when other teachers have gone on leave,” he said.
“The school is facing a challenge on drug and substance abuse. I encourage parents to play a role in monitoring their children. Plumtree School does not do a screening system. We accept every learner, but we are competing with those who do screening,” said Mr Khumalo.
SDC chairperson Ms Chumile Mpofu also addressed the gathering.
