Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
ALPHA High School in Mutare is registering growth in enrolment, academic performance, and infrastructure development, with the institution placing a strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The school’s expansion was highlighted during a speech and prize-giving day ceremony where outstanding learners were recognised and rewarded for excelling in academics and other areas of school life.
School authorities said the steady increase in enrolment reflects growing confidence among parents and guardians in the quality of education offered at the institution.
The day school has also been expanding its infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of learners and create a more conducive learning environment.
Speaking during the ceremony, which ran under the theme: ‘Stitching Success, Building Brilliance: The Next Alpha High School Chapter’, school headmaster, Mr Anyway Killian Sadziwa, said they are producing holistic learners capable of meeting the demands of a changing world. He said infrastructure development is aligning with academic outcomes, with learners registering positive results in national examinations.
“When we talk about Alpha High School today, we are not talking about the Alpha of yesterday. We are talking of about an institution that is growing, developing, improving and dreaming bigger. We are building, investing, innovating and improving infrastructure. We are strengthening our academic programmes, expanding practical learning and developing agriculture,” said Mr Sadziwa, adding that the school takes technological and practical subjects seriously, with learners producing models of a borehole drilling rig, solar tracker, tipper, and robot arm detector, among other innovations.
“We are nurturing sport, leadership, creativity and entrepreneurship. We are preparing our learners for a world that will not simply ask, ‘What did you learn? But will ask, “What can you do with what you have learnt?” This is the Alpha we want. Not merely a school that produces examinations candidates. We want problem solvers. Not merely children who can memorise. We want young people who can think, not merely learners who can reproduce what the teacher said.
“We want innovators who can create what the teacher never taught them. That is our mission, our dream and our next chapter. At Advanced Level, Alpha High School achieved a magnificent 100 percent pass-rate. This is a remarkable achievement. It is a result of commitment, sacrifice and hard work by dedicated teachers, learners, supportive parents and above all, we thank God. We are not going to stop there because success should not make us comfortable. Success should make us hungry for greater success. At Ordinary Level, we achieved 53 percent pass-rate. We celebrate the achievement, but acknowledge that there is work to do.
“We want an Alpha where excellence is not an exception. It must become our culture. What makes Alpha different? We believe education must prepare a child, not only to pass an examination, but to face life. A child may know the formula for calculating the area of a circle. But what happens when life gives them a problem that is not in the textbook?” quipped Mr Sadziwa.
Guest of Honour, Mutare Propshaft Centre managing director, Dr Engineer Eric Mandeya, applauded the school for offering technological and practical subjects, which he described as critical to the country’s industrial and mining development.
He challenged learners to remain disciplined and focused on their studies.
“To the learners, I say being in school is a golden opportunity that should never be misused. Some of your age mates are not in school because of varying reasons, so take this opportunity seriously. Every learner must have a vision of what they want to be in future. You must work hard towards the achievement of your vision. Life is planned especially when you are still in school. Remain focused and disciplined. In industry when we employ people, we just do not consider qualifications only, but we also look at behaviour. Be patient and resilient in whatever you do. Nothing comes in a silver platter, you must work for your success. Choose good friends, those who influence you to do good. Trust yourself so that others can trust you.
“This school is of high standards from infrastructure to teachers. Do not let your background define you. I did my primary education at Mupururu Primary School in Chiendambuya, before enrolling at Kambuzuma High School. I was exposed to practical subjects at secondary school and I fell in love with Metal Work. I am happy that this school has strong practical and technological subjects on offer. I encourage Alpha High School to organise educational trips for learners to polytechnics and universities so that they can chose their carriers early. Plan your life and carrier choice now.
“I started my company in 1994 when there were very few black persons owning industries. I slowly built it using the metal work exposure I acquired from school. I dealt with big corporates who thought I was a sales representative of Mutare Propshaft Centre, yet I was the owner. I never gave up despite the pressure. I was impressed to see that some learners here are making model machines. This is what we want, innovation at a tender age. The country requires locally made machinery for use in manufacturing and mining sectors,” said Engineer Mandeya.
He donated equipment to the metalwork department, US$1 000 to aid the construction works, and US$1 000 to teachers.
He also paid tuition fees for four learners, whose parents are struggling.
Alpha High School principal director, Mr Nangisai Marange, commended the teachers, parents, and learners for their hard work, which has driven the growth of the institution, located in the Destiny area of Chikanga.
