At 113 years, Milton High continues to rebrand, revamp

Wilbrought Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter

Having opened its doors some 113 years ago, Milton High School in Bulawayo continues to revamp and rebrand to become one of the most sought after schools in the city.

Inspired by the heritage-based Education 5.0 model, the school seeks to produce well-rounded pupils who can contribute meaningfully to the country’s economy. Education 5.0 is a five-mission model of teaching, research, community service, innovation and industrialisation, which is required for Zimbabwe’s innovation and knowledge-driven economy.

The Government has committed itself to making sure that education is used as a driver towards achieving Vision 2030 that seeks to have an upper middle-income economy. Speaking during the school’s Speech and Prize Giving Day ceremony on Wednesday, Milton High School headmaster Mr Similo Ncube said the day was special as it marked 113 years since the school opened its doors.

“Feel welcome at the home of elephants where we award those who have excelled in their studies. The school was established on 25 July 1910 which makes it 113 years old. When we talk of the theme today, we are trying to address the age of the school while running with the present revamping, rebranding and recreating. We are recreating and rebranding through the support of various stakeholders.

“The School Development Committee solarised our school in case of power black outs; we are able to function as an institution. Since we are revamping, rebranding and recreating, we have managed to meet up with the parents to interrogate the drug issue that the parents are battling with as we invite different stakeholders to come and talk to our young learners about abuse of drugs and encourage them to refrain from these drugs and substances,” said Mr Ncube.

Running under the theme “Revamping, rebranding and recreating Milton High School,” the event saw learners who excelled in various disciplines being rewarded for their hard work and determination.

The school headboy, Mqondisi Moyo, was awarded a scholarship by Coghlan and Welsh Legal Practitioners for being the most outstanding student in Advanced Level.

Munashe Makiseni was named Sportsman of the Year and also received awards for Heritage Studies and Marimba. Teachers were also awarded for outstanding performances and maintaining high pass rates at the school. School Development Committee chairperson Ms Nosipho Ndebele said the day was a special one as it recognised academic achievement in the 113th edition.

“I would like to congratulate our prize winners today and also encourage them to keep up the good work going forward. These learners who are receiving prizes have been supported by parents through payment of school fees, supporting them emotionally and physically through promoting resources in sporting activities. I want to encourage the parents to continue supporting the young elephants. To those learners who did not receive prizes today, we as parents urge you to continue working hard as you still have a chance to excel. Last but not least, to those who will be writing exams, as parents we wish you all the best,” said Ms Ndebele.

The headboy said he was privileged to have earned the opportunity to serve such an institution which has been a source of growth and an environment that has encouraged creativity and fostered a spirit of excellence.

“I have been fortunate to be part of the incredible journey, one that has provided opportunities to participate in various academic programs and sporting activities while acquiring real world skills.

Excellence is never an accident, it is always a result of high intention, sincere effort and intelligent direction. This, under the importance of discipline and focus, which were critical to my success at the school. To my fellow senior students, through good times and bad, we must show resilience, strength and ability to provide memorable stories. Our time within these walls have taught us the virtue of humility and hunger for knowledge,” said Mqondisi.

Glow Petroleum founder and chief executive officer, Mr Aaron Chinhara, who was the guest of honour at the event, donated two fitted boreholes, US$3 000 worth of books and committed to giving the school US$20 000 every year for the next five years towards the purchase of a new school buy. He will also sponsor a university scholarship for the best Advanced Level pupil. Mr Chinhara will also sponsor the best learners at Ordinary Level with scholarships that include boarding fees at the school.