BCC honours top performing schools, learners

THE Bulawayo City Council on Friday awarded prizes to its top performing schools and learners in the city in recognition of outstanding accomplishments in academics and sports.

The colourful event was held at the Large City Hall and honoured learners from the council’s 30 primary schools and one secondary school.

J W Mthimkhulu Primary School in Cowdray Park suburb stole the limelight, earning the title of the best council-run primary school academically.

The school secured an impressive pass rate of 79,85 percent in the 2023 Grade Seven results, and received US$3 000. Following behind was Malindela Primary School, which clinched the first runner-up spot with a pass rate of 79,53 percent, earning US$2 000.

Mawaba Primary School in Lobengula West came third with a 77,30 percent pass rate, and was awarded US$1 000.

In a remarkable display of improvement, Manondwane Primary School in Nketa 7 suburb was recognised as the most improved institution, soaring from a pass rate of 22,75 percent in 2022 to an impressive 59,18 percent in 2023, a remarkable 36 percent increase. Meanwhile, Sizalendaba Secondary School marked a significant comeback, improving from 0 percent in 2022 to 17 percent in 2023, showcasing the potential for growth in the city’s educational landscape.

The ceremony also highlighted schools that excelled in specific academic achievements. Malindela, Mahatshula, and Mgiqika primary schools each celebrated the success of six learners who attained six units in 2023, receiving certificates and $100 each.

These learners were also awarded certificates and presents for their outstanding accomplishments.

In a delightful showcase of talent, Mahlathini Primary School who are national champions in choral music, entertained guests with their melodious performances and received a host of prizes. Mgoqo Primary School captivated the audience with an energetic “mhande dance”, proving their prowess at the nationals for Jikinya dance, and were rewarded with certificates and gifts.

The ceremony also honoured young athletes, including 12-year-old Praise Neshiri from Malindela Primary School, who represented Zimbabwe at both the Caf and Cossasa games this year. She received certificates and presents for her achievement, along with special recognition from Ruach Manufacturing.

The national gold chess champion, Thelma Ndebele from Ntshamathe Primary School, was similarly celebrated for her remarkable skills.

Special awards were presented to Josiah Chinamano Primary’s Under-9 cricket team and Mtshingwe Primary’s Under-13 team, acknowledging their sporting achievements. Additionally, 20 learners with special needs attending council-run schools were recognised for their achievements, highlighting the council’s commitment to inclusivity.

This year’s theme: “Empowered Minds, Drug-Free Lives,” echoed throughout the event. Dumezweni Primary School’s ECD class presented poems on the dangers of drug and substance abuse.

Guest of honour, Deputy Provincial Education Director, Mr Thabani Sibanda emphasised the importance of celebrating learners’ achievements, urging the community to unite against drug and substance abuse, highlighting its detrimental effects on children’s performance and well-being.

“It is sad to witness youths and children affected by drug and substance abuse. It is my hope the collective efforts of parents, guardians, stakeholders and the city of Bulawayo will conquer this setback,” he said.

“It is important that learners take opportunities to actively attend school and do something with their lives. This will help prevent teenage pregnancies, early marriages, exposure to sexual and reproductive challenges and drug and substance abuse.”

The Deputy Provincial Education Director also encouraged parents to protect their children from drug and substance abuse by keeping them occupied at learning centres that also teach skills. He noted Ingutsheni Central Hospital was overwhelmed with drug and substance abuse patients highlighting the seriousness of the issue.

“Ingutsheni Hospital is running short of space to accommodate more patients. The majority of them being drug and substance abuse patients. This highlights the seriousness of this issue,” he said.

“Parents, let us protect our children by keeping them occupied in various centres of learning, here they will be positively occupied and acquire discipline.”