Moffat Mungazi
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
CECIL John Rhodes Primary School, from the Midlands, has emerged victorious in the 2025 National Heritage Education Quiz competition held this afternoon at Mutare Museum.
The competition ran concurrently with the International Museums Day commemorations.
The national quiz brought together pupils from across the country to showcase their knowledge of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage, history, and monuments.
Cecil John Rhodes Primary reclaimed the title they last won in 2017 and 2018.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister, Honourable Kazembe Kazembe, who was represented by his deputy, Honourable Chido Sanyatwe, stressed the importance of the programme in enhancing learner participation and historical awareness.
“The National Heritage Education Quiz Competition complements the formal school curriculum by applying learner-centred participatory methodologies. It encourages research, problem-solving, and educational tours to museums and monuments,” he said, adding that since the programme’s revival in Manicaland in 2022, over 31 700 pupils and 1 165 teachers have participated.
Minister Kazembe said 350 teachers in Manicaland have been trained in implementing the Heritage Education Programme and interpreting the quiz curriculum.
“There is a growing call from stakeholders for the programme to be expanded nationwide and to include secondary schools. I urge the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to develop modalities to make this expansion a reality,” she added.
The school head, Mrs Joyful Mupinyuri, said the win came as a huge surprise.
“The prize caught us unawares. These children have worked so hard. Their dedication and discipline have been incredible. We are overjoyed and grateful,” she said.
Team leader, Riley Ntakhomwa praised the support they received throughout their preparation.
“It has been a hard-fought journey. We give all credit to our trainers, the museum staff in Midlands, and everyone who supported us,” he said.
Mashonaland Central, represented by Trojan Primary School, secured second place in the competition.
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