By Admire Chitsungo
CHEMUKUTE High School has reaffirmed its commitment to holistic education, celebrating academic excellence while promoting character, confidence and practical competence at its annual Prize Giving Day.
Running under the theme, “Beyond Grades: Building Character, Confidence and Competence,” the ceremony saw Praise Runawo, Hazel Mutangi and Keily Shumba dominate the prizes, while the school showcased developments reflecting its growth and commitment to quality education.
Mhondoro-Ngezi District Schools Inspector, Bernard Kowo, representing the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE), attended the ceremony, underscoring the ministry’s commitment to promoting quality education that nurtures learners academically, socially and practically.
School headmaster, Nowel Mutangi said the theme challenged society’s tendency to measure learners solely through examination results, emphasising that true quality extended beyond certificates.
“Society measures a child by a percentage, but at Chemukute, Striving For Quality means more. Quality is character when no one is watching, confidence to stand and speak, and competence to solve real problems,” he said.
Mutangi said sharing textbooks, assisting others and helping at construction sites demonstrated character and teamwork, urging prize winners to remain humble while encouraging other learners to persevere.
He announced the launch of the Chemukute High Gavel Club under Toastmasters, which will meet every Friday at 2pm to develop public speaking, leadership and communication skills.
“Every Friday, our learners will learn to Speak, Lead and Inspire. The shy Form One learner of today can become tomorrow’s master of ceremonies,” he said.
The headmaster also highlighted the contribution of Building Technology and Design (BTD), Furniture Technology and Design (FTD) and Agriculture learners, saying the school was nurturing practical skills enabling learners to build houses, grow crops and develop business plans.
Guest of honour, Vordim Trading Private Limited sales and marketing manager Mr Simbarashe Chidyiwa, challenged learners to embrace integrity, confidence and competence, saying academic grades opened doors while character sustained success.
“Grades will get you into the room, but it is what is beyond grades that will keep you in the room,” he said.
Chidyiwa urged learners to uphold honesty, discipline and respect, warning that excellence without integrity was empty. He encouraged those who did not receive prizes to believe in themselves, participate in activities and develop confidence through trying, failing and rising again.
He further challenged learners to acquire practical skills, teamwork, problem-solving and innovation, urging them not merely to pursue grades but to become useful members of society.
“Do not just chase A’s. Chase skills. Learn to code, to farm, to debate, to fix, to create and to serve,” he said.
“Grades plus character, confidence and competence equals a future no one can take from you,” he said.
Meanwhile, SDC chairman Brian Nyahwire described the Prize Giving Day as a success, saying the school celebrated hardworking learners while showcasing its development milestones.
He highlighted renovated classroom blocks, a new school bus and school vehicle as evidence of Chemukute’s progress, thanking parents, staff and stakeholders for their continued support.
“Together, we are building Chemukute from strength to strength,” he said.
