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The Herald, February 17, 1986
AN 18-year-old whizzkid, Ackim Mate, passed all the nine subjects he sat for in his O-level examinations with distinctions.
A pupil at Dadaya High School, Ackim scored As in English Language, English Literature, History, Geography, Shona, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Additional Mathematics.
The boy, who is an orphan, yesterday said he intended pursuing his A-levels in mathematics, physics and chemistry at Dadaya.
The beaming genius said the secret to his success was “sheer hard work, but I also owe my success to my teachers and classmates who assisted me during the academic session”.
He started his primary school in grade 2 after the school authorities had realised the boy’s intelligence was above that of his age group.
He also won numerous prizes of books and other school equipment. Ackim is not only a bookworm, but also plays football and competes in athletics, though, he said, he has not yet won a prize.
“My aim is to pursue electrical engineering at the University of Zimbabwe,” said Ackim.
The deputy headmaster at Dadaya, Cde Sebastian Charidza, yesterday said the school would be very pleased to enrol Ackim for A-levels. He commended the boy’s achievement as a record in the history of the school.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
- There are no short cuts to success except hard work. The boy in the story was able to score such high passes at O-Level because he put in a lot of work.
- Success will always bring reward. Ackim won many book prizes and school equipment because he was intelligent.
- “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. It is important to incorporate social activities in one’s routine to ensure that the body rests and relaxes.
- It is vital to give recognition where it is due. Ackim was naturally intelligent, but even then, he also gave his teachers and classmates credit for his success.
Online Reporter