Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana, Sunday News Correspondent
DON Bosco Technical College in Hwange Town has been commended for its significant contribution to community empowerment through skills training and development that have positively impacted the mining district as the nation moves towards achieving an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
Speaking during the college’s 17th graduation ceremony where 40 graduates who completed various HEXCO courses with a remarkable 100 percent pass rate were capped, Mr Morgan Gorerino, the Human Resources and Administration Manager at the Zimbabwe School of Mines who was the guest of honour praised the college for its role in advancing Vision 2030.
“The activities of Don Bosco College align seamlessly with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 which aims to transform the country into a prosperous middle-income economy. By acquiring the skills and experience during your education, you are now empowered to contribute to your communities and build the economy brick by brick,” Mr Gorerino said.
He emphasised that the skills gained by the graduates would significantly bolster the local economy particularly in light of the recent surge in mining and construction activities.
“As you leave this institution, remember that your education is not solely for your benefit; it is a tool to uplift those around you. Empowerment means recognising your potential to drive change in your communities. Use your skills to inspire others and create opportunities for growth and development.”
Mr Gorerino also urged graduates to be innovative, suggesting they explore ways to enhance productivity and sustainability in the face of the country’s abundant resources.
Meanwhile, Father Simba Muza, the College principal, highlighted the institution’s progress, noting improved pass rates, the successful training of its first engineering trainees and the introduction of new courses in its curriculum.
“Don Bosco has made significant strides in realizing its goals. The successful training of our first NFC/NC engineering trainees, who recently sat for their national examinations is a testament to our determination and resilience during challenging times. We have maintained high overall pass rates in HEXCO examinations, with the Industrial Clothing Design and Construction department achieving not only a 100 percent pass rate but also 100 percent distinctions.”
Fr Muza mentioned that the college’s infrastructural expansion has physically separated the Technical College from the Secondary School, which has earned a reputation for quality academic and technical education, reflected in its impressive pass rates in the 2024 O-level examinations.
The vocational centre has strategically partnered with several like-minded organisations to benefit students during and after their training.
New subjects, including bookkeeping and entrepreneurial training, have also been integrated into the curriculum for all NFC students.
“This year, we introduced skills training in food preparation/catering and electrical installation, with a focus on photovoltaic power/solar training. Work is underway to equip these departments. In 2025, we will begin construction of a workshop dedicated to carpentry and motor mechanics. We are committed to running multiple capacity-development programs to ensure the provision of quality skills training in the Don Bosco style of education and foster synergy among our staff and partners in pursuit of our objectives.”
He said the establishment of production units, focusing on bricklaying and clothing technology is in progress accompanied by improvements in equipment, tools and machinery to enhance education quality and sustainability.
The college has been pivotal in producing graduates who have secured employment in sectors such as mining, energy, construction and hospitality ensuring that locals benefit first and reducing reliance on imported skilled workers.
This year’s graduation also saw three inmates from Hwange Prison graduating with national certificates in plumbing and electrical engineering demonstrating the rehabilitation efforts led by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS).
Bongani Ndlovu