Herald Reporter
A FORMER Fletcher High School student who rose to become a young businessman has pledged to spearhead the transformation of his alma mater into a digital learning hub, announcing a concrete plan to equip 10 classrooms with smart boards, projectors and internet connectivity by 2030.
Mr Jonathan Muchengeti, who attended Fletcher from 2011 to 2014, made the commitment while serving as Guest of Honour at the school’s Speech and Prize Giving Day held recently in Gweru.
Mr Muchengeti, who ventured into gold mining and established Restore Life Rehabilitation Hospital after completing his education, said his journey from the classroom to the boardroom demonstrated that discipline and hard work could take students further than they imagined.
“I stand here today not as a stranger, but as one of you. I was once a Fletcher student, just like you,” he told an audience that included the Chief District School Inspector, school inspectors, primary and secondary school heads, teachers, parents and students.
The event ran under the theme “Striving for Smart Classes by 2030,” a vision Muchengeti said resonated with the national Vision 2030 agenda.
He challenged the school community to confront its challenges—ageing infrastructure, rising enrolment and the need for new facilities—by turning them into opportunities for modernisation.
“As the Fletcher family, let us turn challenges into opportunities. Let alumni, parents, partners and government unite to modernise our facilities—with improved buildings, Wi-Fi, smart boards, tablets, solar power, and teacher training in ICT,” he said.
In a move expected to inject momentum into the school’s digital transformation, Muchengeti announced that he and the Fletcher Old Students Association (FOSA) would align support towards the most pressing needs, starting with the equipping of ten classrooms with smart boards, projectors and internet by 2026 as a first step towards smart classes by 2030.
“Fletcher produced great leaders with chalkboards. Imagine what Fletcher will do with smart boards!” he said.
Addressing students directly, Mr Muchengeti urged them to embrace the digital world while maintaining strong character.
“Technology opens doors, but your character, effort and willingness to learn will help you walk through them,” he said.
He encouraged learners to say no to drug and substance abuse and distractions that undermine learning, and yes to education, innovation and socio-economic empowerment.
“Learn coding. Explore e-learning. Be curious, ask questions, and share what you learn with others. Use the internet to develop your knowledge and create opportunities,” he said.
The businessman also called on teachers to embrace digital tools, urging that by 2030 every Fletcher teacher should be able to use technology effectively to enrich learning.
“The need to digitalise our schools cannot be overemphasised. School business units and practical projects can equip pupils with lifelong digital and vocational skills that strengthen both their own livelihoods and the national economy,” he said.
He proposed expanding technical subjects beyond motor mechanics and carpentry to include coding, robotics, graphic design, digital marketing and e-commerce.
To parents and guardians, Mr Muchengeti appealed for investment in children’s access to devices, data and digital literacy, while urging collective support for families who cannot afford such resources so that “no Fletcher child is left behind.”
He also challenged his fellow alumni to continue giving back to the institution that shaped them, describing support for technology, connectivity and teacher development as practical ways to strengthen the school.
Mr Muchengeti’s address culminated in a call to action for the entire district.
“By 2030, let every child in this district walk into a classroom and have the world at their fingertips. Let every teacher have the skills and resources to teach with technology. Let every school be connected,” he said.
“That is how we transform education. That is how we transform Zimbabwe.”
The Speech and Prize Giving Day also saw outstanding students recognised for their academic achievements, with Muchengeti congratulating award recipients and encouraging those who did not receive awards to keep striving.
“Your story is still being written, and your next achievement begins with what you do after today,” he said.
The event was attended by education officials, school heads from across the district, staff, invited guests, parents and learners.
Mr Muchengeti’s pledge is expected to set the tone for Fletcher’s journey towards becoming a digitally empowered institution, with stakeholders now tasked with turning the vision of smart classes by 2030 into reality.
