Online Reporter
Michelle Musandinyoze, [email protected]
FOUNDERS High School in Bulawayo held its annual Speech and Prize-Giving Day on Thursday last week, celebrating academic excellence while reaffirming its commitment to the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 curriculum, which aligns learning with national values, innovation and community transformation.
The colourful ceremony recognised outstanding learners who excelled in both academic and extracurricular disciplines, as well as teachers who achieved 100 percent pass rates in their respective subjects.
Speaking during the event, outgoing headmistress Mrs Dorothea Moyo said Founders High School continues to stand tall as a model institution of excellence and discipline.
“The school has been a torchbearer of national aspirations in education, guided by a disciplined sense of purpose and strong moral fibre. It deserves a place among institutions that not only transform individuals but also entire communities. This resonates well with our motto — ‘Founders First, Best Founders’,” she said.
Mrs Moyo, who is leaving the school, expressed confidence that the new leadership will build upon the solid foundation laid over the years. She commended the collective efforts of the school community, learners and parents for maintaining Founders High’s tradition of success.
“Our achievements have been a result of teamwork — the shared vision between educators, learners and the community. I am confident the school will continue to soar to greater heights,” she said.
Guest of honour, ZB Financial Holdings executive head of innovation, Mr Patrick Maseko, encouraged students to integrate the technical knowledge acquired in school with practical life skills that shape success in the modern world.
“Beyond academic achievement, learners must cultivate personal and soft skills — those that come from within and define character. These are often innate or developed through personal experience, and they are what make individuals truly stand out,” he said.
The Heritage-Based Education 5.0 curriculum — anchored on teaching, research, community service, innovation and industrialisation — seeks to produce graduates who are creators of solutions rather than job seekers.
Founders High School has been among the leading institutions in Bulawayo to embrace this model, integrating innovation projects and community-focused learning into its programmes.
Established in 1952, Founders High School is one of Bulawayo’s oldest public schools, known for its academic excellence, sporting culture and strong discipline. The school has produced generations of prominent professionals, academics, and leaders who have contributed significantly to Zimbabwe’s development across various sectors.
Over the years, Founders has maintained its reputation as a multi-cultural institution that upholds unity, integrity, and service — values that mirror the nation’s broader vision of growth and inclusivity. Its commitment to holistic education is evident through vibrant arts, debate, and sports programmes that complement academic learning.
