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Trust Khosa-Youth Interactive Writer
ZIMUTO High School Learner, Munotidaishe Gwehama, is a baby of grace.
Raised in a humble family in the semi-arid Chivi district, Masvingo, the 17-year-old had never dreamt of tasting city life and let alone flying overseas.
It took his intelligence and passion for research to break new ground in astronomy to realise his dream.
Munotidaishe represented Zimbabwe in Russia along with other three intelligent learners at this year’s Astronomy Olympiad Sirius Federal Territory exhibition held in Sochi from September 15 – 22.
For the benefit of other learners, astronomy is the study of everything in the universe beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
That includes objects we can see with our naked eyes, like the sun, the moon, the planets, and the stars.
It includes objects we can only see with telescopes or other instruments, like faraway galaxies and tiny particles.
This is an area in which Munotidaishe has expressed his interest as he continues to be rewarded for his passion.
He returned this week in high spirits with the new title of National Diamond of Zimbabwe in Astronomy.
The Lower 6 student at the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe-run school, could not hide his elation after assuming the new title.
“It’s quite an honour that I made my family, school and friends happy after I participated in Russia.
“I learnt a lot of lessons to accept who I am and to appreciate my culture as a person. In my case, I now enjoy the rewards of studying and research, which has taken me overseas,” he said.
Munotidaishe, who is studying Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry at Advanced Level, has urged education chiefs to include astronomy in the new curriculum.
“Going back to school, I am going to encourage learners to accept astronomy because it’s a special subject that is fascinating and enlightening.
“After getting my certificate of merit as the National Diamond of Zimbabwe (champion), it is my wish to see astronomy being taught at an early stage.
“There is more to learn and cherish about this subject which is quite enlightening,” he said.
Munotidaishe, who was selected on merit from provincial levels to go and represent Zimbabwe with other learners across the globe, has vowed to study hard in school.
“I was away for a couple of days but in this era of technology, it’s easy to catch up with other learners.
“By the way, all the information is now available on the internet and it all depends on how one is prepared to fully utilise that information once we get it,” he said.
The down-to-earth boy hailed the school authorities at Zimuto High School for honouring him.
“I would like to thank the (acting) school head Mr Brighton Makota, and members of staff for making my dream true.
“I also want to thank my parents for blessing me with my journey as a learner. Without their support, I don’t think I could have achieved all this because they have been very supportive of me over the years,” he added.
The acting school head saluted Munotidaishe for representing Zimuto High and Masvingo province with pride.
“We are proud of our boy who did very well in Russia. Our school has been excelling beyond expectations in science subjects and I would like to acknowledge our teaching staff for the job they are doing.
“Over the years, we have been producing teams that have been participating overseas, especially in the robotics competitions.
“One of the teams was in Togo last year where they did very well. The calibre of students we are producing continue to shine everywhere they go,” he said.
Senior master Taurayi Magunda, who has been working at Zimuto High School in Masvingo for over 25 years, welcomed Munotidaishe from Russia along with the acting school headmaster.
The school has produced many luminaries among them renowned medical practitioner Dr Johannes Marisa who has been paying school fees for several learners at Zimuto High.
Online Reporter