adminTafadzwa Chibukwa, Chronicle Reporter
It is that time of the year when most schools have speech and prize giving events for pupils who would have excelled in their learning activities. Dominican Convent Primary School had their Award Ceremony on 24 November. Girl child education has risen drastically over the years with girls being encouraged to value education and aim high as they have the potential to achieve great things.
According to a recent UN report, nearly one in four girls aged 15–19 globally is not in education, employment or training, compared to 1 in 10 boys.
The report also noted that empowering women and girls and promoting gender equality is crucial to accelerating sustainable development.
It said ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls is not only a basic human right but also has a multiplier effect across all other development areas.
Speaking during the Dominican Convent Primary School Speech and Prize Giving Day where he was the guest of honour last week, entrepreneur and media personality Arthur C. Evans urged the girls to pursue greater opportunities in life and refuse to settle for less.
He said the girls were enrolled at the prestigious school as a result of their parents’ continual pursuit for excellence and good opportunities.
“The reason behind you being here today is because of your parents’ will and burning desire to pursue great opportunities in life. It’s clear that the apple did not fall far from the tree as you’re here today receiving your awards for excelling in your academic work. Just like your parents have set foot steps for you, you should also be in a position to always excel and push to come first in whatever you’re doing in your school work,” said Evans.
This was reiterated by the School Head, Sister Ireen Makovere in her speech at the same occasion.
Evans said the pupils should stand firm on their talents and pursue them to their greatest potential.
“I encourage you all to identify your talents while you still can. With this world, all I can guarantee you is change and you will have to adapt to the changes by identifying your strengths. For those who are doing well in sports, continue doing so and you might be the next sports geek,” said Evans.
Dominican Convent – Bulawayo which has girls only, held their Infant and Junior school graduation and prize giving day at their premises in the city. In the Infant Department, the best overall pupils were Alicia Shoniwa and Hlelokuhle Ncube in ECD
A and Nailah Chimbima in ECD B. In Grade 1, Madalitso Phiri and Princess Mudzimu in Grade 2 scooped awards for the best overall pupils. Busisolwethu Harvey won the best overall pupil award among the grade 3s while Bongiwe Luphahla was the overall best among the grade 4s. Michelle Khanye won the best overall pupil award for grade 5s, Melostenciya Musarurwa for grade 6s and Ruvarashe Chikozho being the best among the grade 7s.
Some received awards for sporting excellence, physical education, visual and performing arts, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) while others were awarded for Continuous Assessment Learning Area (CALA) projects.
Speaking at the same event, Legal practitioner and Dominican Convent Board member, Ms Varaidzo Chagonda congratulated the ECD B learners who were graduating from pre-school to Infant School. They looked very immaculate in their graduation gowns and caps. She urged the graduands to heed the life lessons taught at the school.
“Our motto, Veritas, meaning truth and all life lessons taught at the school should hold some significance in your life. Let the words spoken to you guide you, inspire you and lead you to humility and be able to construct a model citizen within you,” said Ms Chagonda.
She appreciated the teaching staff at the school for always striving towards equipping pupils not only with education but life lessons as well.
Sr. Ireen said she was proud of all pupils who received prizes on the day.
“I would like to congratulate all girls who received their well-deserved merits today. I’m proud of all of them for excelling. It would be futile to only give them prizes without acknowledging their efforts and dedication towards excellence,” she said. – @Sagepapie14
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter