Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka
Court Correspondent
THE National Aids Council (NAC), in partnership with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, last week convened a two-day planning and formulation workshop at Mazowe Hotel to prepare for the upcoming provincial quiz competitions.
The event focused on the critical role of these competitions in empowering school-aged children with knowledge on reproductive health, HIV/AIDS prevention, and other pressing social issues.
Speaking at the workshop, Mr Adonijah Muzondiona, Harare provincial manager for NAC, emphasised the significance of targeting adolescents and young learners.
“In schools, this is where we can nurture the leaders of tomorrow. If you catch them young, many problems will be avoided, including HIV and AIDS,” he said.
He noted that Harare Metropolitan Province, the largest by population, has a considerable number of school-aged children, making this initiative all the more impactful.
The quiz competitions, which have been held for many years, are being enhanced this year with more advanced topics and questions tailored to address key issues affecting adolescents.
“We want to impart knowledge on reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, drugs and substance abuse, and non-communicable diseases,” Mr Muzondiona explained.
These efforts aim to reduce new infections and equip young people with essential life skills.
The competitions will kick off with cluster-level contests for primary schools on September 16 at their respective centres, followed by district-level competitions for both primary and secondary schools on September 18.
The district venues include Mt Pleasant High for the Northern Central District, Mberi Primary School for Chitungwiza District, and several others across Harare’s districts.
The provincial finals will be held on September 25, with Girls High School hosting primary schools and Queen Elizabeth High School hosting secondary schools.
According to Mr Rich Matimbe, the director of Education Services for Harare Metropolitan Province, the quiz is not just a competition but a platform to disseminate vital information that can save lives.
“We are using information as a preventive measure against the spread of HIV and AIDS. Once learners know how HIV and AIDS are spread, they are in a better position to prevent it,” he said.
Mr Matimbe also highlighted the broader objectives of the initiative, which align with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) under the Human Capital Development pillar.
“We aim to protect these young ones and contribute to the national vision by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to navigate the challenges of the 21st century,” he said.
The workshop also delved into the unique challenges faced by today’s youth. Ms Marvellous Munhuwa, the principal educational psychologist in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, noted that mental health issues, drug and substance abuse, bullying, and body shaming are increasingly affecting adolescents.
“Our children are now being exposed to issues we never thought would affect them, such as depression, anxiety, and stress,” she said.
Ms Munhuwa stressed the importance of addressing these issues holistically to prevent them from contributing to HIV infections.
“HIV is no longer just about sexual behaviour, it’s also linked to drug abuse and mental health issues. We want to empower our children with the right knowledge and skills to make informed decisions.”
Mrs Mach Miwuka, the head at Girls High School in Harare and provincial head for quiz, debate, and public speaking, underscored the importance of engaging teenagers during their formative years.
“Most Form 1 students are entering puberty, a critical stage in their lives,” she said. “With the help of NAC, we teach topics like puberty, early marriages, and the dangers of engaging in early sexual activity.”
She also lauded the inclusion of topics on drug and substance abuse, which has become a growing concern among teenagers.
“By offering psycho-social support and counselling, we hope to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse and even suicide cases among our students,” she added.
The success of the provincial quiz competitions is a testament to the collaboration between NAC, the Ministry of Education, and schools.
By combining efforts, these stakeholders aim to develop a well-informed generation capable of addressing the challenges of modern society.
