Online Reporter
Solomon Bhumu
Post Reporter
DESPITE the rigorous demands of the third term, Hartzell High School last week took a break to celebrate one of the most eagerly anticipated events on its academic calendar – the annual Speech and Prize Giving Day.
The colourful occasion, held at the school hall, was attended by parents, guardians, community leaders, officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and Responsible Authority – United Methodist Church (UMC), among others.
The day was filled with excitement, pride, and reflection as learners, teachers, and parents gathered to acknowledge academic, sporting, and extracurricular excellence.
With an enrolment of 2 038 learners, the school honoured over 200 learners, who excelled across a wide range of subjects, from Form One to Advanced Level.
Recognition was given in English Language, Shona, Combined Science, Geography, History, Accounts, Heritage Studies, Physical Education, and subjects in the Commercials, Arts, and Sciences.
Special awards also highlighted exceptional dedication – with categories including best ‘A’ Level learners (2024) with 15 points – Samantha Makunike, Panashe Damu, Deborah Muchanyuka, Tadiwanashe Shasha, Tadiwanashe Gwazai, Titus Mujuru, Marshall Mukwakwamu, Tafadzwa Chibaga, Luthando Chikuvire, and Kundiso Bere.
Best ‘O’ Level learners (2024) – Allan Kahla, Gloria Mupfunya, Caroline Gurira, and Tavonga Mutukwa.
Three Ds (Determination, Dedication and Diligence) award went to Gloria Mupfunya (female) and Rowland Damba (male).
Smartness awards went to Leslie Matsungo and Precious Sithole.
Special subject awards in both O-Level and A-Level streams were also presented, applauding consistency, effort, and outstanding talent.
As the applause filled the hall, pride was written on the faces of both learners and parents, underscoring the significance of the event in nurturing confidence and motivation among the young achievers.
In his keynote address, school head, Mr Leonard Mutibu, highlighted the school’s remarkable progress, both academically and in extracurricular activities.
“I am delighted to welcome you all to our Speech and Prize Giving Day. Today, we are gathered to celebrate the achievements, talents, and hard work of our learners.
This day marks a special moment in our calendar – a time to make memories as we reflect and recognise excellence in all its forms,” he said.
Mr Mutibu proudly announced the school’s current 93 percent pass-rate at Ordinary Level – a significant improvement from previous years, while Advanced Level results remained at 100 percent pass-rate – with 10 learners achieving 15 points.
“Thumbs up to the Heritage-Based Curriculum which is inclusive and encourages learners to bloom where they are in terms of talents and capabilities. At this school, learners are given wings to fly, and indeed, they fly higher,” he added.
Beyond academics, Mr Mutibu applauded the school’s sporting success, noting that Hartzell High had reached provincial finals in basketball, produced national volleyball players, and shone at quiz competitions, representing Manicaland at national level in the Old Mutual-sponsored African Records Quiz.
“With the help of the Responsible Authority, it is my greatest joy to announce that currently most trophies from the just-ended UMSA Games belong to Hartzell High School,” he said proudly.
Mr Mutibu also touched on infrastructure progress, including a solar-powered water system that has improved efficiency and reliability, especially in tackling water shortages.
“We intend to extend the solar-powered energy to dormitories to ensure that our learners can continue their studies beyond the scheduled evening times. We applaud parents for the tremendous support they have given us on this project,” he said, further highlighting ongoing agricultural initiatives, including broilers, layers, and piggery projects, which, not only feed the school community, but also serve as practical learning platform.
“To our final year learners, as you prepare to leave us, always remember the values you have learnt here — discipline, integrity, respect, and excellence. Go out and make a positive impact in your families, society, and the world at large,” he concluded.
Former Hartzell High School head, Reverend Dr Jairos Mafondokoto commended parents for their sacrifices in ensuring that their children access quality education.
“Your love and desire to have your children acquire an education is highly commendable. From late nights to early mornings, from encouragements to guidance, your role has been pivotal. Thank you for being the pillars of strength and love for our students,” he said.
Reverend Dr Mafondokoto challenged learners to cultivate critical thinking, innovation, and problem-solving skills in a world increasingly shaped by social media, technology, and artificial intelligence.
“In this dynamic landscape, versatility has become a necessity. We urge our learners to be critical thinkers, to develop curious minds and innovative approaches, and to be creators and generators of knowledge,” he said, also underscoring the importance of discipline and moral uprightness.
“We need young minds that are not intoxicated with drugs and alcohol, but minds that are inquisitive, innovative, and enterprising for the development of our country. Gone must be the days where graduating learners queue for jobs. We need our learners to aim to be the Strive Masiyiwas, Aliko Dangotes, Jeff Bezoses, Elon Musks, and Mark Zuckersbergs of this world,” he said, while encouraging the learners to take pride in their future roles as creators of wealth, entrepreneurs, and leaders of society.
School Development Committee (SDC) chairperson, Mr Samson Nyambiya, expressed gratitude to the school leadership, teachers, and parents for their joint efforts in uplifting Hartzell High School.
“This day marks a celebration of outstanding achievements in all facets of school life, from academics to sporting activities. It is a clear testament to your hard work and a demonstration of a high level of professionalism,” he said, praising parents for their unwavering support, particularly in mobilising resources to sustain projects that benefit learners.
“As your SDC chair, I promise to continue working towards creating a child-friendly Hartzell High School that nurtures learners with hunhu/ubuntu, self-reliance, and patriotism,” said Mr Nyambiya.
He also confirmed plans to replicate the solar-water system on the girls’ dormitory, noting that water supply remains central to sustaining the school’s piggery and farming activities.
The celebrations also highlighted Hartzell High School’s growing strides in self-reliance and sustainability. Mr Mutibu said the school has installed solar panels on the boys’ dormitory, linked to a solar-powered water system that pumps into a 50 000-litre tank.
“The availability of water on the boys’ side has increased punctuality among learners, while cleanliness has also improved. Previously, learners struggled due to shortages, but now this is a thing of the past,” said Mr Mutibu.
The school also runs a piggery project, launched in 2023 with just eight pigs.
It has now expanded to over 200 pigs, supplying pork to the school dining hall.
The project doubles as a hands-on learning site for learners studying Agriculture and Animal Husbandry.
“The piggery waste is an added advantage as it is channeled into our biogas tanks, which supply gas energy to the dining hall,” he said.
Hartzell High further boasts a poultry project with more than 5 000 layers producing 15-16 crates of eggs daily. The supply feeds the learners body, while excess produce is sold to generate revenue.
Additionally, the school manages a herd of cattle, which provides beef for learners, and helps meet institutional food requirements.
“These projects are aimed at ensuring food sufficiency and instilling self-reliance inour learners, while also supporting our dining facilities,” said Mr Mutibu.
