Moffat Mungazi
Lloyd Makonya
Correspondent
IN a fiercely contested battle of wits, Hartzell Primary School from Mutasa District emerged victorious in the Manicaland Provincial Heritage Quiz Finals, securing the top spot with 46 points.
The competition, held at Mutambara Primary School in Chimanimani recently, saw John Cowie Primary School from Makoni District claiming second place with 43 points, while former quiz powerhouse, Mt Melleray Primary School from Nyanga District, finished third with 40 points in a closely fought contest.
The annual Heritage Quiz competition, organised by the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) since 1994, aims to foster heritage awareness among learners, teachers and the wider public.
The provincial contest featured teams from Manicaland’s seven districts, all vying for a chance to represent the province in the national finals set for May.
This year, the stakes are even higher for Manicaland Province as it prepares to host the national finals, coinciding with International Museums Day, a global celebration of museum contributions to society.
Other participating schools included Sheni Primary School (Mutare), Murambinda B Primary School (Buhera), Mutambara Primary School (Chimanimani), and Gaza Primary School (Chipinge), all of whom put up an impressive challenge in the competition.
Hartzell Primary School’s winning team, comprised of Elsa Mugeri, Pearl Mashingaidze, and Ruvarashe Mapangire, was ecstatic about their victory and expressed their determination to excel on the national stage.
“We are very happy to have won the provincial finals, and we are now focused on preparing for the national competition to make our province proud,” said team member, Elsa Mugeri. Their coaches, Ms Rumbidzai Rwodzi, Ms Angela Mubayadzirere, and Mr Blessing Pasika, attributed the team’s success to rigorous preparation and pledged to intensify their efforts ahead of the national showdown.
“This achievement is a result of hard work and dedication. We will continue to push our learners to reach greater heights,” said Ms Mubayadzirere.
NMMZ Eastern Region Heritage Education Officer, Mr Martin Nyamatedya, commended all participants for their dedication and highlighted the critical role of heritage education in Zimbabwe’s school curriculum.
“NMMZ is committed to ensuring that no learner and no school is left behind. Through initiatives like the Heritage Quiz, we are strengthening awareness and appreciation of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage,” he said.
Manicaland Provincial Education Director, Mr Richard Gabaza, emphasized the importance of embracing heritage education, given Zimbabwe’s transition to a heritage-based curriculum.
“I urge headmasters, teachers, and learners to take such programmes seriously, as they are instrumental in helping our Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education achieve its mandate. Our cultural heritage is an invaluable asset, and initiatives like the Heritage Quiz ensure that young learners understand and appreciate their identity.”
He also encouraged Hartzell Primary School to maintain their momentum and win the national trophy.
With Manicaland Province hosting the national finals, all eyes will be on Hartzell Primary School to see if they can extend their winning streak and claim the national title.
As excitement builds, the team will be working tirelessly to ensure they make their province proud on the grand stage.
Online Reporter