Chronicle Editor
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
HILLSIDE Teachers College in Bulawayo has been lauded for embracing innovation by introducing a teaching practice school on campus.
The college has also opened a new school in Matobo District, establishing a laboratory supplies company and launching a yam (madhumbe) chip-making venture.
These strategic initiatives have brought about a remarkable transformation in the college’s fortunes and are in line with the objectives of the National Development Strategy (NDS1).
Speaking at the institution’s 66th graduation ceremony last Friday, Acting Principal, Dr Sifelani Jabangwe emphasised the institution’s dedication to overcoming industrialisation and innovation challenges.
“Our institution has deemed it judicious to establish a diversified corporate structure. To this end, we have founded and registered a holding company, HilltrsCol Investments under whose auspices we have established, for now, two subsidiary entities. Our Madhumbe Crisps Company has rebranded and registered as Pimumu, while our consortium school is now registered as Lukadzi Academy Private Limited. We eagerly anticipate the imminent registration of Hill Laboratory Supplies and Accessories,” said Dr Jabangwe.
He said the primary objective of the newly established laboratory supplies and Accessories Company is to provide a comprehensive range of laboratory equipment, apparatus, chemicals, teaching materials and electronic components to educational institutions and higher learning centres at affordable prices.
The college also moved further and established another company that focuses on agriculture.
“In the same breath, as we talk about the establishment of companies, allow me to briefly talk about Hiltech Gardens. Hiltech Gardens is a company fully owned and funded by some college lecturers in the institution. It specialises in crop production, utilising the greenhouse approach. The lecturers espoused the Private-Public Partnership (PPP) idea and partnered with Agro Africa –a company specialising in the establishment of greenhouses and came up with this concept. It is hoped that this company will benefit the college financially and with skills transfer,” said Dr Jabangwe.
He said it will benefit students at Hillside studying agriculture as they carry out their research and experimental work.
In line with Zimbabwe Graduate Employment Creation and Development Programme and the sub-programme, Schools Establishment and Development Programme (SEDP) Hillside Teachers Colleges successfully launched a practicing school welcoming the inaugural cohort of two Form One classes consisting of 56 learners in January 2023.
“Building on this momentum, we have enrolled an additional 64 students, which constitute the two Form One classes again this year bringing our total enrolment to 120. The college is assisting eight former students to establish a high school in Matobo District. Processes to start construction of the school are at an advanced stage,” said Dr Jabangwe.
Furthermore, the college has also ventured into music production and marketing with a state-of–the-art recording studio, which was established in 2023 that will provide a platform for recording and production of musical compositions.
“This will specifically cater to the needs of emerging artists within the city and its environs. While our vision remains work in progress, we are steadfast in our commitment to realising this goal. Furthermore, we announced last year that our college band was diligently working on an album, slated for imminent release. I am pleased to report that this dream has not died and we anticipate its completion by this calendar year,” added the acting Principal.
In pursuit of the Ministry’s drive for innovation and industrialisation, the college embarked on a bakery project envisioning self-sufficiency in confectionery production and exponential business growth.
“Initially, the project utilised a Dutch oven in the college dining hall, but we soon recognised the potential for accelerated development through a public-private-partnership with a private bakery. This collaboration enabled us to showcase our product at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), where we received an overwhelmingly positive response from visitors to our exhibition stand. Following this success, full-scale production commenced in June and continues to flourish. Our long-term vision is to establish our own fully equipped bakery,” said Dr Jabangwe.
The institution said through this strategy of diversification, they aim to consolidate their position as a leader in the provision of innovative solutions and services, while fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. — @NyembeziMu
Online Reporter