Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
A LOCAL learning institution has called for a shift towards education that equips learners with entrepreneurial, innovation and employability skills, saying practical learning is key to preparing young people for the future.
The call was made during Bluemark International School’s annual Speech and Prize-Giving Day, held under the theme, “Leaving a Positive Bluemark through Innovation, Employability and Entrepreneurship.”
The event brought together parents, teachers and learners to celebrate academic excellence while highlighting the role of education in creating employment opportunities and transforming livelihoods.
Speaking to Zimpapers Online on Wednesday, Bluemark International School director Mr Chesani Jaidi said the institution was founded on a vision of empowering communities through an education model that combines academic excellence with practical and entrepreneurial skills.
“I had a great passion to change the livelihoods of so many people, with all the businesses that I handle, but I still felt something was lacking in our education sector,” he said.
“Ordinary is no longer enough, there are a lot of students with certificates, but what is lacking are those practical skills.
“That is why we are here — to combine academic and professional trust.”
Rusunuguko Zimfep High School headmaster Dr Maone Veremu emphasised that education must go beyond academics to equip learners with practical skills.
He said it must go beyond entrepreneurship and technological innovation so they can create employment and solve local challenges.
“We aim to produce people who can create employment rather than people who seek employment,” he said.
“We also embrace technology as one of the thrusts, appreciating things like robotics to improve how people conduct business in the 21st century.”
Bluemark International School Principal Mr Andrew Beka said that the institution’s mission is to nurture students who are not only academically capable but also entrepreneurial and employable.
“We want to produce students who stand a big chance of getting employment, whether they are in ECD or Form 1,” he said, stressing the importance of changing mindsets in the education sector.
“Our children should already be employable in different sectors of the economy when they write their final exams.”
The parent of the most outstanding student, Mr Stanley Jimu, expressed pride in their child’s achievements.
He noted that the recognition reflects both hard work and the institution’s commitment to nurturing talent.
“Seeing my child walk away with two trophies proves that dedication and discipline does not go unnoticed,” the parent said.
“This award is not just for my child alone; it shows that when schools invest in practical skills and character, families and communities reap the benefits.”
