Online Reporter
Post Correspondent
MAKONI District asserted its dominance at the expanded Manicaland Provincial Heritage Quiz finals held last Friday at Murambinda A Primary School in Buhera, with John Cowie Primary School emerging as the overall winners after a closely contested competition.
The heritage quiz, a flagship educational programme organised by the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe since 1994, brings together primary school learners to test their knowledge of Zimbabwe’s history, culture and heritage.
This year’s edition saw a notable expansion in participation, with 14 schools competing.
For the first time, each district was represented by two teams instead of the traditional single representative, reflecting growing interest in the programme.
In a tense final round, John Cowie edged out last year’s champions, Hartzell Central Primary School, by a single point.
St Joseph’s Primary School, also from Makoni District, finished in third place, underlining the district’s strong showing in the competition.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Manicaland Chief Provincial Education Director, Mr Richard Gabaza highlighted the importance of heritage education within the national curriculum.
“The heritage quiz programme aligns closely with the objectives of the Heritage-Based Curriculum. Schools, through their headmasters and teachers, should continue to utilise heritage resources within their communities. By engaging with heritage sites and cultural resources across the province, educators can help develop learners who are well grounded in the history and identity of their country,” he said.
The winners will now represent Manicaland Province at the national finals scheduled to take place at the Great Zimbabwe National Monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site widely regarded as one of the country’s most significant historical landmarks.
Acting Eastern Regional Director for the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Mr Lloyd Makonya, said the institution remained committed to promoting heritage awareness among young Zimbabweans.
“As an institution, we take pride in initiatives that encourage learners to appreciate and understand Zimbabwe’s rich heritage. The expanded format of this year’s competition demonstrates the growing enthusiasm among educators and learners alike. We value the strong partnership between NMMZ and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in nurturing heritage consciousness among the younger generation,” he said.
The winning John Cowie team comprised Tapiwanashe Zvepasi, Janelle Nyabonda, Benevolence Dube and Danielle Masibhera.
The team was coached by Mrs Tariro Mahanyana and Mr Itai Nyambo.
Notably, the winning side was an all-girls team that proved more than a match for their competitors, asserting their intellectual prowess in a contest that tested deep knowledge of Zimbabwe’s heritage.
Their triumph comes at a fitting time, as March marks the global celebration of women and girls, highlighting the growing confidence and academic excellence of young female learners.
Mr Nyambo expressed pride in the learners’ achievement, noting that their victory reflected months of preparation and determination.
“We are extremely proud of the learners. Their dedication and teamwork paid off. This competition has traditionally been dominated by schools from Mutare, so this victory is particularly significant for us and for Makoni District,” he said.
