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The local competition, organised by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz), was won by a Form Three pupil, Thembekile Amanda Sibanda, whose letter about the Olympics beat off stiff competition from 29 contestants from the country’s 10 provinces.
The theme for this year was: Write a letter to an athlete or sports figure you admire to explain what the Olympics mean to you.
The theme was chosen with the London 2012 Olympic Games in mind and pupils around the world wrote letters according to the theme.
A ceremony was held on Wednesday at Dominican Convent High in Bulawayo to honour the school for being the provincial champions and coming second in the national finals. A similar one was held at John Tallach High on Tuesday.
Rudorwashe Zhira from Dominican Convent was the provincial champion; Gugulethu Samba from Inkanyezi Primary School came second while Mongameli Zikhali from Wanezi High came in third.
Provincial winners each received $300 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third. The winners also received a stationery hamper each and their schools received books for their libraries donated by College Press.
In a keynote address, Potraz director of postal and courier services Kennedy Dewera said reading and writing were important building blocks of learning for pupils.
He said developing skills in composition writing would ensure access to education for all regardless of location.
“It has been said that reading and writing are important building blocks of learning. Unfortunately many of our children are lacking these skills. Realising the importance of these skills, each year, the UPU, the mother body for all postal operators in the world, chooses a theme,” said Dewera.
He said the partnership with the Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture who provided markers for the competition was fruitful and would grow from strength to strength.
Bulawayo Central district education officer, Donatus Moyo said the importance of writing could not be overemphasised as good presentation and originality were the keys to success in examinations.
“We in education teach pupils how to think, not what to think. I would like to thank professional people who do not take a back seat but are proactive and reactive to needs,” said Moyo.
Dominican Convent board chairman, Christopher Mahamba said today’s world was competitive and it was important to use formal writing in all aspects of life.
He thanked the Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture for the noble partnership with Potraz to enhance education.
“We would like to thank this noble partnership, especially in view of the fact that in today’s competitive world every misspelling, incorrect use of language is quickly seized and used against us in education,” said Mahamba.
Acting headmistress of Dominican Convent, Matilda Mathe said she was proud of her pupil and applauded the teaching staff at her school.
She said education should be approached holistically to cover all facets of life for pupils.
“I am so proud of Rudo. Her achievement raised my school’s flag and I would also like to commend the teachers for the high standards they met,” said Mathe.
Rudo’s mother, Lilly Zhira, said she was at a loss of words and her achievement made her proud as a mother.
“I don’t know what to say, I am a proud mother. She has always been like that at primary school. Rudo is a hard worker and she went through her father’s recent death in March,” said Zhira.
The competition runs annually and is open to pupils 15 years and below.
Online Reporter