Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
RIMUKA 1 High School in Kadoma is embracing Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 philosophy to equip learners with practical skills, innovation and values needed to contribute to national development, as the institution celebrates academic, sporting and cultural excellence.
The school hosted its Speech and Prize-Giving Day on Friday under the theme “Excellence Today, Leaders Tomorrow”, recognising outstanding learners not only for academic achievement but also for their participation in sporting, cultural and other extracurricular activities.
The approach reflects the thrust of Education 5.0, which seeks to transform education from a predominantly theoretical process into one that promotes practical problem-solving, innovation and the development of solutions to challenges facing communities and the country.
Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 model is anchored on five pillars: teaching, research, community service, innovation and industrialisation.
It complements the Heritage-Based Curriculum (HBC), which seeks to ground learning in Zimbabwe’s history, cultural values, indigenous knowledge and local realities.
Rimuka 1 High School head, Mr Funnycall Zimondi, said the school was committed to nurturing well-rounded learners whose abilities extended beyond the classroom.
“We are here to recognise excellence across all achievements, including public speaking, darts, chess, soccer and other areas. It is very important to note that, as a school, we are emphasising the Education 5.0 model to prepare our children for the future,” he said.
Through this approach, schools are expected to help learners develop creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities and practical competencies that can be applied in everyday life.
The model also supports the country’s broader development aspirations under Vision 2030 by encouraging educational institutions to produce graduates who can contribute to productivity, entrepreneurship and economic transformation.
The event also received support from the Women’s University in Africa (WUA), which donated books to the school in a move aimed at supporting learning and promoting a reading culture among learners.
WUA administrator, Mrs Rufaro Muza, who handed over the books on behalf of the tertiary institution, urged learners to remain focused on their education and safeguard their future against the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
She emphasised the importance of making responsible choices and remaining committed to personal development.
The ceremony was attended by heads of schools from various institutions in Kadoma, while Inspector Barnabas Chikanya represented the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
