Wenslus Murape
Maria Chiguvari
Kwenda High School students were urged to embrace challenges and seize opportunities as they celebrated outstanding academic achievements at their Speech and Prize Giving Day.
The school achieved positive results last year, with outstanding grades for students. The A’ Level came out second and the O’ Level third at the Methodist Schools Academic Association Awards.
Speaking at the Speech and Prize Giving Day, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training, Tinoda Machakaire, said he was delighted to celebrate the excellent result across the school.
“This must not just be a reflection of the success of the specific individuals involved but rather, the immense milestones the school has managed to achieve since last year. Official records show that in 2023, the school managed to score 97, 67 % at O’ Level a commendable improvement from the previous percentage of 96 %. A’ Level also managed to retain its impressive 100 % pass rate with pleasing improvements in terms of quality.
“I understand at the Methodist Schools Academic Association Awards, the school managed to come second at A’ level and third best at O’Levels, with almost all staffers getting awards, as well as a number of candidates, especially at A’ Level.
“These achievements are evidence of teamwork in place and l would like to commend the school administration for fostering a harmonious working environment that has made it possible for the school to attain all these pleasing results.
“In the Second Republic government that l serves as the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, under the able stewardship of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Dr. E.D Mnangagwa, it gives me immense pride and happiness that we have deliberately initiated the heritage-based curriculum within our education system, something that will extremely benefit the youths, the future of this nation, who directly fall under my ministry.
“The exciting aspect of this curriculum is that it encourages learners to co-opt their local environment into their learning and that makes learning easier and more thrilling. When l arrived at this school, l made a number of observations. There is a kopje just behind us which is known as Chimedza. This rich geographical feature can enhance the learning of our pupils due to both its natural and traditional significance. In terms of Geography, heritage, and history amongst many other subjects, Chimedza gives you a lot in terms of knowledge. I also observed that this school is endowed with a wetland. How blessed are you, especially Geography learners?” he said.
The school Headmaster Mr Andwer Chiwenga said the school is not just showing up—they are showing out, pushing limits, and embracing every challenge with strength and determination.
“Despite the prevailing socio-economic situation, our school has managed to retain 898 students this year, an increase from 836 in 2023. Of these 405 are boys and 493 are girls. We have a staff complement of 39 dedicated and committed teachers and 29 devoted non-teaching members.
“Discipline is key. We emphasise both spiritual and social discipline. We expect learners to account for their actions. Surely they have to do it right. We will not tire of insisting on it.
“A lot has happened from the time we had a similar gathering here last year. In the academic sector this year, we got 97, 67% up from 96.72% at the O’ level and 100% at A’ Level just as last year. Please note that the 100% was also attained in 2022. Nineteen candidates had 15 points and above, of these four obtaining 20 points.
| # | Surname & Name | Pts |
| 1. | Jara Valentine | 20 |
| 2. | Mawire Shynorrah | 20 |
| 3. | Mukoka Panashe | 20 |
| 4. | Musukutwa Tanatswa | 20 |
| 5. | Makwelele Rita | 19 |
| 6. | Tazivaruno Patience | 19 |
| 7. | Madondo Robin W | 18 |
| 8. | Shonhiwa Chikomborero | 18 |
| 9. | Nyathi Natalie | 15 |
| 10. | Savanhu Martha | 15 |
| 11. | Chifamba Tafadzwa | 15 |
| 12 | Tarwirei Lloyd | 15 |
| 13. | Mupazvirihwo Takudzwa | 15 |
| 14. | Chirevo Rachel | 15 |
| 15. | Makuvaza Ngonidzashe | 15 |
| 16. | Matsika Lesley T | 15 |
| 17. | Samson Tinovimba | 15 |
| 18. | Machongoni Aleck | 15 |
| 19. | Mudzamiri Blessing | 15 |
52 candidates up from 37 had 10 points and above out of 55, giving us 94,55% up from 67.27% quality results. At O’ level a pass rate of 97,67% was attained up from 96,72% in 2022. Sanani Nashal had 9 As and 2 Bs.
42 out of 170 candidates obtained 5 As and above. We are working on producing more of such learners. Only four candidates failed to pass. We aim to improve the quality and relevance of the education delivery system at our school.
Online Reporter