adminEducational Panorama with Morris Mtisi
IN A wide-ranging speech at the high school’s speech and prize-giving day at Biriiri on 27 September 2014, headmaster Edmore Siwela appealed for co-operation and sharing of a common vision to change the school into an institution that competes with the best in Manicaland province.
In typican Churchillian-Barack Obama rhetoric, the flaming orator drew incessant applauses and ululations from hundreds of students, parents, traditional leaders and invited guests who thronged the United Baptist Church at the mission school.
Mr Siwela’s narrative of the school’s good story unpacked his 5 year school development plan. He called on Biriiri students, both former and present, the School Development Committee (SDC), local traditional leadership, Ministry of Education, parents and community at large to put heads together in what he described as “A consultative process involving everyone.”
“I was a student here. I taught here for 10 years. I know what must be done and not done,” he said. “Zvinoita chete. Together we can do much. We have already done much as I step on the shoulders of those who ran the school here before me. You did much…thank you very much. But we cannot say we have reached the peak.
“More is expected from Biriiri. Our results must match our effort. Together let us begin to dream right and dream big.”
Amidst rapturous applauses from parents and students, and they were not few, he highlighted the changes he had made since his assumption of duty as school head in June 2014: kitchen image and culture totally changed for the better, students now having new cutlery, eating with fork and knife, spruced up environment-facelifted and refurbished, more computers sourced, e-learning system connected, new storage shelves, reviewed menu suggested by students themselves- many more.
Then he projected his plan and vision which included a new dining hall, changing-rooms and showers for kitchen staff, a school website in 14 days, new science lab, new duplex houses for teachers.
The headmaster confessed his vision was a tall order but passionately appealed to parents, former students and development partners to assist him to build a new Biriiri which would be a beacon of excellence in every sense.
“I know this vision is a tall order. But I appeal to all of you who love this school to do everything you can towards its realisation.
“We have already covered a lot of ground with the help of our development partners in the past 3 months. If you can’t give in kind or cash, at least you can show love to the school and support our goals and plans. Love is not bought by money,” he said.
“We do not want a 1965 boarding facility at Biriiri. Not anymore! We want teachers and students to enjoy the comfort and peace of spacious teachers’ houses and well-furnished students’ dormitories and use of modern appropriate technology,” concluded the headmaster before the day’s main event; prize-giving to student winners in various areas of outstanding achievement.
Guest speaker was Ms. Diana Saurombe, herself a product of the Biriiri community and former student of the high school; a glowing school development partner who pledged more support for the school wherever she was needed.
She revealed that she had successfully requested her uncle, headman Saurombe, to donate land for the school do carry out productive farming and cut down budget costs. He willingly donated 50 hectares of virgin land to the school.
Other important speakers on the day were Reverend P. Dube-vice church chairman and the District Education Officer-Chimanimani, Mr. T. Jaibes. Both articulated their support for the headmaster’s development plan and vision for Biriiri.
Speaking at the same occasion, Deputy Minister for Energy and Power Development, Cde. Munacho Mutezo who also graced the occasion, delivered a solidarity message in which he expressed full support of the headmaster’s big dream.
Online Reporter