Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
In the heart of Macheke, Zimbabwe, lies Monte Cassino Girls’ High School, a Catholic institution dedicated to providing quality education to young women.
The school was recently awarded with the 2022 Secretary’s Merit Awards.
The Secretary’s Merit Award is an accolade that is presented to 10 primaries and 10 secondary schools nationally, that recognise outstanding achievements and unwavering commitment to academic and holistic development within our educational institutions.
It serves as a quality assurance and supervisory tool, recognising these Schools of Excellence as models that the rest of the schools in the country can emulate.
Established in 1961 by the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood, the school’s guiding principle, “You educate the girl child, you educate the nation,” reflects its commitment to empowering the next generation of women.
With a strong focus on academic excellence and Christian values, Monte Cassino Girls’ High School has become an encouragement of hope for girls from all walks of life and religions.
The school offers a range of curricula, including ZIMSEC and Cambridge, and has introduced practical subjects like Agriculture, Food Technology, and Design.
The school’s commitment to holistic education is evident in its co-curricular activities, including quiz, drama, debate, and public speaking.
The school head Sr Consolata Kunaka, said Monte Cassino Girls’ High School has also made a name for itself in international competitions, with recent participation in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Lagos, Nigeria.
“Monte Cassino Girls’ High School offers ZIMSEC curriculum to all learners. It has also embraced the Cambridge Curriculum through persistent requests by parents and guardians who realised the need to have the inclusion of this curriculum in the school.
“Owing to the introduction of additional practical subjects like Agriculture, Food Technology and Design. The school is contemplating including HEXCO examinations at Form 3 to help learners perfect the practical skills that the Heritage Based Curriculum is emphasizing.
“The school prioritises the well-being of its students, with strict rules against substance abuse and a focus on promoting healthy lifestyles.
“Through partnerships with organizations like Old Mutual and the Zimbabwe Rugby Union’s initiatives are not directly related to the school, Monte Cassino Girls’ High School continues to provide opportunities for its students to excel academically and beyond,” she said.
During his speech at the recently held ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (PS) Moses Mhike complimented the school on how it addresses the students’ welfare.
“Monte Casino Girls’ High School (2022) exemplifies excellence in technical and vocational education, aligning with the 2022 selection criterion.
“The school delivers a strong STEM curriculum where all pupils study Combined Science up to Ordinary Level, with a dedicated science stream continuing with Chemistry, Physics, and Biology up to Advanced Level.
“Their participation in the Olympiads and the Annual Science Sport and Arts Festivals (ASSAF) series at provincial level reflects academic power. Vocational training is promoted through agriculture, with the poultry project contributing to the school kitchen and the community.
“The school has a structured remediation programme which supports pupils through documented bench lessons and the introduction of Physical Education as an examinable subject increased the number of technical subjects.
“Infrastructure development includes new teachers’ houses and renovated hostels and ablution facilities, creating a safe and supportive environment.
“The school addresses pupil welfare through regular drug and substance abuse awareness campaigns, guidance and counselling sessions, and a broad curricular programme featuring quiz, drama, and international debate participation,” he said.
The school is dedicated in the Culture Centre showcasing African heritage artefacts, while the Visual and Performing Arts programme, now including examinable Music, equips pupils with skills in marimba, mbira, and other instruments used during church services and national events. Grounded in Catholic ethos, Monte Casino fosters academic excellence, cultural pride, and moral responsibility in all its pupils.
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