Maria Chiguvari
MUFAKOSE 1 High School has been commended for its strong performance in academics, sport and cultural activities, with the school’s leadership and community urged to maintain the culture of excellence.
The remarks were made during the school’s Speech and Prize-Giving Day held on September 25, where outstanding pupils were recognised and rewarded for their achievements.
Speaking at the event, the District Schools Inspector (DSI) Mr Nyambuya praised the school for consistently recording impressive Ordinary and Advanced Level results, saying it had earned recognition at both district and provincial level.
Mr Nyambuya commended school head Mr Vurayayi, his deputies Mrs Mutamiri and Mr Gwature, teachers, the School Development Committee (SDC), parents and learners for their contribution to the school’s achievements.
“Mufakose One Secondary School has over the years consistently maintained such an impressive reputation in academic, sporting and cultural activities.
“It is no exaggeration to say it is well documented that the school has year in and year out posted the best O and A Level results in the district and province.”
Among the accolades and achievements highlighted were the school’s best results at district and Harare Metropolitan provincial level, district championships in sport, the Secretary’s Bell, poultry farming and its designation as a suitable Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) centre.
The school has also been renovating its buildings and developing infrastructure to improve the learning environment.
The DSI said the school had introduced user-friendly structures and ramps to make movement easier for teachers and learners.
He also highlighted the school’s special class for learners with special needs as part of efforts to promote an inclusive learning environment.
A major milestone for the school has been its selection as a ZIMSEC centre for the marking of Grade Seven national examinations.
“On behalf of the district, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the school for this historic achievement of being the very first high-density school to be selected by the national examination board.
“The prize winners represent what all students, when they commit themselves, are capable of achieving.
“And to those not receiving any prize, we say, do not be disheartened. Instead, take it upon yourself to be inspired to strive to improve,” he said.
In his speech, the head Mr Vurayayi said the prize-giving ceremony provided an opportunity for the school to reflect on its journey, including its challenges, achievements and strategies adopted to improve performance.
He said the school had introduced several policies and strategies aimed at achieving excellence across all areas of school life.
“Today is the day that testifies that the strategies have borne fruit,” he said.
Apart from academics, the head highlighted the school’s achievements in sport and cultural activities.
He said the school had excelled in korfball, with its teams travelling to neighbouring countries and as far as the Netherlands.
Several pupils had also been selected to serve as junior councillors and parliamentarians, reflecting the school’s efforts to develop learners beyond the classroom.
Mr Vurayayi said the school was guided by the principle of leaving no child behind and providing an inclusive, child-centred, heritage-based curriculum.
He said pupils were encouraged to reach their full potential rather than simply compete against one another.
The school’s core values include diligence, resilience, empathy, integrity, work ethic, resourcefulness and commitment.
However, Mr Vurayayi acknowledged that the school, like many others, was facing challenges associated with drug abuse and other social ills affecting young people.
He also warned pupils about the responsible use of technology.
“AI, phones, laptops and the internet are tools that the students should use responsibly.
“Gadgets are to be our servants, not masters,” he said.
He also highlighted infrastructure development, renovations and income-generating projects undertaken by the school.
The ZIMSEC centre designation, he said, was an honour and recognition of the school’s academic reputation and infrastructure.
SDC chairperson Mr Mwayengeni said the achievements of the school demonstrated the importance of cooperation between parents and teachers.
He said raising a child required the combined efforts of the family, school and wider community.
“We are taught that it takes the whole village to raise a child. This is very true. Students come from home to school. At home, parents play their part in teaching their children moral values.
“At school, teachers provide both academic and moral guidance,” he said.
He said parents and teachers had a shared responsibility to ensure pupils developed mentally, socially, emotionally, morally and spiritually.
He said school fees helped the institution acquire learning materials and resources, conduct examinations and support learners’ participation in sporting and cultural activities.
“Mufakose One Secondary School is now a household name. It is our appeal to all parents and a promise that as parents we will continue to support all the school programmes,” he said.
