Chronicle Editor
Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
WHILE many see graduation day as a mere formality, a day to collect certificates, others seize the opportunity to showcase their exceptional achievements. Mitchelle Ndabanenge, a rising star in the nursing field, did just that at the recent combined prize-giving and graduation ceremony held in Bulawayo.
The talented young nurse walked away with an impressive haul of over five awards, a testament to her dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Mitchelle completed her registered general nurse (RGN) training at the Mpilo School of Nursing. With her level of dedication and hard work, Mitchelle made her parents proud as she became the centre of attention, with the master of ceremonies repeatedly calling her name to receive different accolades at the graduation event.
In an interview on the sidelines of the event, Mitchelle said she almost cried after discovering that she had managed to win so many awards. She attributed her success to hard work and support from friends and family.
“I have graduated as a qualified registered general nurse (RGN). I am short of words on how I can thank the Almighty who made it possible for me to receive so many prizes I can’t even list. I am very happy and proud of myself and have also made my parents proud.
“I want to thank all tutors, my parents, and my facility for the maximum support they gave me because nursing involves a lot of work,” said Mitchelle.
Mitchelle won the Meikles and Silver Medal Award for maintaining an unfailing good standard throughout training in both theory and practical, the Mpilo Ethicon Shield for an outstanding student who maintained the highest standard of nursing throughout training in conjunction with satisfactory academic ability, and the Florence Ndlovu Trophy for the highest marks in the Zimbabwe Nurses Association Council Examination. She also won the Giba Geigy Gold Standard Award, the Edgars Shield for the best graduating nurse, and the Matron Cup for the best third-year nurse.
Her father, Lovemore Ndabanenge, expressed gratitude, saying that he is proud of his daughter.
“I can attribute her success to hard work and prayer. Whenever she faced challenges in her exams, she always asked me to pray for her. Towards her final exams, she would block us from all social platforms so that we wouldn’t disturb her. I think that helped her to excel in her studies,” said Mr Ndabanenge.
The combined graduation ceremony between Mpilo Central Hospital, Ingutsheni, and United Bulawayo Hospital saw the graduation of about 537 nurses from different disciplines, including RGNs, Psychiatric Nurses, Midwives, and Orthopaedic Nurses as post-basic diploma courses.
In his remarks, Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Douglas Mombeshora, who was represented by the Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube, urged the graduating nurses to keep on learning and embrace new technologies to stay abreast of global developments.
He said the Ministry of Health and Child Care greatly appreciates the dedication and commitment of the educators, managers, and medical personnel manning hospitals across the country.
“Special congratulations to those who are receiving awards for excellence in their various courses. Keep it up. Learning does not end; be lifetime learners and keep abreast of the latest developments and trends in your various areas of interest.
“Information and Communication Technology (ICT) literacy is no longer a luxury but a necessity. As you are aware, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, with support from partners, introduced e-learning for midwifery students in June 2024, given the shortage of midwifery tutors within the country. It is upon all of us as ‘Team Health Care’ to implement the strategy,” said Dr Mombeshora.
He added that the Presidium, his colleagues in Cabinet, and health development partners are in full support of the implementation of this well-crafted strategic document.
Dr Mombeshora said his ministry and the Government are implementing various measures to address difficulties in the health sector, including the drug supply chain. @SikhulekelaniM1
Sidumisile Mabena