Chronicle Editor
Nqobile Tshili/Laurel Murangaridzirayi, Chronicle Writers
SCHOOLS were abruptly closed at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and pupils stayed at home for seven months before returning to face-to-face learning.
Education was almost at a standstill as the Covid-19 pandemic-imposed lockdowns became the order of the day.
Players in the education sector were concerned about the future of the children as they had missed out on a lot.
While the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education introduced alternative education delivery methods to ensure pupils did not totally miss out on their studies, questions were raised on the effectiveness of the methods.
However, some schools excelled despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
The Ministry assessed how schools were embracing distance learning strategies and preparedness for return to the classroom.
In Matabeleland North, Government adjudged Nhlambabaloyi Secondary School in Ntabazinduna, Umguza, is a leading institution in embracing Government’s strategies in mitigating against the spread of Covid-19.
The school was awarded the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Secretary Merit Award largely for its Covid-19 response at the height of the pandemic.
Speaking at the award ceremony yesterday, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Permanent Secretary Mrs Tumisang Thabela said the school was awarded for its relentless efforts, diligence, unity and commitment to education during the trying times of the pandemic.
“The 2020 Secretary Merit Award is a very different and special one, different from the other awards in that the criteria that we used is extremely different. For 2020, because this was at the height of Covid-19 disruptions and lockdowns, schools were closed for seven months,” said Mrs Thabela.
“Therefore, as a ministry we are celebrating and recognising those schools that remained alive, that took up Government’s call to build strategies for going back better to the classroom. Some heads of schools totally abandoned their schools and waited to be told to go back to school.”
She said Nhlambabaloyi Secondary is one of the schools that believed that education could not wait and started preparing for a better opening of schools.
“Nhlambabaloyi was one of the schools that prepared to build better, that believed us as Government when we said Covid-19 is not here forever and we will actually get back to the classroom. When we came up with Standard Operating Procedures of how to get back better, it was schools like Nhlambabaloyi who, ahead of bigger schools, ahead of more popular schools joined Government and started making masks and started to think of how they would socially distance their children,” she said.
Mrs Thabela said the school produced 839 masks and hand sanitisers while introducing hot sitting as a measure to decongest the school and prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“That was the first thing we considered in the award, their willingness to believe what Government was saying and joining Government in preparing to go back to school but not just go but go back stronger,” said Mrs Thabela.
She said the school also embraced online delivery of lessons where pupils were learning using platforms such as WhatsApp. Pupils were also encouraged to follow lessons on radio.
Mrs Thabela said the award also appreciates the role played by the whole community within the Nhlambabaloyi area, as the successful adoption of Government measures needed a buy-in from them as well.
“We also had WhatsApp groups formed and learning started happening at Nhlambabaloyi. The award takes cognisance of the schools that built resilience within themselves and were responsive. And through this award, Government, through the ministry, is acknowledging your receptiveness. We therefore accord the pupils, the teachers, the parents, school administrators and the whole Nhlambabaloyi community recognition for your belief in us,” said Mrs Thabela.
She made special recognition of the school’s former head, Mr Stanley Tizora, for leading the school and ensuring that education did not wait.
Mr Tizora who is now the head of Mzingwane High School was gifted with a tablet and a certificate while Nhlambabaloyi Secondary School received 40 tablets to be used by pupils, a projector, electronic interactive board, a laptop and a plaque in lieu of the Secretary’s Merit Award.
“We commend the school for not losing focus in fulfilling the ministry’s vision in the delivery of education during the 2020 period up to date,” said Mrs Thabela.
She said it was encouraging that the school had embraced the competence-based education curriculum that equips pupils with skills to survive beyond the classroom.
Mrs Thabela said the school’s income generation projects were expected to contribute to economic development.
“We want to commend you for the projects that you’re embarking on and encourage you to continue working on more. I’ve noticed your goat rearing, layers, broilers, nutritional garden as part of your commercialisation projects,” said Mrs Thabela.
Mr Tizora expressed gratitude to the Ministry for recognising his leadership in ensuring that education did not wait regardless of the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It’s great and speaks to my passion. This keeps me going and being recognised by such high offices inspires me to reach even greater heights. I’ll continue to aim to change the narrative of other people in my community and in my line of work,” said Mr Tizora.–@nqotshili
Online Reporter