Chronicle Editor
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
THE Hwange Medical Company’s School of Nursing celebrated a notable achievement as trainee nurses graduated with diplomas in general nursing on Friday.
The graduation saw 31 out of 33 students graduating marking a four percent increase in the school’s overall performance this year to reach 94 percent.
Presenting the school’s performance report, Principal Tutor Mr Justin Maduma revealed that 33 candidates sat for the final examination, with 31 successfully completing the three-year programme, which is now in its 27th year.
“This is our summative evaluation conducted by the Nurses Council of Zimbabwe where the learners are afforded the first and second attempt to pass the examinations. We had 33 candidates who sat for the examinations in the period under review and 31 have passed and are graduating today while two were unsuccessful. We are therefore at 94 percent in terms of our accumulative performance from 90 percent in our last year’s report,” said Mr Maduma.
Despite the positive results, Mr Maduma expressed concern about instances of student failures, noting that the school is continuously analysing results and the feedback received from the Nurses Council of Zimbabwe to foster improvements.
He added that the school is undertaking a curriculum review to align with global trends and enhance service delivery.
“As alluded, the curriculum review is on trial run and is shared amongst staff to ensure all facets of client care are addressed and taken on board by the learners. This assures the community of safe practice from the nurse with customer satisfaction. We continue to be guided by our Integrated Business Management System (IBMS) for us to remain ISO-compliant as a section in an ISO tri-certified organisation. We strive for continual improvement with excellence. We are proud to say our products remain competitive nationally and worldwide as we receive reports from agencies who have our ex-students.”
The school also acknowledged the Ministry of Health and Child Care for its remedial programme, which provides students who failed state final examinations a second chance; seven of the school’s students were beneficiaries.
In his keynote address, Cde Richard Moyo, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Matabeleland North commended Hwange Colliery Company Limited Holdings for its empowerment initiatives within the community.
He urged the company to implement a quota to ensure that recruits are drawn from all districts in the province.
“I’m glad that this occasion is taking place in Matabeleland North Province, it is symbolic and speaks to the greater strides we can achieve if we all work towards the empowerment of our local community. The Second Republic under the able leadership of President Mnangagwa has successfully managed to introduce a devolved system where provinces administer their respective economies. I, therefore, urge Hwange Colliery Company Limited to also prioritize locals in job creation and empowerment programmes.”
“I applaud the strides the company has taken as I’m reliably informed that from the graduates we have today, 77 percent were drawn from the locals and 23 percent were recruited externally. I urge the company leadership to also put into consideration a reserved quota system that can be coordinated through my office to allow the enrolment of all our children in Matabeleland North as a whole,” added Minister Moyo.
He praised the company for its corporate social responsibility initiatives, calling on other businesses to follow suit.
“Let me also take this opportunity to also thank Hwange Colliery Company Limited for the good corporate social responsibility work the organization is championing within the district and province. A lot of lives have been changed by the corporate social responsibility that the company continues to uphold. It is my sincere hope that all companies can follow suit. I would also like to acknowledge the company’s cooperation with traditional leadership, the law enforcement agencies, civil society, churches, local governance and various stakeholders to ensure that you maintain distinct Corporate Social Value programs.”
Of the 31 graduates of the General Nurse Training programme, six were males, while the rest were females. Graduates were celebrated for their exceptional performance in various disciplines, with Teresa Shoko receiving three awards: Matron’s Prize for the Best Nurse-Patient Relationship, The Enigma Prize for the smartest 3rd year student, and the floating shield for the smartest student of the year.
However, the spotlight was stolen by Sithembinkosi Nkomo, who won an impressive six awards, including the title of best overall graduating nurse. Her accolades included the CMO’s trophy for the highest marks in the hospital final examination, the CAPS trophy for best performance in the ward management assessment, the Glaxo-Smith Kline trophy for the best academic performance throughout training, the Johnson and Johnson Shield for Outstanding Student who maintained a consistently high standard of performance throughout training, and the DATCHET Investment Silver medal for the student who maintained the highest standard of practical nursing. Nkomo also received the J Munsaka Silver medal for the Best Overall Graduating Nurse.
Other top performers included Adiana Mwanyumeka, who earned three awards: Best Obstetric Nurse, Best Practical Nurse, and the ZINA Shield for excelling in the Nursing Research Project.
Last Caleb Ndlovu also made his mark with two awards for Best Theatre Nurse and excelling in Total Patient Care.
The ceremony was attended by traditional leaders including Chiefs Wange and acting Chief Shana, Government officials, members of the business sector, and management from HCCL.
Online Reporter