Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
PUMULA High School and Centenary Primary have scooped the national Secretary’s Merit Awards in recognition of their unique achievements and a shared commitment to excellence, innovation and inclusivity.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Mr Moses Mhike presided over the joint awards event hosted at Centenary Primary in Bulawayo on Thursday where he emphasized the values that define Zimbabwe’s education system under the Heritage-Based Curriculum (HBC).
“Today’s ceremony offers us an opportunity to recognise exceptional performance while also inspiring future generations of learners to pursue excellence in all areas of their lives,” said Mr Mhike.
“The Secretary’s Merit Awards mean more than certificates, trophies and public recognition. They symbolise commitment, discipline, resilience, hard work and dedication.”
He said the awards serve as a reminder that success is never accidental, but rather the result of sustained effort, determination and purpose. The awards recognise not only academic excellence but also leadership, creativity, innovation, sporting achievement, cultural expression and service to humanity.
“The Heritage-Based Curriculum seeks to produce learners who are deeply rooted in their culture, values and heritage, while equipping them with competencies and skills that enable them to participate meaningfully in an increasingly dynamic and globalised world,” said Mr Mhike.
“It recognises that education must be relevant to the realities of our communities and responsive to the development aspirations of our nation, Zimbabwe.”
He said the curriculum seeks to move beyond producing learners who only seek employment by nurturing innovators, entrepreneurs, critical thinkers and creators of opportunities.
“It aims to develop learners with practical competencies who can identify challenges within their communities and develop sustainable solutions.
“The curriculum emphasises Ubuntu values, innovation, industrialisation, creativity, critical thinking, practical skills training, community engagement and lifelong learning,” he stated.
“It’s within this context that Centenary Primary School and Pumula High School successfully met the required standards and criteria to earn this prestigious recognition today.”
Mr Mhike said the schools’ selection demonstrated their commitment to excellence and effective implementation of the Heritage-Based Curriculum.
The Permanent Secretary was accompanied by officials from the Ministry’s head office and provincial offices. Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo of Ward 17, where Pumula High School is located, and Ward 3 Councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu also attended the event.
Speaking on behalf of Bulawayo school heads, Pumula High School headmistress Mrs Linda Ncube paid tribute to teachers, parents, communities, stakeholders and learners whose collective efforts contributed to the achievement.
“As we receive these Merit awards as Bulawayo Province, we give credit to our hardworking teachers, our parents, the communities we live in and our stakeholders who have supported us through resources,” she said.
“We also thank our ministry, which guides us through circulars and staff development workshops, and above all our learners, who work extra hard with one goal in mind — to excel in academics, innovation, industrial and practical skills development while enhancing Ubuntu.”
Mrs Ncube said the awards were a testament to the culture of excellence that continues to define schools in the province.
“This recognition carries profound significance within our districts and among school administrators, teachers, support staff and learners who work tirelessly every day to advance educational excellence,” she said.
Mrs Ncube said the national recognition accorded to Centenary Primary School and Pumula High School was a source of immense pride for the entire province.
“For our schools, Centenary Primary School and Pumula High School, to be singled out for national recognition is a source of immense pride, not only for the recipient institutions but for the whole province of Bulawayo,” said Mrs Ncube.
She said the awards should inspire schools across the province to continue striving for excellence in line with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s vision of producing learners equipped with academic knowledge, practical skills and strong moral values.
The Secretary’s Merit Awards are an annual programme that recognises outstanding performance by schools across the country and promotes a culture of excellence within Zimbabwe’s education sector.
