Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, Sunday News Reporter
SAINT Augustine’s College, a Catholic co-educational high school in Bulawayo, marked a major milestone during its Open Day with the official launch of the Advanced Design Colleges (ADC) Laboratory, a move school leaders say will equip learners with future-ready digital design and engineering skills.
The state-of-the-art lab, unveiled before prospective parents and students, will offer hands-on training in industry-leading Autodesk software. The School Management Team said the facility is designed to build creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving and technical expertise for higher education and the modern workplace.
“This is more than just a computer lab — it is a launchpad for the next generation of designers, engineers, architects, innovators and technology leaders,” said ADC technical director Mr David Ngandu during his presentation.
He thanked the college leadership for their vision and partnership in advancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
“Together, we are shaping the future one learner at a time,” said Mr Ngandu.
The CAD Lab was officially opened by board chairman Mr Lovemore Tsvangirai.
Parents and prospective students were also given tours of the Science Labs, Computer Lab, Art and Design, and Food and Nutrition Lab including interacting with service providers that were in attendance ie Catholic University, Econet, Educare, DKS Driving School, Amazing Grace, Femina Garments.
Current 2026 Form 1 students addressed the audience on life at the college. Border Uteng Sebata spoke about how initial fears gave way to a supportive brotherhood environment, while day scholar Sharon Martyn described her welcoming and empowering experience.
Ntobeko Moyo and Nancy Mashora also form one and members of the Laudato Si Club, presented on Pope Francis’s encyclical calling for ecological conversion and care for “our common home.”
St Augustine’s is among the Catholic schools in Zimbabwe that have established a Laudato Si Club.
Head girl Aisha Kambiri and head boy Tadiwa Mberi spoke on school culture and values.
Kambiri told prospective students that prefects serve as older sisters and brothers to guide and support new learners, while Mberi emphasised the college’s zero-tolerance policy on bullying, intimidation and discrimination.
“Instead, we promote friendship, inclusion, and respect because every student deserves to feel that they belong,” said Mberi.
The French department drew applause with a musical performance that had the audience singing and dancing.
College head Mr Thomas Khumalo welcomed guests and outlined the school’s brief history.
St Augustine’s opened in January 2024 as a Catholic day and boarding school under the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference and is situated on the grounds of a former Catholic Seminary.
“Our vision is to nurture every learner to achieve their very best in every aspect of life, to mature in their faith and to develop their physical well-being,” said Mr Khumalo.
He noted the college is a registered Cambridge Examinations Centre that sat its first Cambridge exams in 2025, with encouraging results for a new school.
The curriculum covers English, Literature, Geography, History, Business Studies, Accounting, Biblical Studies, French, IsiZulu/IsiNdebele, Food and Nutrition, Computing and Computer Science,
Biology Physics, Chemistry, Design and Technology, Art and Design all organised under six departments: Science, Mathematics, Commercials, Practicals, Languages and Humanities.
Beyond academics, the College offers football, netball, basketball, golf, volleyball, tennis, swimming, rugby, volleyball and athletics.
Cultural and leadership clubs include Toastmasters, Interact, Media Club, Laudato Si’, Drama, CLC and Music.
Board Chairman Mr Jonathan Tsvangirai said Catholic education is about more than academics.
“It is also about faith, discipline, service and the shaping of young people into responsible and God-fearing citizens,” he said.
He thanked parents for their trust and acknowledged Bishop E. Nyathi, Fr Tryvis Moyo, Sr Dr Theresa Nyadombo of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference, the school management team and all staff for their hard work and dedication.
The Open Day also served as part of the 2027 Form One admissions process. Prospective students from Bulawayo and as far as Victoria Falls and Hwange sat an entrance assessment.
The event drew a significant turnout of parents.
The day concluded with Holy Mass in the College Chapel.
St Augustine’s College has established a School Development Committee and says it remains committed to building partnerships with parents as key stakeholders in the school’s growth.
