Online Reporter
Youth Interactive Correspondent
Preparations for the Dzidzo Inhaka Schools Computer Science E-sports first-term competitions are at an advanced stage.
This innovative initiative, which started as a small-scale competition in 2017, has quickly evolved into a multi-regional event that continues to capture the attention and imagination of students, educators, and parents alike.
The competition has become a dynamic platform for students to showcase their skills in computer science, technology, and e-sports. It is now divided into regions, allowing schools from across the country to compete in a well-structured and exciting format.
The Premier League category is home to some of the most well-established schools, including Shining Smiles Primary, Mother Touch Group of Schools, Royal Comfort Junior, Acacia Junior, Solid Rock Boarding, Lookeron Junior, Tiny Tots Junior, and Otilfield Preparatory from Ngezi Tuff.
The Super League is divided into two regions: Harare North East and Harare South West, each with its own set of fierce competitors.
The Harare North East region is home to the reigning champions, Connect Kids Junior, along with other notable schools such as former champions Rose of Sharon Junior, Kim Kids Junior, Blessed Angels Junior, Spring Dew Junior, St. Elizabeth Preparatory, MFN Group of Schools, Little Angels from Chiweshe, and some new entrants like Jewels Junior, Lysfaith Junior, and Victory Heights Junior.
In contrast, the Harare South West region is primarily composed of schools from Chitungwiza and the southern parts of Harare.
These include Royal Hearts Junior, Minnieland Junior, Dawn Academy, Emuna Learning Centre, Living Hope Junior, Tsala Learning Centre from Dema, Pine Crest Infant, Blossom Junior, Simbarashe Junior, Gracious Kids Preschool, Kids Zone Educare from Norton, Adonai Private School from Wedza and others.
This region has become an exciting hotbed for competition.
In terms of competition activities, at the infant level, the players are expected to nurture creativity and basic skills in technology.
Students will engage in activities such as drawing, colouring, sequencing, matching, typing, and drawing competitions, fostering cognitive, digital and artistic development.
At the junior level, the competition becomes more intense with a focus on practical computer science applications.
Students will demonstrate their skills in PowerPoint presentations, Scratch coding, drawing, text formatting and mathematical games.
These activities encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, all while introducing the students to important technological tools that will serve them well in the future.
Nathaniel Machaka, a 12-year-old Grade 7 student at Domboshava-based Solid Rock Boarding School, which has also managed to win three medals in the previous event, is one of their trump cards.
“My passion and determination can take me far. I have always had an affinity for computers, and I am eager to push my boundaries.
“My love for technology and coding recently earned me a well-deserved gold medal at the Mother Touch Junior competition last year.
“This achievement is a testament to my dedication, skill, and growing potential in the field of computer science,” he said.
Jerome Chakala, an 11-year-old Grade 6 student at Tiny Tots Junior School, recently won gold during the inter-house competitions and helped his house, Mouse, lift the trophy.
When asked about his motivation, Jerome enthusiastically mentioned his coach, Mr Musingarimi. “My coach is my greatest source of motivation.
“ He always says, ‘If someone can do it, then we can all do it, despite our different backgrounds,’” said Jerome, highlighting the empowering words that push him to aim higher every day.
Looking ahead to the next competition, Jerome is optimistic about his school’s chances.
“I’m expecting my school to win this coming tournament. We are targeting to field between 4-6 players per activity, and we are determined to bring home 80 percent of the medals from this tournament,” he stated confidently.
His determination and the strong support from his teammates and coach only increase the likelihood of a victorious performance.
Mufaro Mushapaidze, a Grade 6 student at Shining Smiles Primary, which has garnered an impressive collection of seven shields and trophies plus 77 medals in inter-school competitions, is excited and full of joy.
“I have won medals before, and I attribute much of my achievements to the continuous practice and passion I put into my training.
“My secret to winning is always in continuous practice and passion for what I do,” she explained. Mufaro’s ambition is to keep improving and aiming even higher in the future. “I also acknowledge the guidance and expertise of my coach, Mrs. Guze. She always trains me with so much love that I managed to accomplish my goals,” she said gratefully.
In a classic case of bridging the digital divide between rural and urban schools, Wedza-based Adonai Private School will also be battling for honours. Samuel Zhanje (11), their star player who has won 4 medals, said, “I am raring to win again and take the trophy back to Wedza. We have proven that geographical location is not a barrier.”
As the clock counts down, it is the nation’s fervent hope that the Schools Computer Science E-sports competition serves not only as a platform for students to develop their technical abilities but also as a way to encourage teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship.
With the integration of technology into the Heritage-Based Curriculum, this initiative has proven to be an invaluable addition to schools, helping students develop skills that are crucial in today’s digital world.
