Secretary’s Merit Awards celebrate excellence, Ilinnovation and inclusivity

THE Secretary’s Merit Awards are meant to celebrate achievement and reaffirm a shared commitment to excellence, innovation and inclusivity.

Speaking during the Secretary’s Merit Awards ceremony at Centenary Primary School on Thursday, where the host school and Pumula High School were honoured, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mr Moses Mhike, said the awards embody 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. The Secretary’s Merit Awards mean more than just certificates, trophies and public recognition. They symbolise commitment, discipline, resilience, hard work and dedication,” said Mr Mhike.

He said these values serve as a reminder that success is never accidental, but the result of sustained effort, determination and purpose.

Mr Mhike said 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 continuously equipping them with competencies and skills that enable them to participate meaningfully in an increasingly dynamic and globalised world.

“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 Permanent Secretary said the Heritage-Based Curriculum seeks to move beyond producing learners who only seek employment and instead develop individuals who become innovators, entrepreneurs, critical thinkers and creators of opportunities.

He said the curriculum aims to nurture 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. It is within this context that Centenary Primary School and Pumula High School successfully met the required standards and criteria to earn this prestigious recognition today,” said Mr Mhike.

He said the schools’ selection demonstrates their commitment to excellence and effective implementation of the Heritage-Based Curriculum.