Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
St John’s Chikwaka High School former student Dr George Manyaya has emphasised the importance of embracing challenges and striving for excellence.
The school recently hosted a vibrant Speech and Prize Giving Day, attended by esteemed guests, proud parents, and high-achieving students.
The event honoured the hard work and dedication of students, who excelled in various academic and extracurricular activities.
“Hard times create strong people, skill and strong people can create easy and better times,” he said, urging students to believe in themselves and their potential.
Dr Manyaya highlighted several challenges facing the youth, including bullying, substance abuse, and lack of respect for elders.
He encouraged students to prioritise their well-being, make informed choices, and cultivate a strong sense of self-discipline.
“Bullying can deeply impact a person’s confidence and self-worth. Remember, everyone deserves to feel safe and respected. If you are bullied, it’s not your fault − there are caring people ready to help. Speak up to a trusted adult or a teacher. If you witness bullying, stand up and speak out.
“Drugs have harmful effects on your health, future, and relationships. Remember, you hold the power to choose. We should say No to drugs, whether now or later on in life because nothing good can come out of substance abuse and we have watched many brilliant people destroy their lives and die from substance abuse.
“Trust me, each one of you has a promising journey, but these issues can derail your promising journeys and profoundly impact your future. Engaging in sexual activity outside marriage is not right.
“Not only does it have terrible physical and spiritual consequences, but it can lead to unintended consequences, such as pregnancies and STIs. Stay informed and make safe choices. Remember, you have the right to say no, and your boundaries must be respected.”
The School headmaster, Brian Mandikutse said St John’s over the years has done a great job in embracing the Heritage based curriculum.
The school has expanded curriculum that includes driving lessons-VID, soccer refereeing-Zifa, first aid- St John’s Ambulence services, life skills- boys and girls scouts and DELF- French certificate.
“Speech and prize giving days are very important days on our school calendar. A day when we celebrate the successes of the whole st. John’s community. Today we celebrate a variety of landmark achievements which are not only of an academic nature but a whole range of activities that define St Johns.
“St John’s is a unique school that has embraced the Heritage based curriculum and all academic subjects will be producing goods and services for consumption in our society
“For Example, Shona- has started working on a project to produce Vana Nyanduri and will be producing their works with various studios early 2026,” hd said.
Diocesan Education Secretary, Dr Lazarus Nyatsanza, commended St John’s High School Chikwaka for attaining a good percent pass rate in 2024 A level results.
“The teachers in this school have to be emulated for their commitment to work. Some of them are taking early morning lessons. The high pass rate in ordinary and advanced level exams is testimony to the efforts directed by teachers towards teaching and learning,” he said.
