Maria Chiguvari
ST John’s High School Chikwaka has commissioned a 100-bed boys’ hostel and a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) laboratory as part of efforts to improve learning facilities and equip learners with skills for the modern workplace.
The two projects were commissioned during the school’s Speech and Prize-Giving Day, which also celebrated the learners’ academic achievements and their performance in the Heritage-Based Curriculum.
Guest of Honour Moses Kurenjekwa, a former student at the school who is now the CEO of Ecobank Zimbabwe, encouraged learners to work hard, remain disciplined and believe in their ability to succeed.
He was represented at the event by Ephinos Gatsi. He said greatness was not reserved for a few people but could be achieved through determination, perseverance and consistent effort.
“Greatness begins when ordinary people choose to do ordinary things extraordinarily well,” he said.
Kurenjekwa congratulated prize winners but urged them not to become complacent, saying their awards should motivate them to work harder.
He also encouraged learners, who did not receive prizes, to remain focused and not allow disappointing results to determine their future. He challenged students to treat their goals as assignments that required a clear vision, passion, time, sacrifice and belief in their ability to succeed.
The occasion also saw the introduction of the inaugural Moses Kurenjekwa Award of Greatness, which will become an annual prize recognising excellence, character, leadership, courage and service.
Speaking on behalf of the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Harare, the Rt Rev Dr Farai Mutami, Vice General Rev Fr W Kanyenemba said the projects reflected the church’s commitment to improving education and developing responsible learners.
He said the new hostel would provide a better boarding environment for learners, while the CAD laboratory would expose students to modern technology and practical skills.
Fr Kanyenemba said the hostel project had been funded through the Anglican Diocese of Harare’s Infrastructure Development Fund, which supports the development of schools across the diocese.
“Computer-Aided Design technology is new in our schools. It is not Computer Studies. We have moved beyond computer studies to using the computers to do the work for us,” he said.
He revealed that the hostel had cost US$117,564.
He highlighted the school’s partnership with Advanced Design Colleges (ADC), which will help learners gain skills in computer-aided design.
The CAD programme introduces students to digital drawing, designing and model-making, including 3D printing and professional design software used in industry.
Fr Kanyenemba said the programme would help learners prepare for further education, employment and entrepreneurship.
He urged parents, teachers and learners to take care of the new facilities and guard against vandalism.
Diocesan Education Secretary Dr Lazarus Nyatsanza said the projects were an important milestone for the school, adding that the hostel would help accommodate the growing demand for places at the institution.
He said the diocese was expanding its schools to support Government efforts to improve access to education and promote practical skills under Education 5.0.
“The two major projects are a milestone achievement in the history of the school,” he said. Dr Nyatsanza said the church wanted to develop technical high schools that would prepare learners for the changing demands of the workplace.
School head, Mr Brian Mandikutse, said the commissioning was taking place at a time when the school was celebrating strong academic results.
He said the school recorded a 100 percent pass rate at Advanced Level, with more than 40 learners attaining 15 points, while the Ordinary Level pass rate stood at 95 percent.
Mr Mandikutse said the school was proud of its learners and urged those preparing for the October/November examinations to maintain the institution’s record of achievement.
He challenged them to aim for at least five As at Ordinary Level and two Es at Advanced Level.
He said the school’s success depended on the efforts of its learners and encouraged them to remain committed to their studies.
“They are the ones who make St John’s great and not vice-versa,” he said.
The commissioning of the hostel and CAD laboratory marks another step in the school’s efforts to improve its infrastructure, strengthen academic performance and prepare learners for future opportunities.
