Online Reporter
Nomalisa Gumpo, Sunday News Reporter
SOBUKHAZI High School in Mzilikazi suburb, Bulawayo yesterday hosted a Family Fun Day Sports Gala, which was aimed at promoting non-academic skills among students and strengthening bonds between parents and their children.
The event encouraged parents to step into their children’s world by taking part in activities they enjoy at school. Parents, teachers and learners engaged in friendly matches of volleyball, netball and soccer, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
School Development Committee (SDC) chairperson, Mr Samson Gwala, said the initiative was designed to give families quality time together while promoting positive pastimes for young people.
“We wanted to create opportunities for parents and children to connect through fun, shared activities. This also en-courages students to focus on healthy hobbies and avoid street distractions, including substance abuse,” he said.
The sports gala also featured friendly fixtures against Palmer Institute and COH&S College in both soccer and netball. Mr Gwala explained that inviting other schools was meant to foster relationships and inspire similar programmes in neighbouring institutions.
The headmaster, Mr Cain Ncube, said the event aligned with the school’s vision under the national Education 5.0 framework, which focuses on nurturing diverse talents.
“We have children who may not be strong academically, and we want to promote inclusiveness by also supporting non-academic talents. Some students are not academically gifted, and we want them to feel included and participate in such activities so that they find their passion in these extracurricular activities,” he said.
The school already offers bakery classes for students, who prefer hands-on learning and is making arrangements for learners to gain practical experience at Pick n Pay and Chicken Inn. Plans are also underway to establish a sports academy to further develop extracurricular talent.
