admin
Sindisiwe Sibanda, Sunday News Reporter
STUDENTS at Usher High School have been applauded for their continued devotion to acquiring a decent education, as displayed by the number of students who excelled in academics during the course of the year.
Speaking at the institution’s speech and prize giving ceremony last week, Salvation Army Territorial Commander of Zimbabwe, Botswana and Madagascar Territory, Commissioner Joash Malabi, who was the guest of honour, urged students to remain focused and devote most of their time to education.
“I am proud of this school and the whole system. We are therefore responsible authorities to ensure that our children excel academically and we want them to take the rightful place in our beautiful country, to develop it and have it take its place as one of the most united, peaceful and prosperous nations in the world,” said Mr Malabi.
Speaking at the same event on behalf of the Matabeleland South provincial education director Mr Lifias Masukume, district schools inspector Mrs Evelyn Ncube said they were delighted with the institution for its academic position in Matabeleland South Province.
“We are proud that Usher High School obtained 90,5 percent at O-level and 92 percent at the 2018 A-level Examinations not forgetting the primary school that also obtained 92 percent. We also like to applaud the SDC for taking up the challenge to refurbish a burnt hostel and for successfully completing the administration block, installation of solar energy on one of the classroom blocks and purchasing a vehicle for administration purposes saying they should keep up the hard work,” said Mrs Ncube.
Usher High School headmistress, Ms Idah Moyo said the construction of the administration block was a huge achievement.
“We are proud to have completed the administration block which, we have been trying to build for years but the funds have been the biggest challenge. We are thrilled to have witnessed the commissioning of the new administration block, giving thanks to the school development committee for its unwavering support in the development of school projects and Agribank for the financial assistance. Our students have strived to do their best in order to be part of this ceremony and that represents the true spirit of our school. I am very much impressed with the achievements of everyone at the school,” said Ms Moyo.
She said students that were awarded with prizes are a true reflection of the institute’s mandate.
“It is through such attainments that we are able to see the skills, high expectations and commitment of the teachers, parents, community and students at this school. These prize-winners are great examples of our values and set goals as enshrined in the updated new curriculum,” said Ms Moyo.
She said the school has 632 pupils, with 598 of them being boarders and 60 day scholars.
“Twenty seven out of the student’s population are boys. There are 27 qualified teachers and four student teachers. As I speak, some of our students have been recognised by Econet’s Higher Life Foundation and we are hoping that some tertiary institutes such as the National University of Science and Technology might also pick up our students,” she said.
Ms Moyo added that the school offers sporting activities, as per the ministry’s requirements.
“In January this year the athletics team was position one in the girl’s category at the SASSA Athletics competitions. Last year in December, two of our learners took part in the international Quiz and Spelling Bee competition, which was held in Botswana and three of our pupils qualified in the competition and would be going to Namibia in December.
“We are also proud of our boys who will be going to Mutare Boys High for the High Schools national debate competitions. Our basketball team and volleyball team participated in the national competition held in Victoria Falls and Harare respectively,” said Ms Moyo.
— @macindie1
Online Reporter