Sibonokuhle Mboni, Sunday News Reporter
USHER High School learners have been encouraged to embrace innovation and develop knowledge and problem solving skills that are in line with a changing world where Artificial Intelligence and technology are taking centrestage.
Speaking at the school’s prize giving day, headmistress Mrs Kudakwashe Dzvairo said the institution remains committed to preparing learners for a world shaped by technological advancement, innovation, environmental challenges and global competition.
She said the school remains unwavering in implementing the Heritage-Based Curriculum and Education 5.0, with a focus on producing learners who are “academically competent, innovative, responsible and proudly rooted in their Zimbabwean heritage.”
“Distinction is not merely an achievement but it is a continuous commitment to excellence,” said Mrs Dzvairo.
She also appealed to parents and partners to continue supporting their vision to have a fully functional Innovation Hub by next year and have smart boards in every classroom, solarise the whole school, as well as to tile every building in the school.
District Schools Inspector Mr Gobile Gobile said the Heritage-Based Curriculum is clear stating that education must have an identity.
“We are not producing children who are lost between cultures. We are producing learners who are proudly Zimbabwean, who can speak their mother language, who respect Unhu/Ubuntu, who know our food systems and our values. In a world where globalisation tries to make everyone the same, your heritage makes you distinct. The projects that the Heritage based curriculum introduced will enable learners to research local problems and find solutions to community as well as National challenges,” said Mr Gobile.
He congratulated the school for achieving a 95, 1 percent pass rate at O level and 100 percent at A level pass rate for the past four years.
The School Development Committee chairperson Mr Anesu George Chibi also highlighted the importance of technology and the school’s commitment towards it.
“Our theme, “Striving for Distinction in a Changing World,” is particularly relevant in today’s rapidly evolving world, where technology, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are transforming how we learn, work and solve problems. Striving for distinction means refusing to settle for mediocrity. It means continuously improving, embracing innovation and developing the knowledge, skills and values needed to succeed in a changing world,” he said.
Mr Chibi said the responsibility of the school is not only to prepare learners to pass examinations, but also to develop disciplined, creative, adaptable and innovative young people who can contribute meaningfully to society.
“We recognise that digital technology is becoming an essential part of modern education. Usher High School is progressively embracing this transformation through the introduction of interactive boards as we work towards establishing smart classrooms. We have also procured laptops for teachers to support lesson preparation, research, assessment and the development of teaching materials and provided five new computers for the ICT laboratory,” he said.
These developments, he said, support the principles of Education 5.0, which emphasises teaching, research, community service, innovation and industrialisation.
“As we embrace ICT and AI, we must also teach learners to use these technologies responsibly, ethically and creatively. Technology should enhance learning and human potential, not replace independent thinking, discipline and good judgment,” he added.
One of our major ongoing developments is the construction of the new Boys’ Hostel. The school said this project is more than the construction of a building; it is an investment in the welfare, accommodation and educational experience of our learners.
The school celebrated academic excellence, sporting achievement and student leadership, with Form Four learner Monique Mutopo emerging as the star of its 2026 Speech and Prize-Giving Day after scooping six awards.
Mutopo won prizes in Combined Science, Business Enterprise, Economics, Mathematics, Food Technology and Design at the ceremony held at the school on Saturday under the theme “Striving for Distinction in a Changing World”.
Other top learners recognised were Patience Manguba from Upper Six, Angel Maseko from Lower Six and Reamogetse Selamulela from Form Three.
Nobuhle Sibanda was named the best 2025 Advanced Level pupil after scoring 25 points, while Musawenkosi Mlambo was the runner-up with 20 points.
Thando Ncube and Natalie Ncube shared the best 2025 Ordinary Level award; each having attained 10 As and a B.
In sport, Courage Shiri was named Sportsperson of the Year and the athletics award winner. She also represents Zimbabwe at regional level. Senior Captain Vuyolwethu Mswelanto received the Captain of the Year award.
Guest of honour Mr Stanford Masaira urged learners to pursue excellence beyond academic qualifications, saying success required determination, adaptability and a willingness to embrace change.
“Distinction is not only about good grades, trophies or certificates. It is a mind-set of excellence, the determination to do your best and never settle for mediocrity,” he said.
Mr Masaira said learners were growing up in a world increasingly shaped by technology and innovation and needed to prepare themselves to adapt to changing circumstances.
“Success will belong to those who are prepared to embrace change,” he said.
