Sundaymail Editor
John Masuku
Sunday Mail Correspondent
RETIRING from the education system in December 2021 when he was at the helm of Eaglesvale Preparatory School in Harare, Mr Michael Bvumbe strongly feels that different political, educational and institutional epochs define his five-decade journey as a class teacher, sportsmaster and headmaster.
Last week, at the Association of Trust Schools annual conference in Victoria Falls, the ever-immaculately dressed educator was awarded a Certificate of Excellence in recognition of his outstanding contribution to education.
“Cast your shadows wide, leave your comfort zones, desist from taking drugs, work hard and set realistic goals as you passionately pursue your studies,” were Mr Bvumbe’s words of advice to learners as he reflected on the long road he has travelled in the teaching field.
“After completing training at St Paul’s Musami Teachers College in Murehwa, I started my teaching career in 1974 at Tendai Primary School in Mufakose. Although I was an all-rounder, I loved teaching mathematics and my learners enjoyed and excelled in the subject,” recalled Bvumbe, who was first transferred to a predominantly white Avondale Primary School a few years after Zimbabwe attained its Independence.
In giving Education 5.0 a nod, he is grateful the education system has expanded tremendously, but feels its quality should be upgraded across the board.
He also believes that good education is a result of teamwork between school authorities, learners and parents.
“I always scoff at parents who do not participate in sporting, cultural and educational events when invited. They also refuse to be nominated into committees and associations yet they expect the school to prosper and even brag about it,” he said.
Amid fears that it would be impossible to last long at private schools, Mr Bvumbe tried his luck and got a teaching job at Jewish-run Sharon School in Milton Park.
“It was an eye-opening experience to be at Sharon. I learnt a lot about Jewish culture during our open festivals,” he recalled.
Mr Bvumbe is a devout worshipper at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Mabelreign, where he has served as chairperson of various guilds, including the couples’ group which he led for many years with his wife Lucy, whom he met during teacher training.
Both later advanced their teaching qualifications.
“I was in my final year when the new intake came with a smashingly beautiful young lady named Lucy Makanza. I straight away told myself ‘that’s my lifetime sweetheart’. We fell for each other and later travelled together on the chalk-pushing career. She retired earlier than me from Twin Rivers school in Avondale. We still render educational advice privately.” Born in 1953 in Mbare, Harare, Mr Bvumbe did his primary education at Chitsere and moved to St Peters Glover for secondary school.
Young Michael loved playing football at Stodart Hall and also enjoyed Boy Scouts activities and acting at St Michaels Anglican Church near his Daniel Street family home, where he attended Sunday school under the tutorship of the Runyararo Sisters led by late Sister Barbara Tredgold.
As parents of Janet, Jean and Tapiwa Michael Junior, Michael and Lucy Bvumbe have four grandchildren.
John Masuku is a radio and television broadcast journalist, media consultant and trainer. Contact him on Twitter @john_masuku or Email: [email protected]
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