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Leonard Ncube, [email protected]

PARENTS, guardians and educators have a collective role of bringing up children in and off the school, balancing the impact of modernisation and technological advancement which are key in nurturing the future of young people.

Speaking at a speech and prize-giving ceremony at the Roman Catholic Church-run Sacred Heart Primary School in Esigodini, Sister Mary Clareta Ndebele, representing the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood better known as (CPS) who are the school’s responsible authority, said there was a need to acknowledge the value of traditional family structures in fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.

The school held the speech and prize giving on Saturday where learners who excelled academically and in extracurricular activities were rewarded for their outstanding performance during the course of the year.

Sr Ndebele was the guest of honour at the event that was attended by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education which was represented by Ms Sakhile Ndlovu, on behalf of Umzingwane District Schools Inspector, Sr Maria Francis, CPS Education Secretary, School Chaplain Fr Philemon Mlilo, responsible authority, parents, learners and other stakeholders.

“In the past, extended families played a pivotal role in nurturing our children, with the village serving as a collective guardian. Our nation’s independence was born out of struggle and sacrifice, granting us equal education opportunities. Our school’s history, traditions, and values, founded by Abbot Francis Pfanner and Saint Teresa of Calcutta, have brought us to where we are today.

“We recognise the resilience, perseverance and determination that define our school community. Today, we celebrate not only the achievements of our learners but also the dedication of our teachers and the unwavering support of our parents.

“Your collective efforts have shaped our students into compassionate, curious, and capable individuals. Heritage informs our present and future aspirations, past experiences guide our innovation and progress and embracing history allows us to excel,” she said.

She challenged learners to work hard and be dedicated, riding on past experiences and drawing inspiration from participating in church activities, pioneers of the school, educators and staff, parents and their peers.

“As educators, parents and guardians, we must recognise the impact of modernisation and technological advancements on our children’s upbringing. We must strive to strike a balance between embracing innovation and preserving essential values from our past.

“As we move forward, let us honour our legacy while embracing beneficial changes, foster strong family and community ties, ensure our children’s well-being in the digital age, and cultivate empathy, resilience, and critical thinking. To our learners, I urge you to cherish your roots, explore your passions, and become positive change-makers. Let us rise to the challenge, embracing our past to shape our future and create a brighter tomorrow,” she said.

The event was held under the theme: “Embracing the Past in Shaping the Future.”

The school’s enrolment is 211, with 143 being boarders and 68-day scholars, from Early Childhood Development to Grade 7.

There are 12 teaching staff and two specialists, one in Hearing Impairment, Mrs Kellina Moyo who teaches sign language and the other in ICT.

The school head Sr Salome Chiramba said the school implements an inclusive education policy and has a Hearing Impairment Resource Unit which accommodates learners who learn through the use of Sign Language.

There is also a full complement of administration staff and 28 ancillary workers serving in various departments.

She said Agriculture, Science and Technology, English, Ndebele, Physical Education, Visual and Performing Arts, and Social Sciences scored 100 percent while Mathematics had 92.3 percent.

She said the school offers Chess, Netball, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Handball, Tennis, Athletics, Choral music, Marimba, Traditional dance, and Quiz among other extracurricular activities and performs well at district and national levels.

“The 2023 National Grade Seven Examination pass rate was 98 percent based on units and 94.10 percent based on subjects. In Athletics we had one under 12 boys as well as the under 11 gymnastics team, taking part in the national competitions which were held in Masvingo. In the Ball Games, our Boys’ Basketball team performed exceptionally. Most of the players were in the Provincial Select Team for National competitions which were held in Bulawayo.

Our provincial team was position 4 out of 10 National provinces. Our Handball teams are also a force to reckon with in the district. We had one learner participating in the National Science, Sport, and Arts Festival (NASSAF) competitions under Food Technology where she was showcasing Pastry making,” said Sr Chiramba.

Children go for educational trips each year with each grade going to a distinct destination.

The chairman of the School Development Committee Mr Latelang Ndlovu said various projects are being pursued.

The school has a goat, piggery, cattle, gardening and poultry projects.

Some of the projects done include fixed firewood cookers in the dining to cut down on our electricity consumption), purchase of new utensils.

The school seeks to improve ICT facilities, upgrade teaching and learning facilities, have Interactive Boards, upgrade sporting facilities and swimming pool, state-of-art ECD play centre, upgrade Wi-Fi system, purchase a new school vehicle, improve enrolment, additional solar power systems for lighting and borehole pumps, repair staff houses and additional accommodation.

Sr Chiramba thanked parents and guardians, Responsible Authority and partners for supporting the school activities despite the economic challenges.

“We are still looking for partners to assist the school in overcoming these challenges. We are grateful for your cooperation and support,” she said.

To Parents wishing to bring their learners here, you are most welcome. Sacred Heart Primary is The School for your child to be at, come year 2025.

-@ncubeleon