Zimuto, Pamushana shine at inaugural National Chil...

Zimuto, Pamushana shine at inaugural National Children’s Awards

**Zimuto High School Deputy Head, Brighton Makota, right, and award-winning learner, Theophilus Beans, at the inaugural National Children's Awards in Harare on Thursday**

Edmore Zvinonzwa

Reformed Church in Zimbabwe-run Masvingo-based institutions, Zimuto and Pamushana High Schools shone at the inaugural National Children’s Awards held in Harare on Thursday.

Zimuto High School learner, Theophelus Beans got the best prize of eloquence in debate competitions in 2023.

Pamushana High School was honoured for producing the best academic results in the 2023 examinations after the institution recorded the Best A Level results with107 candidates getting 15 points and above.

The school also recorded the second-best O Level results with 79 candidates getting five As and above.

St Faith’s was the best.

RCZ Education Secretary, Dr Julius Mutumburanzou said the whole Reformed Church family was happy.

“It was all congratulations since the awards were announced. The awards have lifted the RCZ family very high up the ladder. Getting a national award is no mean achievement and so we want to thank heads of schools who have devoted their time to ensure that their learners succeed to these levels. We also want to thank the organisers of the awards, the Ministry and the leadership of the church in general because they have tried, as much as they can, to provide an environment whereby learners work freely and excel to the best of their abilities. It is happiness throughout the family. We would want to remain this high as much as the Lord is going to allow us,” said Dr Mutumburanzou.

Zimuto High School Deputy head, Brighton Makota, who attended the event, said he was elated by the outcome.

“I am more than ecstatic when we have future leaders in the name of Beans Theophelus. In fact, I am confident and proud of this devout, humble and intelligent pupil who, is continuously putting Zimuto High at the highest levels after he made us proud again in Togo and Namibia.

“On behalf of the responsible authority, through superintendent Reverend Wilbert Runyowa, I am ever grateful,” said Makota.

This is not the first time that Beans has excelled. Last year, he made headlines after he invented a smart walking stick for the visually impaired, which detects obstacles. Showcased at last year’s edition of the Masvingo Agricultural Show by the National Annual Science, Sports and Arts Festival, the stick can also detect the presence of water and releases alert sounds when it comes across obstacles.

The inaugural National Children’s Awards, which were aimed at celebrating and encouraging the ingenuity showcased by students from various schools, had different categories, which included academic (2023 pass rate), sports, debate, innovation and exhibitions among others.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo, his Deputy Angeline Gata as well as Permanent Secretary Moses Mhike attended the event.

The awards ceremony not only served as a platform to recognise the accomplishments of exceptional students but also marked the launch of a new children’s magazine by Jewel Multimedia, the event organiser.

Speaking at the event, Jewel Multimedia CEO, Chiratidzo Malanganisa, emphasised its significance, saying: “As we stand here today, surrounded by the boundless energy and enthusiasm of our future leaders, it’s essential to reflect on the significance of this moment. This ceremony isn’t just about recognising accomplishments; it’s about nurturing dreams, fostering a sense of pride and confidence, and inspiring each one of our children to reach for the stars,” said Malanganisa.

The awards ceremony and the launch of the children’s magazine represent a commitment to acknowledging and supporting the aspirations of Zimbabwe’s youth.