SYDNEY MUBAIWA
MIDLANDS BUREAU CHIEF

KWEKWE-Kwekwe Primary School has received the most esteemed education award, the 2019 Secretary’s Merit Award.
The award which could not be handed over in the last few years was delivered at a colorful ceremony at the school held last Friday.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Tumisang Thabela handed over the award and said that the school deserved the award because of hard work.
As part of the award, the school received computers, tablets and other ICT gadgets from the Ministry. Joseph Machingura, the Kwekwe primary school head received a certificate in recognition of his work.
Kwekwe Primary School which has 1 705 pupils and 43 teachers was awarded the 2019 Secretary’s Bell for being the best primary school in the Midlands Province, the second time it does after winning in 2013.
“The Secretary’s Merit Award is a quality control and supervisory tool that recognizes schools of excellence as models that others should emulate.
“Through this accolade, we recognize achievements by pupils, teachers, parents and school administrators,” she said.
Machingura said the award is a result of collaborative efforts between the school, parents and a supportive responsible authority.
The citation says Kwekwe won the award because of its income generating projects implemented by learners; they include poultry, fish and mushroom farming. These are critical to pupils as they impart life skills. The projects also allow pupils to acquire skills and competencies such as financial literacy which they can use to run their own business when they leave school,” she said.
The school was also recognized for its good infrastructure which includes a state-of-the-art ECD block, well equipped computer lab, paving and landscaping of the school premises as well as construction of fish ponds, fowl run and pig sites.
The school also enjoys good academic results with the pass rates of 2017 – 2022 averaging 99%.
She urged other schools to emulate Kwekwe Primary School which has a number of income generating projects that are being implemented by learners.
Anderson High School won the Secretary’s Merit Badge under the secondary schools’ category.
Thabela hailed parents for their role in the good performance of the school.
After presenting the award, Thabela commissioned an ECD block which was constructed by the school.