By Chiedza Nyabadza
Rutanhira Secondary and Primary School learners have been urged to embrace perseverance, hard work and innovation as they pursue their education and prepare for their future.
The call was made by Mr Lovemore Masunungure, Coordinator for Chikomba East legislator and Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Felix Tapiwa Mhona, during the official commissioning of a new science laboratory at Rutanhira Secondary School yesterday.
Masunungure, who represented Hon Mhona at the event, told learners, teachers and community members that they should not be afraid to try new things, saying perseverance could open opportunities for success.
“I would want you to remember this, never ever stop trying. You must adopt this approach in your school activities and even in life. Try new things, don’t hesitate, because in trying you get an opportunity to eventually achieve and break new ground in your endeavours,” he said.
He also called on the community to play an active role in supporting learners, maintaining discipline and combating drug and substance abuse.
Masunungure led the gathering in an anti-drug message, chanting: “Not in my home, not in my village.”
The commissioning of the laboratory coincided with the school’s prize-giving ceremony, which brought together learners from Rutanhira Secondary and Primary schools, teachers, parents and members of the surrounding community.
Ward 23 Councillor Manyewe said the construction of the laboratory demonstrated the community’s commitment to developing its own institutions under the principle “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo.”
He said the project was funded through contributions from parents and the local community.
“As Chikomba, we are led by a hardworking MP, Hon Mhona, who is constantly advising us to work hard and develop our community,” Councillor Manyewe said.
He thanked parents and the wider community for supporting the school and contributing towards the successful completion of the project.
A representative from the District Schools Inspector’s office commended Rutanhira Secondary School for maintaining high standards of discipline and academic excellence despite being a rural institution.
School headmaster Mr Ernest Mherembi described the new laboratory as a major step towards the implementation of the Heritage-Based Curriculum.
“The requirements of the Heritage-Based Curriculum include a laboratory that facilitates the ability in children to know science, to do science and to live science,” Mherembi said.
“Without a lab, our learners were learning science in abstract. This lab will now allow them to experiment, to innovate and to be job creators, not just job seekers.”
Mherembi thanked parents, the School Development Committee and local leadership for mobilising resources towards the construction of the facility.
He said the laboratory would help improve the school’s performance in science subjects while encouraging learners to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
The event also featured poems and speeches by learners focusing on education, discipline and the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
Outstanding learners were rewarded with textbooks, exercise books and cash prizes, while the day’s proceedings were rounded off with muchongoyo and modern dance performances.
The new laboratory is expected to provide learners with practical science-learning opportunities and contribute to improved academic performance in science-related subjects.
