Tendai Rupapa in BINDURA

Thousands of learners from Mashonaland Central Province attended an educative Career Guidance, Grooming and Stay in School campaign in Bindura, courtesy of First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s efforts to ensure children remain focused on their studies to become responsible people in the future.

Dr Mnangagwa brought along experts and practitioners from various fields including universities, health, the media, the police, ZPCS, agriculture, engineering, pilots, accountants and the army, among many other professions to interact with the learners.

The experts interacted with Grade six to Upper six students, affording them the opportunity to ask questions.

To spice up the event, some students were resplendent in the attire of disciplines they intend to pursue.

Learners, Dr Mnangagwa emphasised, must stay away from drugs and focus on education, which is the most powerful weapon which anyone can use to change the world.

The mother of the nation, who was recently appointed Culture and Heritage Patron by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, made the remarks, while addressing the learners, parents and community.

Amai Mnangagwa distributed tonnes of wheat and maize for schools, saying she would use them for school feeding programmes.

She also donated reusable pads for school girls and school stationery for less privileged pupils.

She described the event as a movement towards a better future for the learners.

“To the esteemed professionals who are here with us today, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your presence and willingness to share your experiences, insights and wisdom are invaluable. You are the torchbearers lighting the path for these young minds. I urge our students to listen intently, to take notes and engage with the knowledge being imparted today. The stories of triumph, challenges and perseverance are not just stories, they are lessons and inspirations that you can carry with you on your journey,” she said.

Staying in school, the First Lady said, was not about merely fulfilling an obligation, but it was about building a foundation upon which learners could construct their dreams.

“Each lesson learned, each subject mastered, each exam passed is a building block towards a better life. Education opens doors that you may not even realise exist. It empowers you to become architects of your own destiny. As the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, I am committed to ensuring that every child has access to quality education, safe learning environments and the support needed to thrive, but I need your commitment as well. Stay in school, work hard, dream big, resist the allure of shortcuts and easy escapes. Your education is the key to unlocking endless possibilities.

“. . . let me remind you that you are the future of Zimbabwe. The choices you make today will shape the world of tomorrow. Embrace education as the powerful tool it is. Stand strong against the temptation and challenges that seek to divert you from your path. Learn, grow and become the best version of yourself. Together let us build a nation where every child has the opportunity to soar high to reach beyond the stars and to create a future filled with hope, promise and prosperity,” she said.

Dr Mnangagwa implored the learners to put into practice everything they were going to learn.

She then asked the resource persons to engage the students.

Mrs Patience Rafemoyo gave the learners a brief about Bindura University of Science Education.

“Bindura university, we are science educators, the teachers of science, mathematics and so on. Our mandate is to provide learners with science education. We also have many other areas that we cover,” she said as she invited Dr Lizzy Zinyemba to add more about the university.

Dr Zinyemba said she was the deputy dean at the varsity.

“At BUSE we have the faculty of Commerce which has many programmes that train those intending to venture into the commercial industry like auditors. This requires two A Level passes in commercial subjects. We also have the Faculty of Agriculture which offers programmes like Water and Sanitation, Soil, Goat project. This requires one to have studied sciences. We have the Faculty of Science Engineering which trains engineers. In the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities we train many programmes and that is where I come from as a social worker.

“If you decide to take a career in commercials, it means you must study the commercials and take that path. Those eyeing sciences which are mainly agriculture and engineering, you must read your sciences from Ordinary Level. We are not just offering theory but also research so that you dig deeper in the areas of study so that you innovate and industrialise. We have an innovation hub. I implore you to learn and follow career paths of your choice,” she said.

The students queued asking questions from all the resource persons like Sister Rumbidzai Dowa a registered nurse/midwife, Pilots; Flight lieutenants Sindiso Moyo and Tatenda Ganje from the Air Force of Zimbabwe, Chief Correctional Officer Chaplin Christine Phiri, Assistant Principal Correction Officer Mr Leonard Madzivanzira both from the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional

Services, Skills trainer Mr Tawanda Gore from Freda Rebecca Mines and farmer Mrs Alice Muropa.

Representing the Zimbabwe National Army was Major Victor Mufandaedza and Captain Fortune Mwafisheni, Media was represented by Ms Merit Munzwembiri while police was represented by Commissioner Grace Ndou and Chief Superintendent James Sabau.

Dr Budirirayi William Gwagwa was on the Bindura Provincial Hospital stand while Mr Enock Bamusi was representing Madziwa Teachers College and Mr Charles Manhiri and Mr Garikayi Kwaramba represented the legal fraternity.

They all took the learners through what was expected of them.

Children were told that one needed to be between 18 and 22 years of age with Advanced Level Sciences, basic military training and a degree to be pilots in the Air Force.

“All you need is to pass your education and be disciplined. Amai is saying, if you stay in school, everything else will fall into place,” said Flight lieutenant Tatenda Ganje.

Anotidaishe Tariro and Anesu Maifiri who were wearing police uniforms, sought to know the requirements for one to be in the police force and were informed: “You need 5 O’ Levels Including Maths and English and be between 18-22 years of age. No criminal record and once you commit a crime you do not qualify. You must be physically fit and not take drugs which make it difficult to run 5km. As police, we are behind Amai’s campaign against drugs. We are saying no to drugs and substance abuse because the more you are intoxicated, the more you commit crimes. Once you get a criminal record, you miss out on many opportunities including employment. Stay in school, value education and stay away from mischief,” said Chief Supt Sabau.

To be in the army, the students were expected to be between 18 and 22 years as well, weigh 55kg with 5 O-Levels passes, nine months training for general soldier and cadets are trained for 22 months.

“Girl child, you are also welcome to join the army. You can be a career woman if you put your mind to it. If you wish to be in the army stay away from drugs. How do you run when ruined by drugs,” the officers said.

The First Lady weighed in saying: “My children you have come wearing army uniforms. Do you promise to study hard and fulfil your dreams?”

The children responded positively.

“Why did you choose to be soldiers?” she asked further.

“To protect our nation,” the girls said.

Amai Mnangagwa urged them to stay in school and study towards their vision.

Children who were seeking information on entry requirements for the police force and the army performed drills aping the uniformed forces, sending the crowd into delirium.

Learners aspiring to become doctors were urged to study science subjects and earn good points at Advanced Level.

“You need science subjects at A Level with good points. Aim for higher points. Work hard because nowadays some students attain 30 points. Be healthy and stay away from drugs. A healthy nation is a wealthy nation,” Dr Gwagwa said.

“I want to be an agronomist. I want to be a great farmer and what do I need?” one of the learners asked.

Dr Lizzy Zinyemba from Bindura University said: “Two A Level science subjects are needed for one to be enrolled in crop science and animal husbandry.”

Mrs Alice Muropa spoke about Agric4She encouraging girls to become agronomists and continue transforming the vision of the First Lady and teach the elderly farming in the communal areas.

“What do we need to be journalists?” a group asked.

Ms Munzwembiri responded: “You need confidence to be able to speak up. Be focused. You need to read books and newspapers to be a good writer, watch television, listen to the radio to be a broadcaster. I personally started being a journalist in Grade 6. I was involved in public speaking and whenever a game was played I would be at assembly explaining what would have transpired in the field of play. You need a diploma in Mass Communication or a degree in media studies. The pen is mightier than the sword,” she said.

In jest, Dr Mnangagwa asked: “Are peddlers of falsehoods wanted in the media fraternity?”

Ms Munzwembiri responded: “No. You need to be ethical and balanced. Even bribe takers are frowned upon. That is actually a crime.”

A group of learners asked about the nursing profession.

“Have at least 5 O Levels including English Language and a Science subject with grade C or better. A’ Level passes in Science subjects are an added advantage. Have a Diploma in General Nursing. Basic nursing takes three years training. You start earning a salary during training. To be a nurse you must have a kind heart to assist the sick. It’s actually a calling,” a nurse responded.

Those intending to study economics were encouraged to pursue commercial subjects at A level, especially economics, Management of Business and accounts.

ZPCS gave learners a glimpse into their work.

“ZPCS workers are Correctional officers. We fall under the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. We incarcerate, rehabilitate and reintegrate.

The pair also explained the entry requirements.

“5 O levels and the benefits are free uniforms, you get paid whilst on training, free accommodation, no bills paid. You get a chance to upgrade yourself. Pregnant women get maternity leave and breast feeding time. If you wed, you get a military wedding. This job entrenches discipline,” they said.

They said ZPCS has opportunities for other professions.

After the question and answer segment, Amai Mnangagwa said: “Everything that has been said from the onset was not there during our time. If you get such an opportunity, take it seriously and leave this place knowing what you want to be.

“We wanted you to tell us what you aspire to be. This pleased us a lot as parents and more especially myself as a mother. I was glad to note that there are a lot of innovative children who are willing to develop goods and work for themselves, their communities and nation. But the biggest challenge is that you cannot manage to do all the things you were asking about if you are not focused. Firstly, your personality and the friends you associate with. The peer pressure you exert on yourselves at school is not good. The stage you are at is not the perfect one to chase two things. You can’t get both. All these elders here have come for you, my children. You are your mother’s child if you are still in the womb, but once born you belong to everyone. That is why you see all these people here listening as to what you will be doing,” she said.

The mother of the nation implored the children to take one step at a time and not rush into marital unions.

“Rushing into marriage is not a passport. Your first husband, my daughter should be your profession,” she said.

Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Christopher Magomo, thanked the First Lady for her inclusivity as well as holistic and social programmes.

“We are deeply honoured by your presence here with us today. Your commitment to holistic and social programmes across all the age groups and classes of people is truly remarkable. In all these programmes your passion Amai is to see the emancipation and empowerment of the vulnerable and the disadvantaged members of our society and for this we are truly grateful. Your Excellency, today we are hosting you as a province on yet another important programme focused on career guidance which I believe has been the missing link in our educational system for a long time. I would like therefore to take this opportunity once again to thank, you Amai for taking this step to address this gap in our educational landscape. Without doubt, education and career development are the cornerstones for the national development of our country and this career fair represents a significant milestone in efforts to empower the learners of our nation,” he said.

Local Government and Public Service Minister July Moyo praised the First Lady for her initiatives aimed at uplifting vulnerable groups.

In her vote of thanks, the Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Angeline Gata, paid tribute to the First Lady for her love, wisdom and compassion. – Herald