Story by Tamuka Charakupa
KUTAMA College in Zvimba, which has been operating as a boys’ school for more than a century has been transformed into a co-education boarding facility.
Having churned out notable Zimbabweans, including the late former President Cde Robert Mugabe, national hero, Cde James Chikerema and businessman Philip Chiyangwa, the Roman Catholic school has enrolled 134 female students this year.
“This marks a turn towards positive and inclusive learning in line with the government’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind,” said a Zvimba community member.
“I am proud to be part of the first girls enrollment at this facility because it has always been our imagination to be here,” said a student.
The board chairperson and High Court Judge Justice Joseph Mafusire says the move is part of efforts to champion girl child empowerment.
“Kutama College recognises the profound impact of girls education on societal growth. By fostering an inclusive environment, the college cultivates a holistic experience. Initially, the idea was first mooted in 1980 there about but, was not welcome. As a new board, we then looked into the idea carefully and introduced it as it is pleasing to note that we have at least 130 female students currently. We hope to introduce more females who will probably be equal to the boys enrolled.”
Mashonaland West Provincial Education Director, Mr Gabriel Mhuma congratulated the school for the transformational move which includes embracing vocational training.
“Mashonaland West is now dubbed the best province and one of the reasons is the contribution to vocational and sport learning by Kutama College. As a ministry, we have adopted the Heritage-based Education curriculum and this is being emphasised here,” he said.
Some of the schools that have introduced vocational education in the province include Chinhoyi High School and Chikangwe High in Karoi.
