Story by Tafara Chikumira
THOUSANDS of pilgrims and community members gathered at St Peter Clavar Driefontein primary school in Chirumhanzu to commemorate the centenary celebrations of the institution which was established back then in 1924.
Catholics and the Chirumanzu community joined hands to celebrate the centenary jubilee in style at the school’s premises in Chirumanzu District this Friday.
The school celebrates 100 years of existence with a rich history that has seen it hosting some of the country’s luminaries like the country’s former President, Cde Robert Mugabe, who once worked at the institution in 1952.
“Since 1941, the school’s pass rate have been averaging between 75 and 100 percent. I would like to thank the former President of Zimbabwe, the late Cde Robert Mugabe, who was a school teacher at this school at one time.
“He used to stay in that demolished house as he was working here back then. I also want to extend my gratitude to the country’s Vice President General Retired Dr Constantino Chiwenga, whose son used to learn here for all his efforts in contributing to the development of this school,” said the school Head for St Peter Clavar Driefontein Primary School, Sister Flora Chidzudzu.
Vice President Chiwenga, a devoted Catholic himself who attended the celebrations, commended the church for its contributions towards the development of education in the country.
“100 years of nurturing young minds is a remarkable milestone, a huge achievement worth celebrating. The role of the church in socialising the community through quality education is remarkable.
“The mission has been a symbol of healing while fostering a union of hearts, compassion, and unity. Many who have passed through this place, such as lawyer Masembura, my own two sons, Tawanda and Kudakwashe, are luminaries in the country.”
The Vice President also urged the school’s former students to join hands with the authorities at the institution in addressing some of the challenges at the facility.
“I want to assure you that the government will continue to support your efforts of making the institution a world-class facility. This is in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s thrust of not leaving no place and no one behind.
“The President says no place, and no one shall be left behind, so we will work together to create a conducive environment where every child learns in a comfortable environment,” he said.
Driefontein primary school, which was named from the three fountains that exist in the locality, was founded by Jesuits and is run by the Roman Catholic church under the Gweru diocese.
