A touch of brilliance
IN a rare story of individual brilliance, Form One learner Moesha Munyongwa (14), of Budiriro high-density suburb in Harare, sat for the 2023 Ordinary Level examinations and passed with flying colours.
A learner at Charles College in Budiriro, Moesha sat for seven Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) Ordinary Level examinations and bagged four As, two Bs and a C.
The youngest of the 73 students who sat for the examinations at the college, she defied all odds to cap an extraordinary story.
Born an only child, she lives with her widowed mother, Emily Mukwena.
When her father Moregressive, who was the breadwinner, died in 2019, life turned upside down for Moesha and her mother.
They were evicted from their house by members of the extended family.
For a number of days, mother and daughter lived at an open space, without a roof over their heads.
A well-wisher rescued and offered them accommodation.
Despite the challenges, Moesha went on to register for Ordinary Level examinations when she was least expected to.
The teenager had no intention of sitting for the exams while still in Form One.
“One day, I accidentally walked into a Form Four class that was struggling to solve a mathematical equation. I was asked if I can solve the equation. I solved the equation to the surprise of many,” Moesha recalls.
Her study schedule, she stated, was intense.
It included studying late into the night, leaving little time to play or socialise with her colleagues during daytime.
Moesha also participated in exam-related writing study groups, which she felt helped her.
Mr Calvin Charlie, the principal of the college, who was in charge of the class, was charmed and offered Moesha the chance to regularly attend Form Four classes.
The principal then approached Moesha’s mother and asked for her consent to let her daughter take Ordinary Level exams.
The rest, as they say, is history. Moesha, whose wish is to become a financial expert and a computer engineer, is currently studying Mathematics, Economics, Business Studies and Computer Science at Advanced Level.
The hardworking and well-disciplined Moesha is one of the many young learners who are performing wonders and setting new academic records.
Shalom Zingwe, of Atlantic Academy in Harare, also sat for Ordinary Level Cambridge examinations when she was in Form One.
She managed A grades in Computer Science, Accounting and Economics.
She got Bs in Mathematics, Geography and Business Studies.
Kudzaishe Mhaka (15), who also attended the same school, scored As in Chemistry, Physics, Accounting, Computer Science, Mathematics, Biology and Geography.
In Masvingo, Gladys Gammon (16), who attends Riverton, scored nine As and a B in her Cambridge “O” Level examinations.
Her dream is to one day become a medical doctor and to achieve this dream, she said she will have to work hard.
To realise her dream, she chose to study Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry and Physical Science at “A” level.
Apart from excelling in her academic studies, Gammon also participates in extracurricular activities.
She is a dedicated member of the school’s debate and science club.
She urged other learners to be focused and work hard.
“I worked very hard. It was not easy. I am happy it paid off. To others out there, remain focused and continue working hard,” she said.