Hillside Teachers’ College principal gets Doctorate
ONE of the country’s iconic and longestserving educationists, Dr Edward Gumpo has been conferred with a honorary Doctorate by the International Institute of Philanthropy (IIP).
The International Institute of Philanthropy is an institute dedicated to the advancement of humanity through philanthropy, increasing awareness and understanding of philanthropy, improving its practice, and enhancing participation through public service, education, research, fundraising, and management of nonprofits while simultaneously acknowledging, celebrating and honouring philanthropists.
It is the first and only Institute in the world to exclusively bestow and accord distinctively and authoritatively philanthropists and humanitarian practitioners with the Honorary Doctorate of Humane letters and to accord its doctorate degree holders full rights, obligations, benefits, stature and full titles of the title Doctor, (Dr) Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, (DHL) as opposed to other institutions and entities.
Dr Gumpo who is also the principal at Hillside Teachers’ College in Bulawayo was conferred the Doctorate on 28 September this year at a ceremony held at a Harare hotel. In an interview Dr Gumpo said he had intentions of studying for a PhD when IIP informed him that he had been nominated for a doctorate.
“I thought it was a joke. They told me they worked with many researchers and that is how they had identified me. It was really a surprise, not just for me but the college as well. They requested I write to them, confirming if I would accept the doctorate or not,” he said.
Dr Gumpo, who also holds a number of qualifications in the education field, said he felt honoured to have been conferred with the doctorate, as he has done a lot in the education sector.
“I have seen and been in the whole education system. I have spent six years at primary level, 14 years as a secondary school teacher and when I attained my Masters Degree I was still at secondary school. I got my Masters in 1993 and applied to this very institution and I was enrolled with no hassle. I was also one of the pioneers of the Zimbabwe Open University, as a part time lecturer. I was there for a long time until I met Mr Delma Lupepe, who convinced me to join SDA,” said Dr Gumpo
He said in his view, the education sector has evolved and the standards have improved.
“There was so much segregation in the sector, teaching was really an ideal African man’s job of preference. Education now is liberated; doors have been opened, back then there were a few Africans that were allowed to go to university. Education is now for everyone. Today we are proud and happy to see that education is no longer for a select people but it is now for everyone,” said Dr Gumpo.
He said he was also glad to be one among many educationists to lead a change in the sector.
“Working as a team is always ideal. It should also be noted that the team here at Hillside is doing a good job in assisting in the development of the education sector.”
Dr Gumbo is also a senior citizen of Bulawayo having been in the city since 1968. The doctorate is a huge honour to the city of Bulawayo and Hillside Teachers College.