Kwality Infant School stages computer skills competitions

‘MY self,’ the legendary grade one self identity academic verse that infant learners normally memorise and recite at prize giving days got a new face lift when infant learners at Westgate-based Kwality Infant school made the children type the verse instead of reciting during the 2nd edition the annual computer skills competitions held at the school recently.

Ecstasy, boundless, cheers, joy, ululation, disbelief and victory laps dominated the computer skills competition which was the brainchild of Dzidzo Inhaka E-learning as parents got engrossed in the competition.

Forty learners participated from the toddlers class, ECD ‘A’, ECD ‘B’ and Grade 1.

The e-games which are a new phenomenon excited the learners, motivated their teachers and mesmerised parents. Seven-year old Claire Makumbe who ruled the roost in the five-line ‘Myself’ typing contest that looked at techniques like insertion and correct use of capital letters, full stop, space between words and use of enter key, grade one category taking home a gold medal.

“Computers is my best subject. I am always the first to finish in our class.

“When I grow up I want to be a computer scientist. I prefer typing on the computer rather than writing in the book. I also want to thank Miss Abigail, my teacher,” said the overjoyed Makumbe.

The ECD ‘B’ aspiring tech geeks went for a multi-level matching competition that demanded high levels of mental stamina and tech prowess and memory. Munyaradzi Mwadzinga and Reeva Makumbe who won gold again last year were tied on points where both awarded gold medals while Daniel Mabira and Anashe Kuvheya had to be content with silver and bronze respectively. Mwadzinga was over the moon. “I did it. I knew I was going to win. I told my mother that I was going to win a medal and she promised me a present,” he said to the amusement of her mother who confessed that she first used a computer after finishing ’O’ level.

ECD A learners competed in a two level competition of solving animal puzzles. Besides the technical skill to operate the computer, it also required the learners to have knowledge of animals and their body parts. Lee Anne Chabaya dominated the ECD ‘A’ taking home the gold medal while Gamuchirai Chiparaushe and Tadiswanashe Makuwaza won silver and bronze respectively.

In toddlers class, Liam Chimbizi and Nenyasha Mwashita were tied for gold while Chikomborero Kumbulani settled for bronze and Kunashe Changadeya settled for bronze.

The infants showcased skills in various areas which included mouse control, press and drag, drawing, designing, memory testing, problem solving, numeracy and literacy skills, etc.

The computer skills competition has been such a hit since 2017 with schools such that more than 30 schools have partnered Dzidzo Inhaka to train the teachers and help organise the competitions.

Some of the schools that have previously partnered with Dzidzo Inhaka include Good Samaritan College, Kids University, Kinderkastle Infant, Derbyshire, Shine Star Junior, Southside View Junior and Elearning Centre, Agape, Canonbury Junior, Otifield Junior school in Mhondoro Ngezi, Bulawayo based Kids University and Buzy Bees preschools, Blessed Angels of Mutare, Shalom Junior school of Norton, etc.