Catching Them Young Through Schools Quiz
The national schools quiz finals were recently held in Harare with schools that made it at provincial levels contesting. The competitions bring together learners from across the country not only to compete for prizes based on their knowledge of Life Skills, Sexuality, HIV and AIDS and other development issues but also to demonstrate the necessity of participation as a key pillar of the multi-sectoral response to HIV and AIDS.
NAC has over the years partnered with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and partners to implement a robust all-inclusive Life Skills, Sexuality, HIV and AIDS programme in the Guidance and Counselling learning area that is being delivered in a structured manner from the lowest level of ECD up to ‘A’ Level.
Guest of Honour, PEPFAR Country Coordinator, Ms Kristine Clark commended NAC for putting up such a classic event where healthy competition prevailed. She emphasised on the need to focus on adolescent girls and young women in the response to HIV. “They are a vulnerable group and are most affected by new infections, not only in Zimbabwe but in Southern Africa.
In a speech read on his behalf by NAC’s National Accountant Mr Godfrey Muzari, NAC Chief Executive Officer Dr Bernard Madzima said that, “we are glad to know that the current Grade 7 stream are sitting the first examination in the subject this year.” Dr Madzima went on to thank partners in the response to HIV for their support. “A special mention goes to UNFPA who have been supporting these competitions, and in the development of teaching and learning materials since 2014 in a big way.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs. Tumisang Thabela, in a speech read on her behalf by the Acting Chief Director for Curriculum Development and Technical Services, Mr Mumha, applauded the format of the competition. “It is so exciting to learn that the National School Quiz takes the practical balancing approach in deciding on the winning schools to compete at national level. It is very encouraging that 50% of the total scores come from the practical application of what life skills, sexuality, HIV and AIDS and general wellbeing for every learner entails.” She also thanked NAC, partners and sister ministries for working with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in producing wholesome individuals for the society. “As we work together, we have realised that indeed it takes a village to raise a child,” Mrs Tabela said.
NAC’s National Youth Coordinator, Mrs Beauty Nyamwanza said she was happy with the way teachers and students were taking the competitions, seriously. She said that in the spirit of leaving no one behind, for the past 3 years there has been a category for those with hearing impairment in the competitions and this resonates well with the newly launched World AIDS Campaign theme that calls for ending of inequalities.
St Faith’s High School representing Manicaland Province clinched the first prize, with Mosi-a-tunya High school from Matabeleland North on second position and Bulawayo province’s Pumula High School came third in the national competition.