By Kudakwashe Mashasha in Masvingo

534 graduates were capped by the Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Hon Semelisizwe Sibanda at Bondolfi Teachers College on 18 October 2023 during the 58^th Graduation and Prize Giving Ceremony.

All graduates successfully completed a 333 Diploma in Education. 349 graduates are General Course teachers whilst 185 graduates received diplomas in Early Childhood Development. General Course teachers scored 99.72% pass rate and Early Childhood Development teachers scored 100% pass rate. Tazvitya Darlington received an award of being the best overall candidate of 2023 with four distinctions in Teaching Practice, TECD, Music, and PSA. Other students with distinctions in other fields also received their awards.

The textile department produces tracksuits, decorations at events, and all sportswear at the college. The department has advanced plans to produce sanitary wear soon. The Music department which has combined both students and staff members composed songs and perform at graduation ceremonies and they provide entertainment on other activities hosted by the college. Some graduates are now self-employed from the Sports Department as they are now umpires and referees in different fields. The college has a functional Early Childhood Development Department producing toys for infants which are being used in local schools in the community.

The Principal of Bondolfi Teachers College Dr. B. Berejena in his report congratulated the graduates encouraging them to be innovative so that they keep up with the latest developing advancements in Education. He also encouraged graduates to embrace technology as a tool for enhancing teaching methods and to explore new strategies of teaching.’ Explore new strategies of teaching and continue to search for innovative ways to inspire and monitor students’ he added.

The Education Secretary of Masvingo Diocese Vicar General Very Rev. Fr. Samson Mutsvanga encouraged the graduates to thank God for leading the way to graduation. He encouraged them to go and teach with a difference inculcating gospel values which are always emphasized at the Catholic college.

“Now it is time for you to go and inspire others by the way you conduct yourselves as professional teachers. Do not just be teachers but show the world that you are properly formed to educate, to form, and to give direction to society,” said Fr. Mutsvanga.

The Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Hon Semelisizwe Sibanda, emphasized the theme of the graduation which is ‘Curriculum Transformation in Education for Innovation, Industrialization and Modernisation’ in which he stated that it is in line with the national aspiration of an industrialized and modernized economy. He added that Heritaged-based Education 5.0 is the goal towards innovation, industrialization, and modernization.

Two Carmelite sisters, Sr. Petronella Zvirahwa and Sr. Redemptor Samungure were recognized for their competence as they scooped quad distinctions with Sr. Samungure being awarded the Best Female Sports Person and the Best Student in Theory of Education.