LOOKERON HIGH SCHOOL PRAISED FOR STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

By Nelson Geje

Lookeron High School’s examination results, debate achievements and student leadership have drawn praise at its prize-giving ceremony, where parents highlighted affordable fees and opportunities that prepare learners for the wider world.

Lookeron High School is in Southlea Park with Day and Boarding Students.

Guest of honour Mr Imbayarwo cited a 100 per cent pass rate in the school’s first A Level examinations and commended its progress over five years.

He also celebrated the school’s debate team, which he said was preparing to travel to Rwanda for a regional competition. He praised the learners’ ability to articulate arguments and wished them success.

Parents who attended described Lookeron High School as the best school in their community, citing what they said were affordable fees, highly qualified teachers and a wide range of opportunities for learners.

They urged families seeking wider opportunities for their children to enrol them at the school, saying its benefits were visible in students’ achievements and exposure to the world beyond their community.

Ellen Mlambo, a Form Three learner andJunior Member of Parliament, credited the school’s public speaking and debate programmes with building her confidence and helping her take on leadership responsibilities.

“I am a testimony of it,” she said, encouraging parents to send their children to the school. She also thanked those who had supported her and helped her overcome her fear of speaking and competing.

The outgoing head girl, Tavonga Dzenga reflected on the demands of student leadership, including handling pressure, criticism and disagreement, and learning to accept that a leader does not always have the answers.

Urging her successors, head boy, Simbarashe Muavandi and head girl, Lynn Makwanya to listen and learn.  

“The position is temporary, but the impact you make while you have it does not have to be.” She said.

Clayton Mapfurira’s presentation on the boy child dilemma used allegory to explore vulnerability, substance abuse and the pressures that can pull boys away from their goals.

He closed by affirming the value of education, comparing setbacks to trying to unlock the wrong door with the right key.

The school’s chief executive officer, Mrs. Runesu, stressed the importance of external examinations for both learners and facilitators.

“External examinations play a critical role in the educational ecosystem,” the CEO said.

The CEO identified standardised assessment, quality assurance and accountability, motivation and academic rigour, and curriculum guidance as key functions of external examinations.

Such assessments, the CEO said, encourage students to study thoroughly and master course content while developing critical thinking and time management skills under formal testing conditions.

Mr Imbayarwo also praised the school’s combination of science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects with practical disciplines, saying this approach equipped learners with skills for life beyond the classroom.

He highlighted food science, design and textiles, technical graphics and agriculture among the practical subjects, and commended the teaching of Chinese and French as preparation for opportunities beyond Zimbabwe.

Mr Imbayarwo congratulated prize winners and urged them to use their achievements as motivation to aim higher.

He also encouraged learners who had not received prizes to keep working, saying one awards ceremony did not define their potential or determine the course of their education.

Turning to parents and guardians, he acknowledged their sacrifices and their partnership with the school, but stressed the importance of meeting financial commitments.

“Paying school fees on time is vital,” he said.

He said fees payments enabled teachers to obtain the resources they needed, kept practical laboratories equipped and helped the debate team travel to competitions.

“Let us continue to fulfil our role in this partnership so our children can continue to shine,” he said.