The ManicaPost
Cletus Mushanawani News Editor
IN a lifetime, not everyone gets a chance to turn their dreams into reality and make a mark in society, but only the bold dreamers who strive to achieve greatness get such opportunities.
An Old Shakespearean saying that goes: ‘some people are born great, some achieve greatness, while some have greatness thrust upon them’ is a true reflection of First Class Academy’s success story.
From humble beginnings in 2005, with an enrolment of just four students, the college has grown to be one of the best in Manicaland and has scooped national, provincial and district accolades in the process.
According to one of the college’s former students who have made it in life, Shingi Chikwara, the college started from humble beginnings as a study group.
He said: “In 2004, during the usual holiday lessons that were conducted at Mutanda Primary School, I decided to be part of the group that was determined to have a better and brighter future. Despite being the festive season, my desire was to be among the best academically, a reason why the festivities never meant a lot to me.
“My participation in these holiday lessons marked a big turnaround for my life. This is where my journey to success began.
“Being used to attending formal schools for my A-Level studies, the way the holiday lessons were conducted by the teachers was an eye opener. I was so impressed that it became my desire to learn more from these teachers every day of my life. There was this teacher, a great motivator, Mr Stephen Mutsongodza who showed much enthusiasm in a small group of students consisting of Geoff Sixgoza, Dzvairo sisters and myself (Chihwara) who inspired us. This small group gave Mr Mutsongodza the passion to help educate more students. This drove him to seriously pursue his dream of opening a school to accommodate more students. The dream fast became a reality, thus the birth of a new school along Mutare-Chimanimani Road near Sakubva Swimming Pool.”
He added: “News about the new school spread like a veld fire. Come January 2005, the school opened its doors for its first enrolment. Only a group of four students reported for school, that is Geoff Sixgoza, the Dzvairo sisters and myself. I vividly remember having our first Management Of Business lesson sitting on an old bench, with books placed on a very old and worn out table. Mr Mutsongodza proudly stood before us to take us through a journey which we do not have any regrets to have embarked on.
“Later that day, two more members of staff came in for our Geography and Accounts lessons. These were Ms Mantiziba and Mr Chipepera respectively. This marked the end of Day One at our new, but nameless school.
“The second day saw the arrival of two more students, Desire Manatse and Alex Chipepera. By the end of the first week we were a total of six students. The second week was livelier as we were joined by 10 more students from various colleges and among the new arrivals was Pray Muchebve who came with her school fees intending to pay, but Mr Mutsongodza was skeptical on taking the money. Up to now I am not sure why he was skeptical. Mr Mutsongodza told Pray to hold on to her money for a week.
“The third week saw an overwhelming response as more students came from various colleges in Mutare and this is the week that Mr Mutsongodza came up with a name to our new school, FIRST CLASS ACADEMY.
“Everything came to life as the school fees was agreed upon. The payment of the fees resulted in the buying of new furniture. This marked the birth of a bubbling child, First Class Academy.”
From the humble beginnings, the college has scooped the Secretary Merit Award, Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce awards and merit awards both at provincial and district levels.
Its students have continued to shine, both academically and in extra-curricular activities, with the toast of them being 18-year-old Vimbai Makuvaza who scooped a gold medal at the China-Zimbabwe table tennis friendly tournament held in Harare last month.
Makuvaza is set to travel to China in the near future to participate in more tournaments.
Some of First Class Academy students raised the college’s flag high after scooping several accolades at the just-ended Manicaland Agricultural Show.
The college’s rabbit section also won a shield for producing the best buck and doe at the Manicaland Agricultural Show.
Among the students whose work was adjudged the best at the Manicaland Agricultural Show were Carter Masho, Renary Munditi (boys attire), Blessing Mukanyo, Kudzai Nzwati, Lizzie Musabaika (girls attire) and Alice Mapeta, Lean Tsvarai, Bridget Hukuyana (night dresses and aprons).
They received their prizes at a brief ceremony held at the college on Monday, which was graced by Education Inspector (Non-formal Education), Ms Sarah Muwusha.
Speaking at the occasion, Ms Muwusha, hailed First Class Academy for being the best private college in Manicaland.
“This college has done well in the district and province at large. Early this year, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Dr Sylvia Utete-Masango was here to present the Secretary’s Merit award, showing that this college is now being recognised nationally. You deserve the award because of what is happening here. You have some of the best infrastructure in the province, thereby providing a good and conducive learning environment.
“All students enrolled here should know that they have some of the best buildings and adequate learning material compared to some of their counterparts who learn while sitting on the floor trying to write on their legs. You are also blessed with competent teachers, who are old, but very strong. They are willing to take you far and high.
“The college has also produced excellent A-Level results and I want to urge all O-Level candidates to emulate their A-Level counterparts. The college is also implementing the much-needed Tech-Voc skills as evidenced by the top prizes you scooped at the Manicaland Agricultural Show. I understand one of the students, Renary Munditi managed to sew his own uniform which is highly commendable,” she said.
Ms Muwusha urged students to aim to be their own employers.
“You should take all your practical subjects seriously. All Agriculture students should know that there are a lot of opportunities that can be driven from that subject. White collar jobs are not the only way out of poverty, so ladies and gentlemen identify your talents and explore them further. Aim to be your own employer,” she said.
Ms Muwusha praised the college for embracing STEM education and said: “First Class is fast proving to be a new home of STEM subjects as evidenced by the new Science and Computer laboratories established here. We should move with the times. I want to urge the girl child to take up Science subjects because future nurses, doctors and engineers should come from here.”
Ms Muwusha also hailed the college for being the second best in donating blood out of 398 registered formal schools and 43 independent colleges in Manicaland.
“This achievement only shows the agape love you have as students, the love for the nation and the love to save lives. This love was instilled in you by the college administration, parents, guardians and teachers. I hope you will continue donating blood. All students should keep themselves clean.”
On sporting activities, Ms Muwusha said: “I want to thank the Independent College Association which fought the battle for you students to compete in sporting activities with other schools. A lot of talent in independent colleges was being left out. You have good athletes who can compete very well and they should also be accorded the chance to showcase their talents. Education should not be academic only because we have people like Charles Manyuchi earning a living through sport. Manicaland is well known for producing talented tennis players and I am pleased to announce that one of your own, Vimbai Makuvaza raised the country’s flag high after scooping a gold medal at a national table tennis tournament.
“I want to urge more girls to take up sport seriously because of the many benefits derived from it. I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr and Mrs Mutsongodza for the great job you are doing here at First Class Academy. Continue to be the shinning beacons and being the leaders in whatever you will be doing.”
