Hand in Hand Zimbabwe (HiHZim) is using schools’ competitions to foster self-worth and confidence amongst secondary school learners in preparation for their future out-of-school endeavours.

The organisation recently held the competitions in Chirumanzu and Shurugwi under the auspices of the Motivated and Entrepreneurial Youth (MEY) project.

Prior to the competitions, learners from participating schools were offered customized training on motivation, health and entrepreneurship through school patrons who were trained by Hand in Hand Zimbabwe.

Through the competition, learners had the opportunity to showcase their talents and knowledge acquired from the trainings through quiz, drama and poetry.

CHIRUMANZU

In Chirumanzu, participating schools included Siyahokwe, Upfumba, Hama, Ortons Drift, Lalapanzi and Driefontein Secondary schools. Hama Secondary school won the overall best price for implementing a sustainable MEY enterprise and showcasing in-depth knowledge about the project.

In the quiz competitions, Siyahokwe Secondary School took the first prize, while Upfumba Secondary school won the poetry and role play prizes.

Winning schools walked away with stationery and prize money, while the ones who did not make it received consolation prices.

Addressing guests at the competition, guest of honour and District Schools Inspector for Chirumhanzu District, Bornface Chimbiya commended Hand in Hand Zimbabwe for its outstanding youth empowerment interventions at the eight schools they support under the MEY project.

“The MEY schools’ competition is a good initiative as it supports the national schools’ curriculum which encourages learners to utilise their talents to make a living.

“Hand in Hand Zimbabwe has been continuously supporting our updated school’s curriculum which started in 2017 and we are grateful for this,” he said.

Hand in Hand Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer said he was impressed with the inclusion of people with albinism at schools

“I was happy to see a young girl with albinism confidently reciting a poem. As an organization, we are actively involved in advocating for equal inclusivity of people with albinism in partnership with the Noble Hands Zimbabwe Trust.

“We hope that our pleas for the albino society will be heard as we seek to equally empower them,” he said.

SHURUGWI

In Shurugwi, participating schools included Kusinga, Bokai, Dorset, Gamwa, Chironde and Mpangayi Secondary schools.

Kushinga won the poetry and MEY overall best prize while Mpanagyi won the first prize in the quiz category. Dorset received the role play prize.

Tafadzwanashe Chese the Secondary Schools Inspector encouraged students to continue participating in Hand in Hand Zimbabwe projects as they contribute immensely to their future development.

“I was impressed with the performances I saw at this competition.

“It’s very encouraging to note the impact that Hand in Hand Zimbabwe has made in your lives through the MEY project.

“Continue attending the star clubs as the knowledge you receive will undoubtedly shape your career path,” he said to the leaners.

The MEY project contributes actively to promoting sustainable development in Zimbabwe through improving motivation, health awareness, and entrepreneurship among the adolescents attending school (15-18 years) and young adults not in education (19-35 years).