shloboe boe
Ashley Phiri, ashleyphiri66@gmail.com
TENNYSON Primary School, located in Bulawayo’s Hillside suburb, is committed to addressing drug and substance abuse while promoting a healthy community.
This was evident at the school’s recent speech and prize-giving day, held under the theme “Celebrating Success in a Drug-Free Community: The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention of Drug Abuse”.
The school has implemented several initiatives to keep students engaged and away from harmful substances.
For instance, the recent refurbishment of the swimming pool has provided a safe recreational outlet for students, enabling them to participate in swimming galas and other aquatic activities.
Furthermore, the school has invested in modern Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure to offer contemporary tools for learning and creativity.
A thriving vegetable garden not only promotes healthy eating habits but also instils a sense of responsibility and environmental awareness among students. The drama club and Jikinya dance group have also played a vital role in highlighting the dangers of drug abuse and gender-based violence through humorous and engaging performances.
The guest of honour, Bulawayo Central District Schools Inspector, Ms Nozipho Ngulube, emphasised the importance of community involvement in tackling drug abuse.
“Let us work together to promote a drug-free community that values the health, happiness and success of all its members. A drug-free community is not just a slogan or a goal, it is a necessity for health,” she said.
“Happiness and success of our young people requires a collective effort from all of us as educators, parents, community leaders and health care professionals.
“Our role goes beyond the classroom; we must also work closely with parents and the broader community to provide a comprehensive approach to drug prevention and education.
“This includes engaging with local community organisations, healthcare providers and law enforcement agencies to provide support and resources for families and individuals affected by substance abuse,” she said.
Tennyson Primary School headmistress, Mrs Millicent Dhlula, expressed pride in the school’s academic achievements, highlighting how the school’s quest for producing high-quality results paid off as evidenced by the success of five Grade Seven students who attained six units in the Zimsec Grade Seven examinations.
“Academically, we have always been among the top 10 in Bulawayo central schools and top 100 in the Bulawayo metropolitan province.
“This year we changed the whole scenario, we targeted quality, and our slogan was ‘If others can do it, why can’t we do it’,” she said.
“Among the struggles of drug and substance abuse, we can fight both academic and social ills. We have achieved quality, I’m proud to announce that our Grade Seven pupils managed to give us quality with five of our pupils getting straight six points.
“Our teachers from ECD to Grade Seven have worked flat out to achieve this.”
The event marked an occasion to rejoice in academic brilliance, as pupils were bestowed with various accolades for their exceptional performance in academia, athletics, and other extracurricular undertakings.
Amidst the commendations, outgoing head girl, Takudzwa Mbaiwa, stood out by achieving four awards.
Furthermore, 25 new prefects were appointed to take on their roles in the future. The Jikinya dance club’s energetic performance expanded the jubilant fervour by incorporating cultural roots into the proceedings.
Parents, students, and faculty partook in the merriment, dancing alongside and uplifting the performers.
Tennyson Primary School stands as a laudable exemplar of promoting a drug-free environment and all-around development.
Its efforts in providing opportunities for students to revel in positive activities instil them with the power to make informed decisions and carve a path towards a promising future.
