THE government has commended the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa for its contribution to the education sector in Zimbabwe.
The church, which owns a number of primary and secondary schools, has developed a reputation for producing a high pass rate over the years.
Bulawayo Provincial and Devolution Affairs minister Judith Ncube applauded the church while addressing a gathering to commemorate the official commissioning of its new fleet of buses at the ZITF Grounds in Bulawayo recently.
“I am informed that the church has contributed to the education sector by producing very good pass rates of up to 90% at most times.
“They have enrolled up to at least one thousand students at Gloah High School and David Livingstone combined and well over two thousand pupils at primary level. We, indeed, appreciate and acknowledge the role you play in society,” Ncube said.
She urged society to support church-owned schools and ensure their sustainability.
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“As a community it is our collective responsibility to nurture and support the growth of our young minds. Every individual plays a vital role in this journey — parents, teachers, administrators and society as a whole,” Ncube said.
“We can do this by ensuring that we maintain integrity and discipline within our institutions. For example, those in administration should deliver their mandate and be accountable.”
She called on parents to co-operate with school authorities including in paying school fees.
Ncube also touched on the topical issue of substance abuse by young people in Zimbabwe.
“Furthermore, as a nation we are currently fighting the thorny issue of drug and substance abuse. As churches and schools you have a critical role to play in this issue of concern,” she said.
“Thus I strongly encourage the schools and churches to continue [being] united and working together for the good of our society.”