-as SDA is unanimously re-elected
MILLICENT HUNGWE
MASVINGO-Ndarama High School has introduced a new biometric system for staff to log in and out as part of efforts to improve accountability, monitor working hours, and raise the school’s standards to become one of the best learning institutions in the country.
The development was revealed during a recent parents’ meeting held at the school, where school authorities and the School Development Association (SDA) discussed ongoing projects and future plans aimed at transforming the institution.
Ndarama is the most sought after none boarding high school in Masvingo Province, producing one of the best results at O and A Level as well as an impressive disciplinary record.
During the same meeting, parents also re-elected the current SDA executive committee for a third consecutive term, citing confidence in the team’s leadership and developmental vision.
The Midweek Watch confirmed that the re-elected committee comprises chairman Kefas Chipato, vice chairperson Madam Chauke, secretary Tendai Rukasha, vice secretary Wellington Muchemwa, treasurer Wilson Dumba, committee member Mrs Chinotiwa, and committee member Petro Magezani.
Speaking during the meeting, Ndarama High School head Oddy Matongo praised the committee for its dedication and achievements over the years.
“This team has a strong vision and they are geared to achieve great things. The team is very productive, sanity was brought at the school and they have a building spirit,” said Matongo.
“They have caused transformation at the school from AI to structures and even parents have applauded their teamwork and vision.”
Chairman Chipato expressed gratitude for the confidence shown in them by parents through the re-election of the committee.
“We are happy that parents continue to trust us. We work together as a team and there is no grapevine between members. Our focus is school development,” he said.
Chipato also revealed that the school has installed CCTV cameras to monitor classroom learning and improve discipline within the school premises.
“A CCTV camera has been installed to monitor how students are taught and to ensure order through the head’s monitoring systems,” he explained.
However, he acknowledged that drug abuse remains one of the major challenges facing the school community.
“We call upon every parent to work together with us so that we reduce drug abuse. As a school, we have put security measures at the gate where every student is searched before entering,” he added.
To further improve learner safety, the SDA plans to construct a controlled pick-and-drop zone for students, similar to a transport rank, which will be supervised by police officers.
The chairman also highlighted major transport and income-generating projects undertaken by the school.
“With my team, we bought a school bus with WiFi inside. It is a cash cow project which has helped us raise funds to buy a kombi and repair our old bus, which is now back on the road,” said Chipato.
He further revealed that government has approved plans for a massive multi-purpose building at the school.
“The building will have nine classrooms upstairs, administration offices, a hall, while the ground floor will accommodate computer laboratories,” he said.
Chipato said the project is expected to be completed within a year once construction begins, with an estimated cost of US$1.5 million to be funded through school projects and levies paid by parents.
He emphasized that the committee remains committed to continuing the school’s transformation agenda.
“We are not going to stop. We will continue working together to develop the school that we have at heart,” he said.
the chairman thanked parents for consistently supporting the school by paying fees on time despite the economic hardships prevailing in the country, and this has helped them to undertake many developmental projects.
