Cuthbert Mashoko
School heads in Masvingo Province had a three day health and wellness workshop at Hippo Valley High School from 8-10 August.
The three day workshop running under the Theme: Understanding Time, was an opportunity for the School Administrators to have a deserved rest and refresh after the hustles of the second term.
The program was graced by Provincial Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Officer, Tauyanarwo Makuza wh was the guest of honor.
Makuza applauded Masvingo for being the only province where health and wellness for heads and their deputies was being prioritized.
“I would like to congratulate Masvingo Province for this special initiative which takes heads and deputy heads on board, l urge you to consider the teaching and non – teaching staff as well,” said Makuza.
The workshop’s overwhelming attendance of 388 school heads surpassed expectations. School administrators were taken through the pillars of health and wellness. Among them being: physical activity, stress management and social connection.
Equally important was conscientizing heads on how they can start preparing for their retirement. Veteran, retired educationist, Diga Mandiudza a successful sugar cane farmer in the low veld, shared his experiences in an effort to educate the school administrators on the need to plan for retirement.
“Ladies and Gentlemen let’s take time to think and plan about our tomorrow. With a piece of land you will never go wrong,” shared Mandiudza.
Motivational speaker Sebastian Zuze who runs Chiedza Retirement Advisory Services (CRAS) challenged school heads to understand time in the context of one’s retirement.
He implored the administrators to invest for their retirement whilst still at work.
“Every business requires seeding, tithing and harvesting, as administrators start an investment before you retire,” advised Zuze.
Makuza also paid tribute to the program’s technical coordinator, Fredrick Matavikwa for his steering role in making the program a success.
“May l thank the brains behind this initiative, Fredrick Matavikwa for his commitment which has seen this program getting bigger and better since 2020, ” he said.
A visit to Koala Park in Chiredzi bridged theory and practice, as the heads were exposed to cattle fattening and crocodile farming projects which they can embark on in order to make an extra money.
Touring Gonarezhou National Park was a memorable life time adventure for the heads as they came face to face with the big five animals. This resonated well with one of the pillars of health and wellness which is stress management. Going out, refreshes the mind, as one gets lost in admiration of the natural beauty of God given flora and fauna.
Aerobics and physical exercises under the watchful eye of Matavikwa brought vibe to the workshop as the school administrators stretched, twisted and danced for fitness.
Provincial Education Director, Shylatte Mhike and Education Services Director, Petronella Nyagwe graced the workshop as well. Health and wellness programs are meant to reduce the national health bill through fighting non-communicable diseases. Good healthy practices remain the best remedy to health matters.
