MILLICENT HUNGWE
MASVINGO — Ndarama High School has once again proven why it stands tall among Masvingo Province’s top learning institutions, this time not for academic results, but for its bold stand against drug abuse and early marriages.
In a pioneering move, the school has installed a bright electronic display board at its entrance, broadcasting powerful messages meant to inspire discipline and awareness among learners and the wider community.
One of the standout messages reads:
“SAY NO TO DRUG ABUSE.”
Visible to all who pass by, the digital sign has become a talking point in Masvingo, serving as a daily reminder of the dangers of substance abuse and the need for unity in protecting the youth.
Speaking to The Mid-week Watch, Ndarama head, Oddy Matongo said the initiative reflects the school’s commitment to holistic education.
“We are putting the school on the map by advertising our services through this electronic display,” he said.
“It’s a topical issue, drug abuse is destroying our youth. We want to raise awareness not just among our students but across the entire community.
“We are the first school to have such an educative display, as you know, we lead and others follow,” he concluded.
The campaign is part of a broader strategy by the school to tackle social challenges facing young people today.
Alongside the digital awareness messages, Ndarama High is also introducing peer education programmes, guidance and counselling sessions, and collaborations with local organisations that focus on youth empowerment.
A member of the school’s teaching staff highlighted that Ndarama’s vision goes beyond producing academic achievers.
“Ndarama High is not just about excellence in the classroom,” the teacher said. “We’re deeply committed to nurturing responsible citizens. This message is for our learners, their parents, and the entire Masvingo community.”
Early child marriages and substance abuse have been growing concerns in Zimbabwe, threatening to derail the dreams of many young learners, however, Ndarama High’s proactive approach is being hailed as a model for other schools to follow, merging education with social responsibility.
