SHANNISE DZOBO
MASVINGO CITY- Long serving Masvingo City Council run Shakashe Primary School head, Alexandra Mashenjere has retired from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education with effect from December 31 this year.
The veteran educationist conveyed the message to The Midweek Watch recently and said he is joining the private sector in the same capacity.
“I am retiring from Government and joining the private sector as head of Farmak Primary a private school in Masvingo along Zimuto Road just after Kyle College.
“I am happy I did my part as a loyal civil servant and its time for me to say good bye and face new challenges,” said Mashenjere who has been Shakashe head since 2011.
During his tenure Mashenjere won several accolades and the school has been in the top 10 for grade 7 results in Masvingo Province.
The family organised a farewell party for him at Masvingo Sports Club last week on Saturday which was attended by the who is who in the education sector, members of the business community members, colleagues and friends.
Seasoned academic who is also executive director
in the Department of National Languages at Midlands State University, Professor Wiseman Magwa was the guest of honor.
In his keynote address, Prof Magwa described Mashenjere as an achiever and a highly respected individual.
“Today is the day that we must recognize, respect and appreciate all the valuable skills and knowledge our distinguished Headmaster has imparted to us as Zimbabweans and thank him for all his efforts and hard work and I do not doubt in my mind to say publicly that he is an achiever, open-minded, generous, knowledgeable, modest, courageous, responsible and a highly respected individual”, said Prof Magwa.
“It gives me satisfaction as Guest of Honour to again congratulate Mr Mashenjere for the sterling work in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and I want to wish him a relaxing and rewarding retirement. I am sure we all recognize, respect and appreciate the valuable contributions he has made to the Ministry and Government”.
Prof Magwa went on to give tips on retirement as he depicted that it has its own set of challenges.
“I want to give tips to all those that are on the verge of retirement to redefine your identity, set new goals, strengthen your social network by staying socially connected, find part-time work after retirement because part-time employment can supplement your income, volunteer or donate your time and effort to an important cause and also look after your health to avoid retirement accelerated death”, said Magwa.
Mashenjere joined the Ministry of Education in 1986 and was deployed at Fusira Primary School, was later transferred to Mazanhi Primary in 1992, to Chitakayi, in 2001, to Murambwi and then to Vurombo in 2005 as deputy head and finally to Shakashe as head in 2011 up to retirement.
During his tenure at Shakashe, Mashenjere won several prizes which include Megafest Best School Head, Best Council School on two occasions, many sporting firsts and turned the school into one of the best in the province and an envy of many.
He is joining Farmak Primary School which is offering ECD A to grade 3 for now and enrolment is in progress for next year academic year.
