Excel Learning Academy honoured its outstanding students in both academics and sports at a colourful prize-giving ceremony held last week in Tungstern village, Kadoma.
The event drew scores of parents, community leaders, local businesspeople and education enthusiasts to celebrate the institution's rapid growth and the achievements of its learners.
The academy which opened doors three years ago has transformed into a fully fledged primary and secondary learning institution that places strong emphasis on practical subjects.
The school now serves communities in Tungstern, Baxter, Coryton, Kanyemba and surrounding mining settlements.
Speaking during the ceremony, Founder and Director Tracy Gowa said the school was born out of a desire to bring quality education closer to children who previously had to walk long distances to access the nearest learning facility.
"This area is surrounded by mines and for years children have been walking more than 5 kilometres just to get to school. Parents were worried, children were exhausted, and many ended up dropping out. I felt compelled to create a school right here to ease that burden. Every child deserves a fair chance at education," she said.
Gowa added that the school deliberately keeps its fees affordable so that local families many dependent on artisanal mining can access modern learning without financial strain.
“I have always had a passion for teaching, and I firmly believe education transforms livelihoods.
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“Our tuition is the lowest among private institutions in Kadoma because we want villagers to realise that education is as valuable as the gold they mine. Many youths grow up believing artisanal mining is the only option and we are here to change that mindset.”
Guest of honour Martin Kagogo of MK Properties lauded the academy for establishing what he described as “a state of the art learning institution in a remote area.
“For years, pupils here finished O-Level and immediately joined artisanal mining because they saw no alternative.
“Now, with this secondary school focusing on practical subjects like carpentry, agriculture, fashion and fabrics, food and nutrition and other skills based fields, young people can finally see that there are many professions and opportunities beyond the pits.”
As part of his contribution, Kagogo pledged to build an additional classroom block for the school, install a 2 KVA solar system to support reliable power, donate soccer balls and pay fees and supply uniforms for several pupils in need.
The event also attracted well-known Kadoma businessmen including Barcelona FC Kadoma CEO Matthew Maveto and Hurricanes FC CEO Makarichi, both of whom pledged strong support for the academy’s sporting programmes.
Maveto offered full-year tuition for three orphans, donated school uniforms, books and three laptops, and committed to sponsoring the school’s netball team.
Makarichi, representing Hurricanes FC, promised to help nurture young football talent and support the school’s football team with equipment, coaching and exposure to professional development pathways.
The event was also graced by entertainment, including poems, educational drama, traditional dance and musical performances by the pupils.
ECD A and B learners also walked across the stage to receive certificates as they progressed to the next level with some heading into Grade 1.
