By Tatiana Mhararira
Zimuto High School In Masvingo province recently won gold medal at the World Robot Olympiad Zimbabwe 2024 competitions held in Bulawayo.
The Reformed Church of Zimbabwe (RCZ) run school was among four other schools from the province that participated, namely Masvingo Christian College, Ndarama High, Helen McGhie Primary and Chikato Primary.
The Zimuto High team composed of former Child Vice President Theophelus Beans, Eustina Muvoti, and Flint Shamba emerged victorious in the senior category and the team will represent the country at global stage in Turkey.
Beans made headlines last year after inventing a smart walking stick and was subsequently invited to represent the country in Namibia at the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) World Children’s Day.
Zimuto High’s team patron, Vincent Tafadzwa Gonese, praised the team for hard work. He was optimistic that the team will perform well at the international competitions to be held later this year.
“The competition was a steep learning curve, challenging yet rewarding. We are really honored to be representing the nation in Turkey, and we are positive that we will do our level best,” said Gonese.
Zimuto High which was recently named best school in Masvingo by Better Schools Programme Zimbabwe (BSPZ). Its debate team last year won an award at the Pan African Universities Debate Championship held in Togo, a title they are set to defend later this year in Uganda.
Masvingo Christian College’s team, participating for the first time, performed well and secured fifth position.
The school’s patron, Davison Mada, commended the team for their achievement and the valuable learning experience.
“It was an exciting event where we learned much in our interaction with other participants from across the country. Finishing fifth is a great achievement for us, as it was our first time participating in the national robotics championship,” said Mada.
Ndarama High School also participated and secured seventh position.
In the junior category, Helen McGhie Primary won third place, receiving an award for their outstanding display of knowledge through research and creativity.
Chikato Primary School was recognized for demonstrating the best team spirit throughout the tournament. The students conducted independent research and worked tirelessly to create a robot that detects smoke within a room.
Chikato Primary’s patron, Varaidzo Rhoda Muza, expressed her appreciation for the learners’ hard work and dedication, which led to the team spirit award.
“I really appreciate the leaners’ hard work which led us to getting this award. Indeed they showed team spirit as they worked together day and night without the interference of the patron. The team created a robot that detects smoke within a room. The trio compiled the write up and submitted thus displaying high levels of team spirit,” said Muza.
The students demonstrated impressive research skills and collaboration to develop projects that led to their success.
The successful participation of these Masvingo schools in the World Robot Olympiad tournament showcased the province’s bright minds as well as potential for further growth and achievement in the field of robotics.
