By Beverly Bizeki
King Edwards Academy, a newly established educational institution in Masvingo, is walking the talk on inclusivity, with modern infrastructure thoughtfully designed to cater to learners with disabilities, setting a new standard at a time when many well-established schools struggle to renovate and meet modern accessibility requirements.
True to its motto, “Where every student is a story of success,” a tour of the school from the administration offices to the hostels and ablution facilities tells a clear story: every learner is valued and supported to reach their potential.
School Principal Rodrick Saungweme said the school’s access features were a priority to ensure everyone has equal access.
“We welcome learners with mobility challenges and other disabilities. All our facilities, classrooms, dining halls, amenities, and administration offices are furnished with ramps to ensure equal access for staff, parents, and students,” said Saungweme.
The school’s commitment to meeting modern infrastructure requirements for public places ensuring accessibility for wheelchair users and others with disabilities demonstrates its non-discriminatory approach from the ground up.
Saungweme emphasized that inclusivity extended beyond infrastructure to the curriculum and student body.
“While our main focus is on building a strong sciences program, we also cater to learners with interests in commercial subjects or the humanities. Our curriculum includes Law, Software Engineering, and Engineering, allowing students to explore and develop their career paths from an early stage,” he said.
The academy welcomes learners from all religious backgrounds and all parts of the country and abroad, offering an international curriculum that prepares students for global opportunities.
Inclusivity also extends to the school’s dining halls, where meal planning considers special dietary requirements.
“We welcome learners from all walks of life, and our meals are planned to meet diverse nutritional needs. While students may sometimes require extra food, every meal is designed to support their overall well-being,” Saungweme added.
Looking ahead, the school promises to establish a wide range of sporting activities catering to diverse groups from traditional sports to elite games ensuring every student can participate and excel in physical activities.
Head of Information and Technology, Munashe Njanji said the department is another cornerstone of innovation, aimed at producing critical thinkers and future innovators.
“We are more than a school; we are a launch pad for tomorrow’s innovators. As a tech-first institution, technology is not just a learning tool – it’s a living, breathing part of everyday life. Our state-of-the-art computer lab, with uninterrupted Wi-Fi, drives research and innovation across the school,” said Njanji.
Through these initiatives, King Edwards Academy is living up to its mission: ‘Through a rigorous and engaging curriculum, innovative teaching practices, and a commitment to equity and social responsibility, we aim to shape the next generation of leaders, innovators, and global citizens.’
The school is also championing sustainability through the use of solar energy and provision of borehole water for everyday use and its vast agricultural products, creating an environmentally conscious learning environment.
