By Panashe Gwesu
A number of parents and guardians in Stoneridge suburb’s Chireya area and nearby locations including Manyame Park in Chitungwiza have applauded Prince Alfred Christian College, a private school in the community, for empowering young pupils with academic and entrepreneurial skills to keep them engaged and away from unethical activities during celebration of its 10th anniversary.
Led by founder and Principal Prince Kanonhuwa, a high school teacher by profession, the institution recently celebrated its journey of bridging young people to a better future through its entrepreneurial teachings, including making detergents and poultry farming, offered free of charge.
In his address representing the community on the event Felix Mudzingwa, whose child studied at the school four years ago, acknowledged the leaders for instilling Christian values, academic knowledge and entrepreneurial skills in their students.
“I am not ashamed to tell you that PACC was a bridge for community development since its inception in 2014. I know it as the only institution offering vocational courses to every child for free, and it has never broken its promises up to this date as we celebrate its decade of establishment.”
“My child studied here and performed well at Ordinary Level. Just because he mastered the skill of making detergents, he refused to continue with academics. As we speak, he is a 22-year-old delivering products to various tuck-shops in the Stoneridge area and he is doing well,” said Mudzingwa.
Kanonhuwa explained that the vision for this initiative was a divine calling to help the community eradicate poverty.
“I have noticed that most academic institutions are in a hurry to enroll students solely for business.”
“I decided to establish both an academic center and vocational training courses so that if a child fails to pass O Level, at least he or she has something to do with their hands, since I am a religious leader, we have created a Christian environment, so with these three skills, a child can achieve success. It’s not only about having As and A+.”
“Through these initiatives and developments, we were offered land by the Ministry of Public Works to expand our dream soon after completing our school registration.”
Pastor Mirriam Kabudura, the school chaplain has been with the institution for over six years said,
“I really like the institution’s vision of teaching skills to young minds for free, which is also a strategy to keep them busy and away from drugs and other harmful practices.”
“Some pupils may not excel in traditional schooling; some are inventors. Through these initiatives, they can easily identify their purpose. Not every child is destined to be a doctor or a teacher,” said Pastor Kabudura.
The institution runs both primary and secondary levels headquartered in the Stoneridge Taisekwa area and offers entrepreneurship programs at both levels.
On its 10th anniversary, the school celebrated its journey of helping young people become better adults through sustainable courses that prepare them for life.
The red-carpet event was attended by local government officials, fellow school principals and the community at large.
