By Fungai B. Mutizwa
AS the founder of Makumbe Hilltop College, located in the serene rural setting of Domboshava, Mashonaland East Province, I am both humbled and proud to reflect on a journey that began in the challenging days of my childhood in what was then Rhodesia.
My story, and the story of Makumbe Hilltop College, are deeply intertwined with the aspirations and challenges of Zimbabwe, a nation on a relentless quest to achieve sustainable development and economic prosperity as envisioned in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030.
Growing up in Rhodesia, opportunities were scarce and the disparities in education were stark. As a young boy, I witnessed first-hand the struggles of my peers and the limitations imposed by an educational system that marginalised the majority, especially in the rural areas.
Today, my generation finds it fascinating when children cannot walk to a school less than a kilometre away. Growing up under the oppressive colonial era, walking 10km to school was child’s play (pun intended) .
Amid these challenges, as I grew older, a seed of determination was planted within me. We were going to dislodge colonialism, attain independence and become masters and mistresses of our destiny.
My parents, despite their limited means as a result of the disempowering environment of Rhodesia, instilled in me the value of education and the belief that it was a powerful tool for transformation.
They made immense sacrifices to ensure that I attended school, often walking long distances and studying by the dim light of a kerosene lamp (rambi/chibani).
These early experiences shaped my understanding of the transformative power of education.
Under those difficult conditions of Rhodesia, I came to the realisation that the lack of resources and opportunities was not a reflection of one’s potential but a call to action.
This realisation became the driving force behind my dream of, one day, establishing an institution that would provide world-class education to children in rural areas, who had the potential to achieve great things if given the opportunity.
The establishment of Makumbe Hilltop College in Domboshava is the culmination of that dream.
Presented with a mountain, not the best of a place for construction, we did not see difficulties or an obstacle but an opportunity to establish a long-dreamt of excellent education institution.
Today, nestled in the picturesque hills and valleys of rural Domboshava, Makumbe Hilltop College stands as a beacon of hope and excellence in education, one of the many fruits of our independence.
Our mission is clear: To provide the highest quality of education to children in rural areas, ensuring that no-one and no place is left behind.
President Mnangagwa’s clarion call for inclusivity and development resonates deeply with our vision.
His commitment to leaving no-one and no place behind dovetails perfectly with our belief that education is the foundation upon which sustainable development is built.
At Makumbe Hilltop College, we are dedicated to nurturing young minds, fostering creativity and equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Education is not just a means to personal and professional success; it is a critical driver of sustainable development.
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) underscore the importance of quality education in achieving broader development objectives. Quality education promotes economic growth, reduces inequalities and empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to society.
In the context of Zimbabwe, and specifically rural areas like Domboshava, the role of education in driving development cannot be overstated.
Rural communities often face unique challenges, including limited access to educational resources, inadequate infrastructure and socio-economic disparities.
By addressing these challenges, Makumbe Hilltop College aims to transform these communities and contribute to the national agenda of achieving an upper-middle income economy by 2030.
Establishing an elite school in a rural area comes with its own challenges. However, these challenges have only strengthened our resolve.
Our approach is multi-faceted.
We have invested heavily in state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, science and computer labs as well as a well-equipped library.
These resources ensure that our students receive a holistic education that prepares them for the demands of the future.
Additionally, we have partnered with local and international organisations to provide training and professional development for our teachers, ensuring that they are equipped with the latest pedagogical skills and knowledge.
Makumbe Hilltop College’s impact extends beyond the classroom. We are deeply committed to empowering the local community through various initiatives. We plan to provide scholarships to deserving students from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to quality education.
We plan to carry out community outreach programmes that include adult education classes, vocational training as well as health and wellness workshops, which contribute to the overall development of the area.
Moreover, we actively engage with parents and guardians, fostering a collaborative environment where education is valued and supported. By involving the community in the educational process, we aim to create a sense of ownership and responsibility, further enhancing the impact of our efforts.
President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 outlines an ambitious roadmap for Zimbabwe’s transformation into an upper-middle income economy.
This vision is underpinned by key pillars that include human capital development, inclusive growth and social cohesion.
At Makumbe Hilltop College, we are proud to contribute to these goals through our focus on quality education.
Human capital development is at the core of our mission. By providing students with a solid educational foundation, we are equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in various fields.
Our emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, coupled with a strong foundation in the arts and humanities, ensures that our students are well-rounded and adaptable to the evolving demands of the global economy.
Inclusive growth is another critical aspect of Vision 2030.
By establishing Makumbe Hilltop College in a rural area, we are addressing the disparities in educational opportunities between urban and rural communities.
Our commitment to inclusivity ensures that children from all backgrounds have access to quality education, enabling them to break the cycle of poverty and contribute to the nation’s development.
Social cohesion is fostered through our emphasis on values such as respect, integrity and empathy.
We believe that education is not just about academic achievement but also about character development.
Our students are encouraged to be active and responsible citizens who contribute positively to society.
Through community service projects and extra-curricular activities, they learn the importance of giving back to the community and working together for the greater good.
As we look to the future, Hilltop Academy remains committed to its mission of providing the best in education to rural communities.
We recognise that the journey towards sustainable development and economic prosperity is ongoing and we are dedicated to playing our part in this national endeavor.
Our plans for the future include expanding our reach to more rural areas, developing innovative teaching methods that leverage technology and strengthen our partnerships with stakeholders at all levels.
If mission schools could be set up all over the country, we are confident that the concept of Hilltop Academy can be replicated across the country.
We are also focused on enhancing our vocational training programmes, ensuring that students who may not pursue traditional academic paths have the skills needed for gainful employment.
The story of Hilltop Academy is testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring spirit of resilience and determination.
From the humble beginnings of my childhood in Rhodesia to the establishment of an elite school in rural Zimbabwe, this journey is a reflection of the broader aspirations of our nation. President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 and the call to leave no-one and no place behind inspire us to continue our work with renewed vigour and commitment, every single day.
Education is, without doubt, one of the surest ways to achieve sustainable development and build a prosperous future for all Zimbabweans. At Hilltop Academy, we are honoured to be part of this noble mission and we look forward to the continued growth and success of our students, our community and our nation.
As we move forward, I urge all stakeholders —private sector, civil society — to be positive and do work that propels our nation forward and not derail the development agenda.
We call everyone to join hands in the quest for quality education for all.
Let us recognise the potential within every child, regardless of their backgrounds and commit to providing the resources and support needed to nurture that potential.
The journey towards Vision 2030 is a collective one.
It requires the concerted efforts of all Zimbabweans to ensure that we build a nation where every individual has an opportunity to thrive.
At Hilltop Academy, we remain steadfast in our belief that education is the key to unlocking this potential and achieving a brighter, more prosperous future for all.
Together, let us continue to bridge the gap, transform rural education and pave the way for sustainable development and economic growth in Zimbabwe.
The dream of an upper-middle income economy by 2030 is within our reach and with education as our foundation, we will make this dream a reality sooner rather than later.
