By Bigboy Madzivanzira
I was attending to Define Bvumbamera (38) when I saw a group of High school students entering the yard.
The gentleman with the group was introduced to me as Mr. Percy Choto, Principal of Up-Hill Academy. He was there to check on Ryan’s mother who was ill. He decided to visit with the Form 3s, where Ryan Zhang was in the same class.
It was heartening to see a school show genuine care for a student’s personal struggles. Mr. Choto’s approach reflects a commitment to values like Ubuntu and care for students’ well-being.
“Children accompanying the Principal could learn lifelong skills of living in a caring community. Academic pass symbols alone is not Education,” I said as I appraised the Principal and children’s visit.
The Head girl was handed a $10 note by the Principal to buy fruits for supplements for my patient.
My patient is assured of a fast recovery and her son Ryan feels he is not alone.
I proposed that a school health and disability programme is necessary for children to ensure their overall well-being.
Mr. Percy Choto, Principal of Up Hill Academy, brings over 35 years of teaching experience to his role. “It’s about seeing the child as part of a community,” he says. Other schools could learn from Up Hill Academy’s example.
About the Author:
Bigboy Madzivanzira is a registered Medical Rehabilitation Practitioner, Health Promotion Practitioner, Family and Child Therapist, and Freelance Journalist accredited by the Zimbabwe Media Commission. He is the Founder and Director of Health Promotion Clinic Trust (HPCT), a leading organization in Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) programmes in Zimbabwe. He is also a member of the Community Based Rehabilitation Africa Network (CAN). Bigboy can be contacted on 0773 367 913 or healthpromotionclinic@gmail.com