By Desire Tshuma
DOMBOSHAVA — Makumbe Hilltop College, a boarding school situated on the top of the mountain in Domboshava, is expanding academics, facilities, and community impact under the leadership of founder and Director Mr. Bernard Fungai Mutizwa.
Mr. Mutizwa said the college is privately owned and managed by a board that includes education professionals and community representatives. “Governance is transparent. We meet regularly, review performance, and ensure compliance with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education,” he said.
The college offers all secondary school programs and is accredited with both Cambridge and Zimsec. It also teaches four local languages including Portuguese to broaden learners’ communication skills. Students travel from as far as Bulawayo and Hwange to board at the college.
Quality is maintained through teacher training and classroom monitoring. “We track pass rates and graduate pathways. In the past 2 years our results have improved, and more students are proceeding to tertiary institutions,” Mr. Mutizwa said.
Facilities have been upgraded with refurbished classrooms, a science lab, ICT room, and hostels. Mr. Mutizwa said water, electricity, and internet access are priorities, and security includes 24 hour supervision for boarders.
On fees and access, he said costs remain competitive with similar boarding schools and payment plans are available. “We do not turn away a deserving learner because of fees. We work with parents to find a solution,” he said.
Student welfare is handled through counseling, a health liaison with local clinics, and career guidance. Grievance mechanisms allow students and parents to raise concerns directly with management.
The college also boosts the local economy. Eighty percent of employees are locals, and the workforce now stands at 30 including security personnel. “The local community benefits a lot from the school through jobs and support,” Mr. Mutizwa said. The college partners with local organizations including Makumbe Hospital if students or staff members become ill, and is having a schools quiz competition in Marondera this weekend.
Looking ahead, Mr. Mutizwa said the next three to five years will bring expansion of labs, more ICT resources, and new vocational courses. “Our biggest challenge is funding for infrastructure, but we are committed to transparency in how fees and grants are used,” he said.