Mentor Centre’s Third Prize-Giving Day Lives Up to Billing

By Desire Tshuma

The Zimbabwe Defence Forces Service Commission’s Commissioner, Peddie Mugoba, has urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children to reduce the effects of drug and substance abuse, cyberbullying, and the negative impacts of artificial intelligence (AI).

Commissioner Mugoba made the remarks at the Mentor Centre’s third prize-giving day, held under the theme “From Dreams to Reality” at The Nest Hub in Harare.

“In this world of Artificial Intelligence, cyberbullying, and drug and substance abuse, I urge parents and guardians to keep a close eye on their children. Look out for unusual behaviour, meet their teachers, and build relationships with their friends and those they associate with,” said Commissioner Mugoba.

“As a parent or guardian, always offer encouragement, support, and provide the necessary resources — whether it be bus fare, school fees, or laptops — to ensure our children are not exposed to harmful influences. Every child has a responsibility to build his or her own bright future,” she added.

Commissioner Mugoba also called for more efforts to empower the boy child.

“As a community, we must ensure the boy child is equipped to meet the standards of an empowered girl child. If we fail to do so, we will create an unbalanced society. Much has been done for the girl child, but little for the boy — they need empowerment too,” she said.

Speaking at the same event, Mentor Centre Principal Mr. Skhanyiso Moyo thanked parents for attending and urged them to continue working closely with the school.

In an interview, Mentor Centre Managing Director Mrs Pearmer Tanhara-Maponga described the institution as a state-of-the-art learning centre committed to producing students who are useful both “in this world and the world to come.”

“As a school, we believe in academic excellence. Every student has the ability to pass, regardless of their background or society’s opinions. Our mission is to unlock and nurture each learner’s potential,” said Mrs Maponga.

She added that the school identifies and develops students’ talents, creating opportunities for them to grow beyond the classroom.

The school offers a wide range of practical subjects, including Art, Agriculture, Coding and Robotics, Music and Production, Culinary Arts, Furniture Manufacturing, Acting, Filming, and Production. Students are also equipped with driving lessons and have access to various sports such as swimming, rugby, basketball, soccer, netball, volleyball, table tennis, chess, darts, and tennis.

Mrs Maponga acknowledged that the school faces challenges, particularly financial ones, as it seeks to expand its infrastructure.

“These challenges highlight the complexity of providing quality education and the need for multifaceted solutions,” she said.

Founded in 2016, Mentor Centre began as a one-on-one tutorial and home-schooling programme designed to support students with learning difficulties, health challenges, or those who wished to fast-track their studies.

Mrs Maponga emphasized that the institution’s vision is grounded in Christian principles and Ubuntu, with discipline and integrity as its core values.

The event also featured an informative presentation on breast and cervical cancer by Mentor student Ruth Mujiazi, which deeply moved the audience.