After more than a century of being an all-boys institution, Kutama College has officially transformed into a co-educational boarding school, welcoming 134 female students for the first time this year.
The Roman Catholic school, renowned for producing prominent Zimbabweans such as the late former President Robert Mugabe and national hero James Chikerema, is embracing a new era of inclusivity in education.
“This marks a turn towards positive and inclusive learning in line with the government’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind,” commented a local community member.
One of the new female students expressed her excitement: “I am proud to be part of the first girls’ enrollment at this facility because it has always been our imagination to be here.”
Justice Joseph Mafusire, the board chairperson and High Court Judge, highlighted the significance of this change. “Kutama College recognizes the profound impact of girls’ education on societal growth. By fostering an inclusive environment, the college cultivates a holistic experience. Although the idea was first proposed in 1980, it was not welcomed at the time. As a new board, we thoroughly reviewed the proposal and are pleased to welcome at least 130 female students. We hope to introduce more females who will be equal to the boys enrolled.”
Mr. Gabriel Mhuma, the Mashonaland West Provincial Education Director, praised the school’s transformative efforts, which include a focus on vocational training. “Mashonaland West is now dubbed the best province, and one of the reasons is the contribution to vocational and sports learning by Kutama College. As a ministry, we have adopted the Heritage-based Education curriculum, which is being emphasized here,” he stated.
Other schools in the province, such as Chinhoyi High School and Chikangwe High in Karoi, have also begun incorporating vocational education into their curricula, further enhancing educational opportunities across the region.
Kutama College’s shift to co-education represents a significant step towards empowering female learners and fostering a more inclusive educational landscape in Zimbabwe.
