To address the pressing educational challenges faced by learners in southern Zimbabwe, the 1893 Matabeleland Human Rights Restoration Movement (MHRRM) has established an initiative to help disadvantaged children excel in their O’Level examinations.
Known as the Inqobo Regiment Education O’Level Crush Programme, this initiative is designed to support students whose families cannot afford extra lessons, providing them with the academic support needed to succeed.
Launched in 2021 in Entumbane, Bulawayo, the programme seeks to address the ongoing issue of poor educational outcomes in Matabeleland, often compounded by under-resourced schools, inadequate infrastructure and limited access to extra lessons.
By targeting children who would otherwise be left behind, the Inqobo Regiment Education O’Level Crush Programme provides free, intensive revision sessions in critical subjects such as English and Mathematics, crucial subjects for students to progress to further education or employment.
According to Tshela Zwelithini Sibanda, head of the education department at the 1893 MHRRM, the idea came from a deep understanding of the region’s educational struggles.
“Our children need to be assisted at O’level before they write their examinations so that they succeed and have a good education,” Sibanda explained.
“We then came up with efforts to look for seasoned educationists who are also examiners, who will give them tips to pass in the subjects they are teaching.”
The “crush” programme offers weekend sessions and pre-exam intensives where lessons are free of charge, with teachers volunteering their time and expertise to help students prepare for their O’levels.
“These teachers are volunteers, individuals who are willing to assist our children,” Sibanda said.
He added the programme’s success is already evident, with notable improvements in the academic performance of participating students.
In its first year, the programme had two volunteer teachers for English and Mathematics. Despite limited resources, it achieved remarkable results, even going as far as holding a ‘graduation ceremony’ for students before their exams.
“We motivated our graduates before they even graduated. We taught them, and before they wrote their examinations, we held a graduation ceremony for them and gave them certificates saying they had already passed,” quipped Sibanda.
“Quite a number of the children did exactly that, they passed their exams as we were able to access their results.”
As a result of these interventions, many students went on to perform well in their exams, with the movement receiving positive feedback from teachers about the improvements in students’ results.
“After the exams, we did follow-ups and we learned their teachers were happy with their results, including us,” Sibanda added.
The success of the programme prompted the movement to expand its scope.
In 2022, the programme introduced a “seasoned” geography teacher to support students.
“I6 students benefited from the programme in 2022, down from 19 in the previous year although we did advertise that children can come,” Sibanda said.
However, last year, the number of students went up to 84 who attended lessons that were held in Pumula.
In addition to focusing on exam preparation, the Inqobo Regiment Education O’Level Crush Programme also recognises the importance of broadening students’ horizons through career guidance.
Many students in the region, Sibanda noted, often face a narrow view of career possibilities, limited to professions like teaching, nursing, or law.
To address this, the movement has introduced career guidance as an essential part of the curriculum.
“When I was growing up, you would be told you could only become a teacher, lawyer, or nurse, which is a narrow mindset. Yet there are so many diverse careers one can pursue, such as engineering,” Sibanda explained, adding they were gathering information to empower the children.
Looking ahead, the programme is also planning to expand its offerings to include more subjects, particularly in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
“We are looking forward to having more teacher volunteers in the field of STEM subjects. We are trying to engage other community members so they can understand our aims, goals, and vision,” Sibanda added.
“Some members are forthcoming and a science teacher has volunteered to join in.”
In addition, the programme aims to incorporate the teaching of isiNdebele to make sure students are not only academically well-rounded but also grounded in their cultural heritage. “We have not forgotten isiNdebele. It is important to learn about our culture, and we are looking for volunteers in that area,” Sibanda said.
While the programme has made a significant impact in Bulawayo, Sibanda said the movement’s long-term vision is to spread this initiative across Matabeleland South and Matabeleland North, ultimately reaching all corners of the region.
Executive Director of 1893 MHRM, Greater Sibanda added at its core, the programme aligns with the movement’s larger mission to restore the social, economic, educational, and cultural integrity of Matabeleland.
“The programme is not just about addressing past educational inequities but is also part of a broader effort to make sure our children have a brighter future,” he said.
Sibanda stated the goal is not only to improve educational outcomes but to lay the groundwork for a thriving Matabeleland, where all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have the opportunity to succeed.
“Our goal is to reclaim our lost human rights and build a future where the people of Matabeleland can thrive,” he said.
