28/06/2026
🏆 RUYA ADVENTIST HIGH SCHOOL SCOOPS PRESTIGIOUS SECRETARY'S MERIT AWARD
Mt Darwin, Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe.
Ruya Adventist High School has once again etched its name into Zimbabwe's educational history after being crowned a recipient of the prestigious Secretary's Merit Award, a recognition reserved for institutions that demonstrate exceptional excellence in education, innovation, leadership and community transformation.
|| Report by Willie Gwatimba
The award ceremony, held at Ruya Adventist High School on Friday, June 26, 2026, celebrated the school's remarkable contribution to the advancement of God's mission through Christian education, child guidance, character formation and academic excellence.
The event was graced by the Guest of Honour, Mr. Moses Mhike, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, alongside Chief Kandeya, Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland Central Cde Timothy Maregere, Acting Chief Director for Provincial Education Systems Dr. Mangwiro, senior government officials, education directors, school inspectors, teacher union representatives, local authorities and church leaders.
Representing the Seventh-day Adventist Church were Zimbabwe East Union Conference, Education director, Pastor Dennis Munaiwa, North Zimbabwe Conference President Pastor Trustmore Parangeta, Executive Secretary Pastor Hopewell Mandina, Chief Finance Officer Elder Hlatswayo, among other church leaders and dignitaries.
The award marks a historic return to the summit of educational excellence for Ruya Adventist High School, which last received the honour in the year 2000.
Receiving the award, School Head Mr. Gilbert Dzveta attributed the achievement to the collective efforts of learners, teachers, parents, church leadership, education authorities, alumni and the wider community.
"Our achievement was not accidental. It was a combination of deliberate planning, effective leadership, committed teaching, disciplined learning and strong partnerships among all stakeholders," he said.
Mr. Dzveta highlighted the school's exceptional 2025 Advanced Level results, where all 62 candidates attained at least 10 points, while more than half scored 15 points and above — a rare feat in Zimbabwe's education sector.
As part of the award package, Ruya Adventist High School received the Secretary's Bell Plaque, four laptops, a tablet device, two Starlink internet kits, a robotics kit, a smart digital podium, three solar systems, a printer, textbooks from leading publishers, 50kg of rice and a US$1,000 scholarship fund benefiting two Form Three learners, Edith Dengedza and Privilege Gunhe.
In his keynote address, Mr. Mhike commended church-run schools for their outstanding contribution to national development and described Ruya Adventist High School as one of Zimbabwe's strongest-performing secondary schools.
He particularly praised the school's holistic approach to education and community service, including construction of houses for vulnerable families, support for hospitals and clinics, orphanages and neighbouring schools.
Most notably, the Permanent Secretary hailed the Adventist philosophy of educating the Head, Heart and Hand, describing it as a model capable of transforming the nation.
«"All the learners that I interacted with were mentioning the Three Hs: the education of the Head, the Heart and the Hand. I wish all schools throughout the country could emulate this philosophy. That way, even social vices such as drug abuse would not be prevalent."»
Indeed, the Seventh-day Adventist philosophy of education remains one of the most powerful models for developing balanced citizens. By nurturing intellectual excellence (Head), Christ-like character (Heart) and practical skills for service (Hand), Adventist education seeks not merely to prepare learners for examinations, but for useful citizenship on earth and eternal life with Christ.
The success of Ruya Adventist High School stands as living testimony to the effectiveness of this holistic educational approach. If widely embraced by educational authorities and institutions across the nation, the philosophy has the potential to produce generations of competent, ethical, innovative and service-oriented citizens capable of transforming Zimbabwe and beyond.
The Bible reminds us:
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." — Luke 2:52
This divine model of balanced growth mirrors the Adventist commitment to developing the whole person.
Similarly, renowned Adventist education pioneer Ellen G. White wrote:
"True education means more than the pursual of a certain course of study. It has to do with the whole being, and with the whole period of existence possible to man."
As Ruya Adventist High School celebrates this landmark achievement, the award serves not only as recognition of academic excellence, but as affirmation that Christian education remains a powerful instrument for advancing God's mission, transforming communities and preparing young people for lives of service, leadership and eternal purpose.
Mission Express congratulates Ruya Adventist High School, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, its staff, learners, parents and stakeholders for this well-deserved honour and for continuing to shine as a beacon of educational excellence in Zimbabwe.