Abiah Madzudzo
The Errymapple Group of Schools is celebrating its Grade Seven learner, Joseph Chekenya, who won a gold medal at the Zimbabwe Science Fair on March 12, 2026, for designing an automated mining vehicle prototype.
Joseph, a student at the Zvishavane-based school, earned top honors in the Robotics: Statics and Dynamics category at the annual competition hosted at Gateway High School. He felt that his project impressed the judges and stood out among the numerous entries from across the country.
Speaking to reporters, his teachers mentioned that this achievement has brought pride not only to his family but also to the entire Errymapple community, effectively putting the mining town on the national map.
“Joseph’s win has made our community proud and recognized us on a national level,” they said.
School leaders noted that Joseph’s success highlights the growing impact of Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Education Framework. They described it as a curriculum designed to promote innovation, practical learning, and problem-solving, encouraging learners to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.
“This framework is all about fostering innovation and practical skills in our students,” they emphasized.
Teachers at Errymapple stated that Joseph exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking graduate the framework aims to produce—someone capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
“Joseph represents the type of graduate our education framework strives to nurture,” they added.
For Joseph, the gold medal represents more than personal success; he views it as a symbol of the creativity and talent emerging from Zimbabwean classrooms, even at the primary school level. He believes that his automated underground mining vehicle prototype demonstrates how young minds are already developing solutions that could one day transform key industries, such as mining.
“This medal symbolizes the creativity of young Zimbabwean students tackling real-world problems,” he remarked.
The spirit of innovation will soon be on display again when YA FM hosts the Schools and Innovation Fair 2026 later this month. Organizers stated that the event, scheduled for March 27, 2026, at Gresham School in Zvishavane, will bring together schools, industry leaders, and community stakeholders to showcase student projects, technological innovations, and School Business Units.
“The Innovation Fair will highlight the exciting projects our students are developing,” they said.
Joseph is expected to be among the learners presenting their work, an opportunity his teachers believe will allow him to connect with industry partners who can help nurture the next generation of talent.
“This will be a great chance for Joseph to network with industry professionals,” they noted.
For the Errymapple Group of Schools family, Joseph Chekenya’s achievement is a lasting reminder that the innovators of tomorrow are emerging today, right here in Zvishavane classrooms.
