Antony Chawagarira
DRIEFONTEIN –Roman Catholic Church owned Muvonde School of Nursing celebrated a major milestone on Friday as 187 nurses graduated during a colourful ceremony at Driefontein Mission in Chirumhanzu District, marking another significant contribution to Zimbabwe’s healthcare workforce.
The graduating class comprised 137 Registered General Nurses (RGNs) and 50 Primary Care Nurses (PCNs), who are expected to join health institutions across the country and help improve healthcare delivery.
The ceremony began with Mass by Bishop Rudolf Nyandoro of the Catholic Diocese of Gweru, who urged the graduates to embrace nursing as a calling dedicated to serving humanity rather than merely a profession.
Addressing the graduates, Bishop Nyandoro emphasised the importance of preserving the dignity and sanctity of human life, reminding the newly qualified nurses that they would be entrusted with caring for some of society’s most vulnerable people.
He also spoke on the increasing migration of healthcare professionals to other countries, encouraging the graduates to remain committed to serving Zimbabwe and contributing to the development of the national health sector.”Our nation continues to need dedicated healthcare workers who are willing to serve their communities. As you pursue your careers, remember the people and communities that nurtured you,” he said.
The Bishop further encouraged nurses to remain professional and compassionate even during difficult working conditions, urging them to seek constructive ways of addressing workplace challenges while ensuring that patients’ lives are never put at risk.
The graduation attracted church leaders, Government officials, healthcare practitioners, traditional leaders, families and community members, highlighting the strong collaboration between the Church, Government and local communities in advancing healthcare education.
Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, through Director of Nursing Services Nyaradzai Chiwara, commended Muvonde School of Nursing for its commitment to producing competent and professional healthcare workers. “The Government appreciates the important role being played by Muvonde School of Nursing in training nurses who continue to serve both Zimbabwe and the international community. Such institutions remain critical in strengthening our healthcare system,” he said.
He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to supporting nursing schools and other health training institutions as part of efforts to improve the quality of healthcare services nationwide.
Established in 1983, Muvonde School of Nursing has grown into one of Zimbabwe’s respected nursing training institutions. Initially offering training for State Certified Nurses, the school upgraded in 1994 to begin training Registered General Nurses.
The institution held its first graduation ceremony in 1989, with this year’s event marking its seventh graduation ceremony.
Over the years, the school has produced hundreds of healthcare professionals. To date, it has trained 474 Registered General Nurses, contributing significantly to the country’s healthcare workforce.
