By Phiwa Sikhondze
In a landmark event aimed at recognizing academic excellence and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among students, the Manzini Consumer Science Association held its inaugural awards ceremony to recognize outstanding achievements in the consumer science subject area on Consumer Science Day.
The event themed “Ties it all Together,” and was a resounding success, drawing enthusiastic participation from various clusters within the Manzini region.
Given Langa of Gundvwini High School emerged the winner of a tightly contested bake-off where he was followed by other males in the frame of Likhwa Siyaya and Lungelo Mamba of Manzini Nazarene and Khuphuka High School respectively.
Other contests on the day included a spelling bee, a consumer science quiz, debates, and a dazzling fashion show where all the clusters within the Manzini region made the judges sweat to find the winners.
The event was attended by the REO of the Manzini Region, Sizwe Kunene, the senior inspector of the Consumer Science subject, Gcinaphi Mkhombe, reported on the event, highlighting the significance of the awards in motivating learners and encouraging more inclusive participation in consumer science.
“Learning in the classroom alone can only go so far,” she stated. “Our objective with these awards is to inspire students to go beyond the textbooks, to cultivate their skills, and to envision their future as innovators and entrepreneurs. We also aim to encourage more boys to take up consumer science subjects, breaking the gender stereotypes traditionally associated with this field.”
The awards ceremony were the culmination of months of rigorous preparation and competition among the participating schools. In the Spelling Bee category, students showcased their proficiency in vocabulary and comprehension, critical skills for success in any academic endeavor.
The Fashion Design category, on the other hand, highlighted creativity, technical skill, and practical application of consumer science principles. Both categories underscored the diverse talents nurtured within the consumer science curriculum.
Mkhombe commended all participants for their hard work and dedication, noting that the event was not just about winning but about celebrating the journey of learning and personal growth.
She emphasized the broader vision of the awards: to groom students into future entrepreneurs who can leverage their consumer science skills to establish their enterprises, thus contributing to the economic development of the region. She appreciated the Consumer Science Association led by Vukile Dlamini-Shongwe for the stellar job in pulling off a first-of-its-kind ceremony in such a magnificent fashion.
The event was generously supported by Macmillan Education Eswatini, the title sponsor, whose commitment to advancing education in Eswatini is well recognized.
“We are incredibly grateful to Macmillan Education Eswatini for their unwavering support,” Mkhombe said. “Their role as loyal partners in the education field has been instrumental in making this event a reality. Their contribution goes beyond sponsorship; it reflects a shared vision of empowering our youth through quality education and growth opportunities.”
The inaugural awards ceremony of the Manzini Consumer Science Association marks the beginning of a new tradition of excellence and encouragement in the field of consumer science. It stands as a testament to the potential of young learners and the power of collaborative efforts in shaping a brighter future. As the event concluded, there was a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation for the future, with many looking forward to even greater achievements in the years to come.