Times Of Swaziland: WILLIAM PITCHER COLLEGE CLASS OF 2023 GRADUATES

WILLIAM PITCHER COLLEGE CLASS OF 2023 GRADUATES
================================================================================
Ntombi Mhlongo on 02/11/2024 10:32:00


MANZINI - Poverty at William Pitcher College is a reality, as some are provided
with tea by lecturers, and others use negative coping strategies to survive.
This is according to William Pitcher College Principal Dr Ntombifuthi Mhlongo.
She said this during yesterday’s graduation ceremony for 143 graduates, which
was held at Devine Healing Ministries International Auditorium.
The principal said the college does not currently have student support services,
especially catering services, after the halt of the tendering process due to
insufficient funds. She said some of their students do not get the necessary
support from their families; hence, they use negative coping strategies to
address their basic needs like food, shelter and clothing.
“These negative coping strategies lead to psychosocial issues,” the
principal said. Therefore, she said she was happy that the graduation ceremony
came at a time when the Ministry of Public Service was conducting a management
audit. She said that as an institution, they hope their students will have at
least the Dean of Student Affairs to take care of their individual needs.
Thereafter, she appreciated her colleagues who provided students with tea from
their pockets. However, she said more sustainable options need to be explored.
Therefore, she appealed to government to take a clear position on this matter so
that all the investments already made in students are not wasted.
Financially
In the meantime, she encouraged parents, guardians, and families to financially
support students during their college training. Again, the principal applauded
the Ministry of Education and Training for providing most of its teaching and
learning requirements, supporting the college’s research activities and staff
development and providing continued support to ensure that the institution
fulfils its mandate of producing competent secondary school teachers.
However, she said the absence of a controlling body in the college’s
governance is a setback. With the current procurement procedures (highly
hierarchical and bureaucratic), the little funds the college receives as tuition
and boarding fees cannot be used to develop it.
She also said resource mobilisation is almost impossible with the current
banking structures, which are characterised by limited access to and control
over financial resources by the principal. “Minister, schools are even better
because they have these bodies like school committees, which concentrate on the
development of schools.“Therefore, she said a governing body will enable
efficiency and allow the proper functioning of the college. “We hope with the
‘nkwe’ mandate, delegation of procurement and management of college funds
within the college will be achieved shortly,” Dr Mhlongo added.
Demanding
Meanwhile, the principal told the graduates that they had chosen a noble
profession that carries tremendous responsibility and purpose. She said they are
stepping out as educators, role models, mentors and leaders in their
communities. She said they will be the guides who ignite curiosity, encourage
resilience and inspire the next generation to believe in themselves and a
brighter world.
She said she is alive and that the journey has not always been easy, with the
late nights, early mornings, demanding coursework and intensive practicums all
challenging them to grow, adapt and become stronger. Therefore, she asked the
graduates to remember that education is about imparting knowledge and nurturing
hearts and minds.
“It is also about understanding the diversity of experiences each child brings
into the classroom and finding ways to support, uplift and empower them. You
will face challenges, and there will be days that test your resolve, but in
those moments, remember that you have been trained not just in pedagogy, but in
empathy, patience and resilience,” Dr Mhlongo said. She said as they move
forward, they should keep learning, keep questioning and keep growing. The world
of education is constantly evolving, and so too should they.
Special
She further urged them to embrace innovation, stay curious and never lose sight
of the passion that brought them to this career. After that, she paid special
recognition to three of their former student leaders, who graduated yesterday:
Sibonele Lukhele (former SRC President), Anele Dlamini (former sports and
entertainment), and Phetsile Dlamini (former Chief Electoral Officer). She
thanked them for their contributions to the college and for shaping the
educational experiences of the entire student body.
On a special note, she extended profound appreciation to MA Consulting
Engineers, who have continued to graciously sponsor three prizes for best
Mathematics, Science and Information Communications and Technology (ICT)
students. She said their interest and kind gesture to the college in sponsoring
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects is an
investment towards developing human capital in the country.