WILLIAM PITCHER COLLEGE CLASS OF 2023 GRADUATES

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.

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