By Staff Reporter
VICE President , Constantino Chiwenga has hailed the Jesuits community for sustaining the legacy of producing critical and well nurtured students who continue to exert considerable influence in various sectors of the economy.
Jesuit missionaries arrived in Zimbabwe (then Southern Rhodesia) with the Pioneer Column in 1890.They received land from Cecil John Rhodes, which they used to establish missions like Chishawasha.
Since then , the revered grouping has played a role in education, healthcare, and social development, particularly for marginalized communities.
Silveira House, in particular, has been a center for social justice and development initiatives.
The Jesuits community played a critical role in advancing pro-locals human rights issues during the pre-colonial and post colonial era. At one time, more than half of the Cabinet Ministers and a substantial number of legislators across the country were direct beneficiaries of the Jesuit supported education system.
Officially opening the 2025 academic year at Arrupe Jesuit University in Harare, Chiwenga applauded the Jesuits community for their pivotal role.
“You are all aware that Arrupe Jesuit University was established as a private university on June 1, 2020,” said VP Chiwenga.
“I wish to commend the Jesuit Society and the Roman Catholic Church in Zimbabwe for their invaluable role in advancing high-quality tertiary education in our country.
“Your commitment to nurturing critical thinkers and well-rounded citizens, equipped not only with academic knowledge, but also grounded in strong moral values, is highly commendable. Through partnerships such as these, the Government’s vision for a transformed education sector is amplified and realised in meaningful ways.”
He applauded the institution’s contribution to national development through producing graduates who are socially responsible and ethically sound.
VP Chiwenga urged the students to embrace the values of Jesuit tradition, which are centred on justice, knowledge and service.
“Remember that your time here is not solely for acquiring academic credentials, but also for shaping yourselves into individuals who will meaningfully contribute to society and the broader development of our nation,” he said.
Dr Chiwenga also underscored the university’s alignment with the Government’s Education 5.0 philosophy, which integrates technology, innovation and entrepreneurship into learning.
He called on students to be proactive in driving industrialisation and economic growth.
“This paradigm shift seeks to revolutionise our education system, enabling our youth to become active drivers of industrialisation, modernisation and economic growth.
“I therefore call upon all students to embrace this vision wholeheartedly. Strive for excellence, pursue innovation and remain steadfast in your commitment to personal and national development. You are the future leaders of Zimbabwe, and it is through your dedication that our country will achieve sustainable progress and prosperity,” he said.
