Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has applauded the Jesuit Society and the Roman Catholic Church in Zimbabwe for their enduring contribution to the development of the nation’s higher education sector, stressing that their work complements the Government’s vision of building an innovative, values-driven tertiary system.
Dr Chiwenga made the remarks yesterday when he officially opened the 2025 academic year at Arrupe Jesuit University (AJU) in Harare. Established as a private university in June 2020, AJU has quickly grown into a centre of intellectual and ethical formation, producing graduates that combine academic excellence with moral integrity.
In his address, the Vice President noted that the Jesuit philosophy—anchored on the holistic development of mind, body and spirit—remains a critical ingredient in shaping students who not only excel in classrooms but also contribute responsibly to society. He said such values resonate with Zimbabwe’s broader educational reform agenda, particularly the Government’s Education 5.0 framework.
“Arrupe Jesuit University is not just about imparting knowledge,” Dr Chiwenga told the gathering, which included clergy, academics, students, and Government officials. “It is about moulding individuals who are intellectually sharp, socially conscious, and morally upright. The Jesuit Society and the Catholic Church deserve our gratitude for championing this mission and ensuring that the education system continues to reflect values of justice, compassion and service.”
He emphasised that partnerships between faith-based institutions and Government strengthen the delivery of tertiary education, expand access to quality learning, and nurture graduates capable of tackling Zimbabwe’s socio-economic challenges. “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 collaborations such as these, the Government’s vision for a transformed education sector is amplified and realised in meaningful ways,” he said.
The Vice President also underlined the importance of embedding ethics in education, saying the country requires a new generation of leaders who will place integrity at the centre of their professional and civic lives. “The graduates produced here must be known not only for their competence but also for their character. They must be individuals who place service to humanity and to the nation above self-interest,” he added.
Turning to students, Dr Chiwenga urged them to embrace the Jesuit tradition of pursuing justice, knowledge and service, reminding them that higher education should be viewed as a transformative journey rather than merely a route to credentials. “Remember that your time here is not solely for acquiring academic certificates, but also for shaping yourselves into individuals who will meaningfully contribute to society and the broader development of our nation,” he said.
Chiwenga Commends Jesuit Society for Strengthening Zimbabwe’s Higher Education
He linked the institution’s mission to the Education 5.0 model, which seeks to move Zimbabwe’s universities beyond teaching and research into innovation, industrialisation and community engagement. The approach, he explained, requires universities to produce graduates who can drive entrepreneurship, industrial growth and technological advancement.
“This paradigm shift seeks to revolutionise our education system, enabling our youth to become active drivers of industrialisation, modernisation and economic growth,” Dr Chiwenga said. “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 further encouraged students to take advantage of the learning environment at AJU, where intellectual inquiry is combined with spiritual and ethical guidance. He described the university as a model of how tertiary institutions can integrate global best practices with local aspirations.
The Vice President’s remarks also highlighted the role of the Catholic Church in Zimbabwe’s education sector more broadly. For decades, the Church has operated mission schools and colleges across the country, often producing some of the nation’s top-performing students. Dr Chiwenga said that this legacy continues through institutions such as Arrupe Jesuit University, which he described as “beacons of hope in shaping a knowledgeable, ethical and innovative citizenry.”
He concluded by reiterating the Government’s commitment to supporting partnerships that enhance education and national development. “We recognise the work being done by the Jesuit Society and the Roman Catholic Church, and we pledge to continue fostering an environment where such institutions can thrive and complement national efforts in human capital development,” he said.
The official opening of the 2025 academic year at Arrupe Jesuit University was attended by senior Government officials, education stakeholders, members of the clergy, the diplomatic community, as well as students and their families. The ceremony reaffirmed the central role of higher education in shaping Zimbabwe’s future, with the Jesuits and the Catholic Church positioned as key allies in building a society where knowledge is matched with values, and learning is inseparable from service.
Source- Heraldonline
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