community service
The Dominican Pillars are Community, Study, Spirituality and Service. Prayer, study, and community give us the confidence and direction necessary to give service to the world. St. Dominic recognised that we show God to others by how we are and how we act as persons. Community service is an integral part of the Dominican Convent’s educational system. Students are encouraged to volunteer their time to make their communities better places through community service, as this gives them valuable life experiences. These are some of the community service projects the school is involved in.
Blood Donations
At the beginning of every term, the National Blood Services of Zimbabwe come to the school to hold a blood drive. All school girls who are sixteen years or older and have sought the permission of their parents are welcome to donate blood on this day on a voluntary basis. We are very proud of the fact that one of the school’s squash coaches, Glyn Jermyn, is one of the country’s top blood donors.
CLUBS & SOCIETIES
The different clubs in the school also embark on fundraising initiatives in various forms, including Christmas performances at old age homes, donations, and visits to local beneficiaries of their choice.
CLASS FUNDRAISERS
Every year, each class is tasked to come up with a fundraising activity whose proceeds go towards a charity of the class’ choice. In the past, classes have chosen to donate food to charity organisations such as Streets Ahead through selling refreshments at school plays and concerts. At the school’s end-of-year Prize Giving Awards, the class which has the most impactful fundraising initiative is awarded the Elaine van Rensburg Memorial Trophy for the Class which has contributed most to Community Spirit.
ST. GEOGRGE’S & DOMINICAN CONVENT INTERACT CLUB
This is the junior arm of Rotary International and is only available to Sixth Form girls. The club meets with the St. George’s Interact Club members at least twice a month to discuss ways in which they can help the local community. They also pay visits to local beneficiaries. On a regular basis, both the Convent Girls and St George’s Boys volunteer at Harare Children’s Home and Emerald Hill School for the Deaf. The club also collaborates with the Anglican sisters in a soup kitchen, uplifting those in need of food and fellowship. Various fundraising activities are conducted, to which proceeds are given to different charities, such as the Mutemwa Leprosy Centre and the Mother of Peace Children’s Home.
DZIVARASEKWA SERVICE
This is an arm of the Interact Club, with its own Leader and organising committee. The students visit two families in Dzivarasekwa once a month, and donate food, clothing, toiletries, money for school and examination fees. The club members also host parties and give life guidance to the young members of the families.
