Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
PREPARATIONS for this year’s Mwaka International Schools Arts Festival, slated for Chancellor Junior School Culture Centre in Mutare on September 27 are at an advanced stage, with various schools from across the country expected to participate.
The festival will be held under the theme: “United Beats: Bridging the Gap, Celebrating Diversity”.
The event is the brainchild of Chenhaka Trust, in partnership with National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH), National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH), and Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust.
In a statement, the organisers said preparations are on course, and they are excited to host the festival which will for the first time, incorporate primary and secondary schools.
“We are proud to announce the inaugural Mwaka International Schools Arts Festival, scheduled for September 27. We are looking forward to an exciting programme. This festival aims to bridge the gap between arts activities in primary and secondary schools, promoting arts education and supporting the heritage-based curriculum. For the first time ever, primary and secondary schools will unite on one stage, showcasing their artistic talents and celebrating diversity.
“The festival’s set piece dance, Mhande, will be performed by both primary and secondary schools, symbolising unity and cultural heritage. Performers are encouraged to incorporate traditional instruments like drums, marimbas, and mbiras, blending traditional and modern elements for a captivating experience. We are thrilled to host this pioneering festival, which will, not only promote arts education, but also celebrate our cultural diversity,” said Taurai Moyo, the festival director.
He said they invited all stakeholders to join them in this exciting initiative.
Moyo said bringing together primary and secondary schools is meant to bridge the gap of activities between the two.
“We are looking forward to an exciting inaugural Mwaka International Schools Arts Festival. The new development (of incorporating primary and secondary schools) is to bridge the gap between arts activities in primary and secondary schools. Above all, we aim to encourage collaboration and partnership between primary and secondary school headmasters for them to join hands to promote arts education and activities in schools,” he said.
Mwaka, is a product of Chenhaka Trust, and it started last year as a platform for dialogue for learners in schools.
The first edition was held last year, and it had a component of community theatre and dance.
The festival prioritised climate-change related issues.
The event saw four community groups performing which are Arda Transau, Penhalonga, Bocha Community Theatre Group and Yambiro Theatre.
