adminEntertainment Correspondent
THE just-ended second edition of the Manicaland Secondary School folk dance and music festival strongly sensitised pupils and teachers on the importance of cultural education practice at secondary school level.
The principal director for Arts and Culture in the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture, Paul Damasane, said this while officially opening the fun-filled festival which saw more than 20 schools from all districts in Manicaland Province participating.
It was held at Sakubva High 1 School under the theme: “Our culture, our identity”.
Damasane said there was need to uphold Zimbabwe’s intangible cultural heritage practices such as this initiative, fine arts and crafts production, cultural industries and literature and languages.
“Culture is the whole complex of distinctive spiritual and material, intellectual and even emotional features that characterised a society or social group. It includes not only arts and letters but also modes of life, the fundamental reflects of human being, value systems and traditions and beliefs.
“In its diversity, culture recognises that people have a distinct way of life but co-exist in mutual respect.
“Culture is a source of exchange, innovations and creativity.
“Hence cultural diversity is necessary for humankind. The prime purpose of the festival is to promote, market and develop talent among the students in secondary schools and preserve and invigorate our traditions and cultures to the future generation.
“Zimbabwe is a sovereign nation with unique distinctive cultures, norms and values that uphold us and need to be grasped by every civilised, patriotic citizen.
“Hence it is from this standpoint that we need to uphold our intangible cultural heritage practices such as this initiative, fine arts and crafts production, cultural industries and literature and languages,” he said.
The festival was administered by Bembera Arts in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Heads in Manicaland and is supported and funded by Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust.
Makumbe High School from Buhera came out tops in the marimba category and walked away with $135 cash, a trophy and a certificate. Gaza High School won $200, a trophy and a certificate after they were outstanding in the traditional dance category, while Crossdale High School emerged winners in the mbira category.
The director of the festival, Taurai Moyo, described the festival as successful and paid tribute to National Arts Council, Culture Fund and Sakubva High 1 School, among other stakeholders, for making the event a success.
Online Reporter