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Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
AN environmental class was in session in Bulawayo on Wednesday when Eveline High School students converged at the school’s Allan Welsh hall to learn a lesson in environmental protection through art.
Students took to the stage to hammer one thought into everyone’s mind, that of having one planet which needs saving from negligent human behaviour.
The event dubbed, “Environmental Protection Talent Show” was attended by hordes of students from the school and a few members of the public.
The programme made possible by the Centre for Talent Development (CTD) and overseen by American Le Kedra Robertson and training lead, Jobert Ngwenya who also happens to be a grantee and beneficiary of the Fullbright Teacher Exchange Programme outlined the importance of using art as a tool for socio-economic reforms.
The CTD drama club acted out a piece on deforestation fuelled by greed and its adverse effects on Earth.
A poetry piece titled, “We are the Earth and the Earth is us” as well as one from the school’s environmental club married art with social activism.
The CTD dance club used choreography to address the issue of wanton littering and how it negatively affects both humans and animals.
Local artistes, Reilo Viekk and Simz Masuku performed at the event as well, pushing the idea of sustainable usage of waste to not only protect the environment but to place people in a better economic condition.
Speaking to Chronicle Showbiz on the sidelines of the event, the programme’s technical manager Thabani Moyo said there is a need for behavioural change and schools are perfect starting places.
“Many times, people don’t understand the effects of things that seem little just like throwing litter on the ground. We need to change our ways if we are to be champions of our own destiny.
“It’s not too late and taking this initiative to schools is a deliberate move to challenge young people to change their ways. As influential people, we believe they will spread the word. Through art, it becomes easier because people appreciate art in its different forms hence the formation of our Youth Artpreneurship Project,” Moyo said.
The talent show was funded by the Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund (CDAF). – @MbuleloMpofu
Online Reporter