Gallery marks children’s day

has been observed annually on June 16 since 1991 to remember hundreds of young boys and girls who were gunned down while protesting in response to the introduction of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in local schools in Soweto, South Africa, in 1976.
Running under the theme “The Rights of Children with Disabilities — The Duty to Protect, Respect, Promote and Fulfil”, the event will run from 9am to 4pm and will be free for children while adults will pay US$1.
Tandazani Dhlakama, marketing and operations administrator of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, said the event — which is facilitated by the gallery’s Education Department — was aimed at promoting and showcasing Zimbabwe’s rich cultural diversity. 
“The Culture Box Workshop has the fundamental purpose of educating individuals about Zimbabwean traditions and cultural practices. The objects in the box are representative of different cultural groups from various districts around Zimbabwe. The workshops are also conducted as outreach programmes around Zimbabwe. Included in the exciting programme of activities is the Creative Spot, which will showcase the National Gallery’s artists-in-residence. The four artists — Farai Sithole, Terrence Musekiwa, Varaidzo Gwede and Franklyn Dzingayi — are currently under the mentorship of the Gallery this year,” Dhlakama said.
The four artists recently facilitated painting and drawing workshops at Heritage School in Harare as part of an event dubbed “Expressions 2012 Exhibition”.
Dhlakama said after the visual arts segment, a poetry session will take place in the Gallery’s gardens during lunch hour under the theme “The African Child”.
“Young artists and children from selected schools will present poems. Children can also enjoy face painting for US$1. Guided tours will be conducted for the three exhibitions, namely “Objects of Mediation”, “Unevenness” and “Art at Work Exhibitions,” Dhlakama said.
Last year, the National Gallery of Zimbabwe collaborated with the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists in commemorating the Day of the African Child. The exhibition, facilitated by ZUJ, showcased a collection of more than 60 photographs of Zimbabwean children which were shot by local photojournalists.