adminPlan is supporting the High Schools Drama competition for the second time and its objective is to create space for children to tell their own stories through drama and theatre performances.
Intwasa Arts Festival, which is an annual event, will be held sometime in September in Bulawayo.
The competition is open to all secondary and high schools in urban and rural communities.
Participating schools are expected to come up with performances that support Plan’s global campaign called “Because I Am A Girl (BIAAG)”.
Plan Zimbabwe’s Bulawayo programme unit manager, Tsungai Mahumucha, said the competition presents an opportunity for children to unleash their acting talents while sending advocacy messages which improve the lives all children, in particular girls.
“The competition challenges secondary schoolchildren to reflect on their societies, identify challenges and opportunities for children, especially girls. They are expected to package the ideas in a spell-binding manner for the different audiences to appreciate the talents inherent in children but also sending messages of hope, celebrations with some that needs actions,” said Miss Mahumucha.
Gertrude Ndlovu, Plan Bulawayo’s child rights co-ordinator, said the main theme for the high school competition was to allow students to conceptualise ideas that will act as voices of the girl child who may not have an opportunity to be heard.
The BIAAG’s sub-theme for the competition is “Girls’ rights and opportunities for education”.
“The presentations are expected to explore challenges and opportunities for the girl child both at home and at school, rural or urban, as she pursues her educational needs and dreams.
“The idea is to challenge young people to tell their own stories, through their own eyes and to be part of the global discourse on gender equity,” said Gertrude.
Participating schools are expected to create 20-minute plays focusing on the theme. Preliminary rounds will be held between July and August 2012 with the finalist from each pool performing in Bulawayo during the Intwasa Arts Festival which is running under the theme “Blooming”.
“The competition offers space for children to bloom as we expect some to take up acting as a profession,” said Ms Ndlovu.
There will be many prizes to give away under the following categories: Most outstanding play as well as individual prizes for best actor, actress, best supporting act, best cameo role and director.
Every year the competition focuses on a particular child-related theme. Participating schools will be expected to balance drama skills and the theme in their presentations.
Online Reporter