Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts & Entertainment Hub
As part of World Theatre Day celebrations, a vibrant leadership development workshop was recently held at the Resource Centre in Hwange, targeting young men and women passionate about community transformation.
The workshop, facilitated by Innocent Mwapangira, a lecturer in the Department of Languages, Media and Communication Studies at Lupane State University (LSU), was hosted this past weekend in partnership with Shangano Arts Trust.
It employed applied theatre techniques to build leadership capacity, boost confidence, and encourage civic engagement among participants.
This initiative forms part of LSU’s ongoing community outreach programme, with a special focus on empowering girls and young women in Matabeleland North. The collaboration with Shangano Arts Trust has been pivotal in creating platforms for skills development and youth leadership.
Mwapangira highlighted the workshop’s core themes and goals.
“The sessions focused on introducing fundamental leadership principles, enhancing public speaking and teamwork skills, and empowering young women to take on leadership roles in their communities,” he said.
“Interactive theatre techniques such as role-playing, improvisation, and group performances were used to explore real-life leadership scenarios. These were complemented by confidence-building exercises and action planning sessions, where participants designed personal or group initiatives using theatre as a tool for community engagement.
Expected outcomes of the workshop include improved self-awareness, practical tools for community-based problem solving, and the establishment of a growing network of young leaders dedicated to positive change.
Lupane State University Vice Chancellor, Professor Pardon Kuipa, expressed strong support for such partnerships, reinforcing the university’s vision and mantra: “Empowering Communities Through Knowledge.”
Shangano Arts Trust director Petros Ndhlovu also applauded the collaboration.
“The partnership with Lupane State University has been a resounding success. We’re proud to have contributed to building the capacity of young leaders, both women and men, in the creative sector,” said Ndhlovu.
“This initiative not only enhanced leadership competencies but also strengthened social cohesion and community engagement. Investing in young people is key to the sustainable development of our communities, and we’re committed to continuing this work with LSU and other partners.”
He added, “We are grateful for the opportunity and look forward to many more collaborative programmes aimed at empowering youth and fostering social change.” – Follow updates on X: @mthabisi_mthire
