Herald Reporter

Mother Touch Group of Schools returned home to a warm welcome at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Saturday after raising Zimbabwe’s flag at the prestigious 2026 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales, where the school’s learners secured an impressive fourth-place finish against some of the world’s finest young performers.

 

The delegation, comprising 19 learners and five members of staff, represented Zimbabwe at one of the world’s oldest and most respected international music and cultural festivals, held annually in the Welsh town of Llangollen.

 

The 2026 edition of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod ran from 7 to 12 July, bringing together thousands of performers from across the globe in celebration of music, dance and international friendship. Established in 1947 in the aftermath of the Second World War, the festival was founded to promote peace and understanding among nations through the universal language of music.

 

It has since grown into one of the world’s premier international cultural festivals, attracting more than 4 000 performers from around 50 countries and audiences exceeding 50 000 annually.

 

This year’s festival welcomed competitors from countries including Canada, the United States, Germany, Sweden, India, Indonesia, Italy, Rwanda, South Africa, Ukraine, Estonia, Belgium and the United Kingdom, among many others, reaffirming its status as a global platform for cultural exchange.

 

Mother Touch competed in the Children’s Folk Dance and Instrumental Ensemble categories, finishing fourth in one of the fiercely contested competitions.

 

Speaking upon arrival, Mother Touch Group of Schools Chief Executive Officer and proprietor Dr Salome Mutsinze described the experience as transformative for the learners.

 

“Representing Zimbabwe on such a prestigious international stage is always a privilege and an honour. Every time we participate, we carry not only the Mother Touch banner but also the hopes and cultural heritage of our nation. Finishing fourth in an international competition of this magnitude is an outstanding achievement and our learners have every reason to be proud.”

 

Dr Mutsinze said the school has now participated in the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod for 10 consecutive years, making it one of Zimbabwe’s consistent ambassadors at the global festival.

 

“The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is more than a music competition. It is a platform that moulds global citizens. Our learners interact with different cultures, build confidence, strengthen communication and collaboration skills and develop the leadership qualities needed in today’s interconnected world.”

 

She said the school’s vision of nurturing globally competitive, God-fearing citizens was reinforced through international exposure.

 

“Our vision is to nurture and transform our community into globally minded, Christ-like citizens. These international experiences expose our children to new ideas, new cultures and new ways of thinking while strengthening their appreciation of Zimbabwean identity.”

 

Beyond the musical competitions, the delegation undertook an extensive educational tour that included visits to the Science Museum in London, the iconic London Eye and technology company CleverTouch, where learners gained first-hand exposure to modern educational technologies.

 

“Learning does not end in the classroom. International travel broadens the mind. Our learners returned home with practical life skills, greater independence and a deeper understanding of the world. These experiences prepare them to become confident global leaders.”

 

Dr Mutsinze also encouraged other Zimbabwean schools, choirs, dance groups and instrumental ensembles to take advantage of the international platform.

 

“We would like to see more Zimbabwean institutions participating because this festival provides tremendous opportunities for personal growth, cultural exchange and national visibility.”

 

Deputy Head of Mother Touch Senior Selous Centre and Mathematics and Physics teacher Mr Brian Takunda Ruzvidzo said the festival had strengthened his appreciation of Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage while also providing valuable educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

 

“Watching our learners perform confidently before an international audience deepened my appreciation of Zimbabwean culture. It reminded us that our traditions are valuable and deserve to be preserved, celebrated and showcased on the global stage.”

 

He said the educational component of the tour would directly benefit classroom learning back home.

 

“We visited leading STEM learning centres where we observed advanced scientific learning environments, interactive digital pedagogy and innovative teaching methods. The exposure has provided fresh ideas that will help us strengthen STEM education and redesign aspects of our curriculum.”

 

Mr Ruzvidzo said the delegation also visited CleverTouch, a global manufacturer of interactive smart boards already used at Mother Touch schools.

 

“Our objective was to deepen our understanding of the full capabilities of these technologies so that we can maximise their use in delivering engaging, learner-centred lessons.”

 

Founded to promote reconciliation following the devastation of the Second World War, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has hosted internationally renowned performers over the decades, including the late Luciano Pavarotti, who first gained international recognition after competing there in 1955. Today, the festival remains one of the world’s foremost celebrations of cultural diplomacy through music and dance.

 

For Mother Touch Group of Schools, the latest achievement adds another chapter to a decade-long journey of proudly flying Zimbabwe’s flag on one of the world’s biggest cultural stages while inspiring young Zimbabweans to embrace global citizenship without losing sight of their national identity.