Nkulumane High School makes giant steps in valuing culture

Features Desk

PUPILS will sometimes not understand how important culture and tradition are until someone brings them closer to them and takes time to explain their value.

The old curriculum used to emphasise the importance of academics but our culture was not of paramount importance. With the introduction of the competency based curriculum that acknowledges culture, heritage and the value of Arts, schools are making significant strides to bring learners back to their culture.

Nkulumane High School, being an epitome of success and a giant in terms of valuing culture and tradition last Friday held a colourful culture festival for learners from surrounding schools.

Running under the theme, “Culture a tool to integrate communities”, the occasion was graced by renowned poet and Senzeni Na? hit maker Albert Nyathi and dancer-cum singer Sandra Ndebele.

Various traditional dance groups from different schools in the city as well as groups such as Iyasa, Slow Poison, Khaya Arts, Khami Prison inmates, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) brass band, Victory Siyanqoba and Ezimnyama Dance Ensemble performed at the festival.

Festival organiser, Mrs Chido Moyo said the school was excited to hold such a big event adding they invited local performers so that learners and communities can interact with their own people.

“We are so excited to be holding this event. It is indeed a success as you can see how much learners are enjoying. We invited Albert Nyathi, Sandra Ndebele and local groups so that our children understand our culture and where we are going. We are sure that our pupils now have a different perspective of our tradition,” she said.

Mrs Moyo said they wish to make the festival an annual event.

The school head Mrs Monica Ncube said the cultural festival was relevant in the modern context as most people, especially pupils, now know very little about African culture due to globalisation and technology.

“We are honoured as Nkulumane to host such a big event. We are doing it the practical way, instead of just teaching pupils in class we need to show them how everything is done. This helps to brush off the European centred culture that has been instilled in our children and we make them understand our African culture,” she said.

Mrs Ncube said the likes of Albert Nyathi were relevant to the event as they are recognised people who are known for embracing culture and tradition.

“He (Albert Nyathi) is one of us and he is well versed with our culture and tradition. He started poetry at a tender age and the way he does things is relevant to our children. Children should not learn things from the television or social media only but they should rub shoulders with those who have lived there and are still embracing our own identity,” she said.

Mrs Ncube said Sandra Ndebele was a ‘Bulawayo girl’ whom learners can easily relate with.

She said the school invited inmates from Khami prison so that learners can accept them as the African culture emphasises on integration of communities and reconciliation despite wrong doings.

“Our main aim is to motivate pupils to cherish their Zimbabwean identity, value their heritage, history and cultural traditions. We need to take learners to the old days when we used to gather around a fire and hear stories on our culture and tradition.”