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Youth Interactive Writer
As we close Culture Month, Milton Park Nursery School has embraced the African tradition and heritage by incorporating practical heritage studies in its curricula for minors under the Catch Them Young drive.
The school, which boasts of a heritage house complete with traditional artefacts in celebration of the Zimbabwean culture and tradition, joined local institutions and the region in marking Africa Day at a fully subscribed event last Friday.
The heritage house is designed to preserve culture and promote intergenerational identity.
The themed event, which drew young and elderly participants from the Greater Harare district,was aimed at instilling African tradition, values in the young people.
Coming at a time when today’s generation is wasting away to acculturation, the school has been commended for setting the tone towards a generation that is alive to its history, tradition, culture and values.
Speaking to Youth Interactive, Milton Park Nursery School’s official Tichaona Marembo said they saw it fit to not only commemorate Africa Day, but also continue focusing on wholesome child development that takes the country’s tradition and culture into account.
“Our drive is to entrench the African values in our young people under the Catch Them Young drive complemented with Africa Day celebrations.”
“What we undertook was a good reminder of who we are as a people. The day holds a deeper significance for us as it represents a celebration of our identity, heritage and, struggles.
“Yes, we are all about wholesome child development through providing the best facilities and tutors, but more importantly, we want to preserve our heritage and culture, hence our culture-sensitive curriculum,” Marembo said.
His sentiments were echoed by the institution’s headmistress, Charlotte Maposa, who said Africa’s rich history and culture must be shared with the young so that they are fully informed about who they are and the important role they can play in preserving and advancing the continent’s history and aspirations.
“As an institution, we value excellence in our young people through giving them the right educational foundation but more importantly, we want them to continue to be proud of their African identity.
“That way, they can make a stand in the world without feeling inferior,
“We want to continuously remind our young people of who we are as a people so that they continue to uphold our identity and heritage …,” she said.
To buttress their tradition and culture-relevant curricula, the celebrations started with a prayer and the national anthem, with Mbare-based traditional dance group Catch Them Young Arts’ showcasing their artistry with some apt music, dances, and drum playing that resonated with the overall theme of the event
The Mbare arts outfit’s director, Josephine Kopakopa, commended Milton Park Nursery School for respecting heritage and the Friday initiative, highlighting that respect for one’s tradition and heritage is fundamental to growth.
“Identity defines who we are as a people and we are happy to partner with Milton Park Nursery School in instilling the right values in our young people. As Catch Them Young, we have continued working with various stakeholders using art as a vehicle to communicate our values.
“We have a rich tradition which we must be proud of and I salute this institution for their thoughtfulness. During a tour around the facilities, I even noted they have a heritage house which has all the traditional artefacts defining who we are as a people, and I salute them for this initiative,” she said.
Community members and parents applauded Milton Park Nursery School for upholding tradition and heritage and also establishing a heritage house at the institution.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter