Special Correspondent
TWO Form Two learners at Queen Elizabeth School in Harare, Victoria Makanjera and Kundai Dheka, have continued to distinguish themselves in poetry and modelling.
They are demonstrating the potential of young Zimbabwean talent at various educational and cultural platforms.
The duo recently represented Harare Metropolitan Province at the National Annual Sport, Science and Arts Festival (NASSAF), where they delivered excellent performances.
The festival showcased the creativity and artistic abilities of Zimbabwean learners.
NASSAF is a national educational festival that brings together learners from across the country to showcase their talents in sport, science and the arts. Aligned with Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Curriculum, the festival promotes creativity, innovation, cultural preservation, collaboration and the development of practical skills.
It also provides learners with opportunities to interact, exchange ideas and celebrate the country’s diverse cultural heritage.
Victoria and Kundai are members of the Queen Elizabeth Modelling and Poetry Clubs, which have established themselves through active participation in various competitions and cultural events.
The two learners achieved first place at the Schools’ Annual Sport, Science and Arts Festival (SASSAF), Cluster Annual Sport, Science and Arts Festival (CASSAF) and District Annual Sport, Science and Arts Festival (DASSAF).
These competitive achievements earned them opportunities to progress through the different levels of the festivals.
Their participation at NASSAF was a further opportunity to represent Harare Metropolitan Province and showcase their artistic abilities alongside other talented learners.
Their excellent performances reflected their dedication, commitment and enthusiasm for the arts.
The achievements of the two learners form part of the broader success of the Queen Elizabeth Modelling and Poetry Clubs, under the guidance of their patron, Theodora Chirapa.
In July, the Queen Elizabeth Modelling Club won the Best Fashion Secondary School in Zimbabwe Award at the Let Them Trust Festival.
Both clubs also received accolades during the PICA Day of the African Child celebrations last term, further highlighting their contribution to cultural and artistic activities
Victoria and Kundai believe that poetry and modelling are gifts that can be harnessed to contribute to Zimbabwe’s development.
Poetry provides a platform for preserving indigenous languages, promoting moral values, communicating social messages and documenting cultural traditions.
It also develops literacy, critical thinking, public speaking and self-expression.
Modelling, meanwhile, can promote Zimbabwean fashion, traditional attire, indigenous fabrics and cultural identity.
It also creates opportunities for entrepreneurship and careers in the creative industries, contributing to economic growth and employment.
These activities complement the Heritage-Based Curriculum by nurturing learners who are innovative, culturally aware and equipped with practical skills.
Through their participation, Victoria and Kundai demonstrate how education and artistic expression can work together to preserve heritage and inspire national development.
Their journey highlights the importance of nurturing young talent and providing learners with platforms to develop their abilities, celebrate their achievements and contribute meaningfully to society.
This article was written by a Form 2 student at Queen Elizabeth High School in Harare
