Online Reporter
Muchaneta Chimuka
Southridge Junior School in Domboshava emerged the overall winner of the Schanmark Village Annual Choral Cup Competition on Friday, beating 10 other schools in a tight contest that celebrated talent while raising awareness about drug and substance abuse.
A total of 11 schools took part in the competition, held at Mashayamombe Village under Chief Chinamhora in Domboshava, Mashonaland East.
Open Skies Junior came second while The Reminant Junior took third and each school received a prize of goods worth over US$3 000.
Held under the theme: “Fighting Drug Abuse”, the event brought together talented choral groups to promote anti-drug awareness through music and performance.
The competition was sponsored by local businessman, Mr Collen Makondo and his wife, Ms Elizabeth Svosva, who provided the venue and ensured that every participating school received prizes.
“We started this competition last year with the thrust of developing young talents in singing and to cultivate good behaviours,” said Mr Makondo.
“We launched the Junior schools singing competitions last year and Southridge Junior scooped the top prize again. We are working with local chiefs, school heads and community members, raising prizes for the schools and it is quite interesting that the event is gaining momentum, and we will be hosting it annually.
“We thank our sponsors for giving our students sustainable prizes – like of Drip Tech, who donated equipment for borehole construction, such as Drip tanks, pipes and pumps. The schools need safe and reliable water; therefore, this is a solid answer to our prayers. Creative Technologies donated modern writing boards and stationery, among others.”
He said students in rural schools are often marginalised and such activities help bridge the gap.
“We want to promote the talents of children in rural schools because they are often left behind due to lack of resources,” he said.
“At the same time, we are educating them about the dangers of drug abuse, which is why we have a theme that is consistent with this thrust, and some of the entries in this competition are related to combating drug abuse.
“Many young people are losing their future due to drug abuse. Some are now mentally ill, some have been suspended from school, while others have dropped out of school and it’s quite a painful experience. Our goal is to build a bright Zimbabwe through fighting drug and substance abuse.”
Mr Makondo is also supporting schools in his locality by providing them with experts who train school prefects and has constructed a culture centre that is being used by students in their Heritage-Based Curriculum studies and a swimming pool for the schools’ swimming competitions.
The project was supported by local chiefs such as Chief Gwindi, Chief Chinamhora, among others.
Speaking during the event, Chief Chinamhora said that he was very happy with the support being given to the youths in his area, especially in matters of cultural and social preservation.
“We have witnessed school children dressed in line with our traditions and singing catchy songs,” he said.
“It is very important to instil good cultures in these young ones such that by the time they grow up they become better citizens who fight for development. I have put up a signpost on the road that says: “Not In My Village – Say No to Drug and Substance Abuse”.
“This shows that we are moving in line with the Government’s strategy to combat drug abuse. As Chiefs, we are also saddened by rampant cases of child sexual assault. So many young girls as little as 13 years of age are bearing children as a result of rape; let’s join hands and fight the surge.”
Chief Chinamhora said the perpetrators should be punished severely. He highlighted the importance of environmental cleanliness, saying President Emmerson Mnangagwa launched the clean up campaign to promote community hygiene on the first Friday of every month, and urged members of the public to ensure that their communities are cleaned every day as a way to combat diseases.
Some of the schools that competed include Santa Heights Junior, Chiedza Junior, Zimbiru Junior, Makumbe, Parirewa, Chogugudza, Happy Friends and Munyawiri.
