adminLoveness Mpofu, Sunday News Reporter
THE United College of Education (UCE) in Bulawayo has vowed to promote learning of indigenous languages as a way of promoting and preserving culture.
UCE vice-principal Mrs Rosina Mavunga said this on Friday during the commemoration of Culture Day at the institution, which also coincided with the college’s 50th anniversary.
“Today is a special day for us because we are celebrating Culture Day, as well as our golden jubilee. Our college is a nexus of different cultures and today we are showcasing diverse cultures, as we try to remind ourselves of the importance of preserving our culture,” she said.
Mrs Mavunga said the event also served as a reminder on the importance and roles of society’s rich cultural heritage and values which some people have relegated to the background, as well as integrate culture in sustainable development.
“Cultural diversity is a driving force of development, not only with respect to economic growth, but also as a means of leading a more fulfilling intellectual, moral and spiritual life. It is in line with this, that we need to work together for the safety of our culture.”
Mrs Mavunga said the institution was also heeding the Government’s call to promote indigenous languages by having every student learn three local languages.
“We want to make it a point that we train our students indigenous languages. Students have the liberty to choose three languages from the five which are being taught at the institution. These include Tonga, Nambia, IsiNdebele, Shona and Kalanga.
“The reason why we are promoting these languages is because we want to make sure that our students do not abandon their culture. Today students are competing in our college song, and partaking in traditional music and dance because culture is not only depicted in language, but also in music and dance,” she said.-@lvydvy1
derick.khumalo