Online Reporter
Takudzwa Mangrozah
Herald Reporter
YOUNG people embraced their African identity through Africa Day celebrations, where they were urged to preserve their cultural heritage and promote unity through diversity under the theme “Celebrating our African identity; embracing diversity inspiring unity.”
Speaking at the commemorations, hosted by Advent Hope Group of Schools, Dr Tendai Takawira said Africa Day celebrations should inspire Africans to take pride in their roots and understand their history, warning that abandoning African identity would weaken future generations.
“We should have pride in being African, and should celebrate Africa Day with no shame. A nation, a people, a family or even a school that ignores its history does so at its own peril. It is catastrophic to try to ignore your history,” he said.
Dr Takawira said Africa Day was not merely ceremonial, but a reminder for Africans to embrace their cultures, languages and indigenous knowledge systems while promoting unity despite differences.
“Celebrating our African identity means understanding who we are as Africans and appreciating the richness of our cultures and heritage,” he said.
“We must embrace diversity and inspire unity. It must be unity in diversity and not unity in uniformity.”
School director, Pastor Last Huse, expressed concern over growing cultural alienation among young people, saying many were abandoning their African identity in pursuit of foreign ideals.
“We need to appreciate multiculturalism, appreciate our different races and take pride in who we are as Africans,” he said.
Pastor Huse said the school was deliberately using Africa Day commemorations to instil pride, confidence and cultural awareness among learners.
“At Advent Hope Group of Schools, we are celebrating Africa Day to embed in learners the idea that we are special the way we are,” he said.
“We need to rise, stand proud and defend ourselves as Africans,” added Pastor Huse.
The celebrations featured cultural performances, traditional attire displays and educational discussions centred on African heritage, identity and unity.
One of the key takeaways from Dr Takawira’s speech was the call for Africans, especially young people, to reclaim pride in their identity, protect their cultural heritage and use unity and self-awareness as tools to shape Africa’s future.
