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Latwell Nyangu Youth Interactive Correspondent
It seems Zimbabwean students are making great strides beyond the borders.
The pupils from different schools are showcasing their capabilities and skills in different disciplines in different countries.
A few days ago, the Harare City Junior Council travelled to Busan in Korea for an International Youth Fellowship while two primary schools, Mother Patrick Convent, and Amai Mugabe Junior Schools were in Mozambique for the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) debate competitions. While four rural school girls in the US Adventure and five other students are in Kazakhstan for the World School Team Chess Championships.
However, it is hard to ignore the recent event where four primary schools from Zimbabwe managed to represent the country at the just-ended Education Africa International Marimba and Steelpan Festival 2023 which was held in South Africa.
The festival which ran from July 29 to 30 saw Runyararo, Royal Bright, The Grange Christian School, and St Martins Primary schools showing their expertise at the cultural exchange programme. The event was attended by over 3 000 schoolsand it is a highly anticipated event that promotes music education and cultural exchange among young musicians from across Africa.
The stiff competition had schools from France, Nigeria, South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, and Botswana among others. It is held annually and the festival brings together pupils and teachers to showcase their musical talents, participate in workshops, and collaborate in performances.
Each school performed well in their categories. Some of the categories included, in the mix, battle of bands, the classical, and Proudly South African.Sports director and tour organizer, Tapiwa Ndewere for Runyararo Primary School which came first in the battle of bands, said, despite the competition being stiff they managed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
“It was for the first time and there were many categories. We were put into four categories in which the first category was in the mix, the second one was the battle of bands, the classical, and the fourth one were called Proudly South African.
“In the battle of the bands, we managed to top the group and won the trophy after coming number one. It was a tough group since both primary and secondary participants performed.
“In the mix, we had to mix some instruments, we played mbira and marimba in which we came second,” he said.
“It was a good experience for our children and the learners. We will be going back to SA around December if everything goes according to plan.
“Next year, we have another concert and we hope to make use of these opportunities to market our country as well as these young people.
“As Runyararo Primary schools we are grateful for these activities which are helping enhance talents from the grassroots.”
Pupils from Cheziya in Gokwe with their teacher
Runyararo school headmaster, Mr. Salisio Manyatwa, hailed the initiative.
“Our marimba band participated well and scooped gold in the battle of bands category. The band performed well and we thank our parents and stakeholders who made it possible.
“The doors have been opened for our school and we look forward to helping these pupils enhance their skills through these events.”
Royal Bright principal Mr Alford Chibwe, hailed the cultural exchange programme and said it was a great opportunity for his students to interact with those from other countries.
Twelve pupils from Royal Bright Junior School came third in their categories and won a flexible keyboard and a trophy. “We were invited to participate in this competition and it was our first time to participate on the international platform and this means a lot to our pupils and school,” he told our sister paper H-Metro.
Royal Bright participated in four categories, the mix, Proudly South African, classical, and battle of the bands.
“We came first in the classical category but overall third and our pupils were a bit confused since the marimbas they played there were a bit different from those they are used to playing here but they performed well.
“It was a great experience and achievement and we would like to applaud the team for that.
“Some people were interested in our performance and promised to invite us to perform in the United Kingdom.
“We are happy that we managed to raise the Zimbabwean flag high and show the rest of the world that we are proud of our culture,” he said.
Grange and St Martins also did well in their categories.
All the schools from Zimbabwe performed well despite the competition being stiff.
This festival provides a unique platform for young musicians to learn and grow their skills in marimba and steelpan music. It also serves as an opportunity for cultural exchange, where participants can learn about different traditions, styles, and techniques from diverse African countries.
Meanwhile, four rural school girls left the country for a two-week Summer Prep Programme for High School Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania, United States thanks to CAMFED Zimbabwe.
The girls are Ashmance Mukanan’ana from Betera High School in Buhera, Yuekai Chitepo (Mudzamiri Secondary School, Buhera), Alicia Chipendo (Gwangwawa High, Rushinga) and Tinotenda Chifodya (St Paul’s Gokwe High).
They said the trip was educational and they got exposure to university life, as well as the chance to use and operate advanced technology.
Not to be left out are five pupils from Cheziya High School in Gokwe who have been selected to represent the country at the 2023 World School Team Chess Championships in Kazakhstan.
The championships will take place from August 3 to 7.
The talented pupils worked hard to earn their spots on the Zimbabwean chess team.
They showed exceptional skills and dedication to the game, making them worthy representatives of their school and country.
Online Reporter