ZIMFEP arts fest glory for George Silundika High

Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter

THE second edition of the annual Zimbabwe Foundation for Education with Production (Zimfep) Arts and Culture Festival proved to be a crowning moment for George Silundika High School, with its victory in the arts extravaganza highlighting that the school has embraced all facets of the country’s heritage-based curriculum.

After two days, in which eight schools that fall under the Zimfep umbrella sought to outdo each other in various categories that included dance, drama and marimba, among various disciplines, George Silundika came tops, walking away with six gold medals, four silver and four bronze.

This year’s competition ran under the theme “Our Roots, Our Pride: Celebrating Zimbabwean Customs, Languages and Traditions.”

Located in Umguza District in the sprawling Matabeleland North Province, George Silundika has taken up the challenge brought by the adoption of innovation to produce goods and services, fine-turning the artistic talents of its learners who are already reaping the benefits from the heritage-based Education 5.0.

During a dust-raising award ceremony held at the school yesterday, George Silundika came out as a shining example of how the country’s educational institutions can thrive if they give adequate platforms to their learners and do not stifle their creativity.
On a day, in which Zimbabwean culture was celebrated in all its facets, learners from all schools present were the biggest winners, as they illustrated that appreciation for the country’s heritage was a passionate endeavour for Zimbabwe’s young people.

In a speech read on her behalf by Mr Jabulani Nkomo, National Housing and Social Amenities Deputy Minister Musa Ncube, praised George Silundika and other schools that participated in the event for upholding the country’s customs.
“Together, we can foster a sense of pride in being Zimbabwean, a pride that fuels our aspirations and unites us in our quest for a brighter future. Today, as we gather to celebrate, let us also commit ourselves to preserving our heritage for the generations to come. Let us pass down our stories, our songs and our languages, nurturing a deep appreciation for our roots.

“In doing so, we ensure that our proud Zimbabwean spirit lives on, vibrant and undiminished. In conclusion, I urge each one of you to carry this pride within you. Stand tall, celebrate who you are and let the world see the beauty that is Zimbabwe. Together, we are a force of nature and together, we will continue to rise,” she said.

Dep Minister Ncube also encouraged those present to preserve and promote the use of their mother tongues.

“In doing so, we ensure that the flames of our culture continue to burn brightly, illuminating the path for future generations. Moreover, our customs, from the vibrant ceremonies celebrating life’s milestones to the rituals that honour our ancestors, are threads that bind us.

“They remind us of our place in the continuum of time, linking us to those who walked before us and those who will follow. As we engage in these practices, we affirm our identity and reinforce the values that define us as a nation. In a world that often seeks to homogenise our identities, let us stand firm in our uniqueness. Let us celebrate our customs, honour our languages and embrace the rich tapestry of our traditions,” she said.

Zimfep director, Mr Gideon Chiukira, said the organisation was committed to ensuring that learners appreciated the cultural values that are the cornerstone of Zimbabwe as a nation.

“Today, we come together to partake in a celebration of artistry, culture and community, drawing participants from every province. Our gathering here is not merely a contest of talents, but a powerful testament to the values that we, as a society, hold dear. Our roots are the very foundation of our identity. They connect us to our ancestors, their stories and their sacrifices.

“As Zimbabweans, we are fortunate to inherit a diverse cultural legacy that enriches our lives and shapes our values. We must embrace and celebrate these roots, for they give us a sense of belonging and purpose. At Zimfep we are committed to instilling a deep appreciation for our heritage in our students. We teach them that understanding their roots is not merely an academic exercise; it is a vital part of their identity. Our culture, expressed through our languages, music, art and traditions, is a treasure that we must cherish and pass on to future generations,” he said.

Mr Chiukira said by embracing the arts, Zimfep schools were also leading the charge against substance abuse.

“The importance of these cultural competitions extends far beyond the stage. They play a pivotal role in our ongoing battle against drug abuse. By providing our youth with a vibrant platform for expression and creativity, we offer them constructive avenues to channel their energies and passions. Engaging in the arts not only diverts attention from destructive behaviours but also fosters resilience and self-discipline.

“Through this creative engagement, we help our students discover healthier, more fulfilling alternatives, reinforcing our collective commitment to a drug-free future. Moreover, these competitions serve as a profound reminder of the strength and beauty inherent in our diversity. As learners and teachers from across our nation converge here, we celebrate not only our unique individual cultures such as the Tonga, Ndebele and Shona cultures but also the unity that binds us,” he said.
Matabeleland North Provincial Education Director, Mr Jabulani Mpofu, said through the competition, Zimfep was allowing for the smooth implementation of Heritage Curriculum and Education 5.0

“As the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, we are happy to witness the display of our traditions and culture through different activities that were showcased yesterday and today. This is in line with the Heritage Curriculum that seeks to impart Zimbabwean customs, traditions and languages to our learners.

“Through learning different traditions and cultures, the learners will be able to carry our norms and values into the future. Our roots are embodied in our traditions and languages as Zimbabweans hence the importance of such an occasion. We appreciate Zimfep and its schools for embracing the Heritage Curriculum and Education 5.0 and taking it to this level. The learners will surely benefit from this and be able to apply this knowledge when they leave school,” he said.