Story by Peter Chivhima
THE majority of schools celebrated Africa Day this Friday with the pupils showing an understanding of African ideals and the milestones of youth development across the continent.
A snap survey conducted by the ZBC News in Harare this Friday shows that most schools held Africa Day celebrations, having realised that the actual day falls on a weekend.
Students were smartly dressed in African attire, resembling different African cultures, while traditional dances and dishes were also part of the celebrations.
Most importantly, the students showed appreciation of what the day means.
“For me, this day is so important because it reminds me who we are as Africans. It shows that as Africans, we are now free from the colonial bondage,” said a student.
Another said, “When I hear Africa Day, I remember that this is when African countries came together for economic, cultural and political emancipation. So it is a very important day, especially to us youths.”
For school authorities, the day is an opportunity to reflect on African diversity.
“The day is very important to the schools because it is when we see that as schools, we have a duty to teach our children where we are coming from and going. It also teaches our pupils about Ubuntu,” said the principal of Harvard Junior School, Mrs Loice Magweba.
Horizon School’s principal, Mrs Melody Nyadzayo said, “We are here today celebrating with our children and we are taking the opportunity to remind them that we are Africans and must continue exhibiting our cultural values.”
“Africa Day is important on our school calendar because it is the day we reflect on objectives as Africans,” said a teacher, Mr Elija Mukoti.
The government is making strides in the education sector and recently it launched the Heritage-Based curriculum framework, which incorporates the cultural, historical and social contexts into the learning process.
