Story by Fairstars Mukungurutse
HARARE – A new wave of educational tours to the country’s heritage sites has emerged with schools bridging theory and practical learning through indigenous knowledge.
In line with the Heritage-based curriculum which compels students to embrace their history, identity and cultural heritage, schools have incorporated visits to the country’s heritage sites into their curriculum.
In tune with Heroes month, learners from various schools have of late been flocking to the National Heroes Acre in Harare for a deeper understanding of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
“I am a Form four student at Kajokoto Secondary School in Mt Darwin. Today we came for our Heritage studies, we have learnt a lot and this will assist us in our final year examinations,” a student said.
“I learnt that our heroes and heroines, including Joshua Nkomo, Sally Mugabe and George Silundika were buried here at the Heroes Acre. I got to see their actual graves,” another added.
For other learners, the visit made history come alive.
“Indeed, this visit gave insights that feeds into our studies. It is important for us to have knowledge of our past and quite exciting is being able to see the practical side of what’s written in the books.”
Education experts are alive to the impact of the heritage based curriculum in shaping the country’s future.
“The heritage-based curriculum enables our learners to know more about their country, and as a result, embrace all that is within our country. These are youngsters that are growing, and surely they need to be exposed to our previous developments in the country. That encompasses some of these heritage sites like the Heroes Acre. When we talk about it or go there to see some of these heritage sites, we find that it makes a significant reflection of our history for instance the Heroes Acre, is there for us to remember about the armed struggle and some of these people who played very significant roles in making sure that we got our independence,” Maranatha Group of Schools’ Vice Principal, Dr Sevious Mutopa said.
Zimbabwe boasts of numerous heritage monuments and sites with historical and cultural significance including the Great Zimbabwe, Matobo Hills and Khami ruins.
