Story by Tafara Chikumira
THIS year’s edition of the National Science, Sports, and Arts Festival (NSSAF) proved the country is in safe hands after budding artists took turns to showcase their talent during the two-day fiesta held at Chaplin High School in Gweru.
The heritage-based education curriculum was on display at the festival as school children from across the country took turns to showcase various skills and prove the country’s cultural diversity.
From traditional dances to contemporary music, the learners did not disappoint as they put up a well-choreographed display much to the amusement of the crowd.
The new Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Honourable Torerai Moyo took the opportunity to clarify that the future of Continuous Assessment Learning Activity (CALA) which expired in September last year will be informed by input from parents during consultations carried out across the country.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank all the parents, the pupils themselves, stakeholders, and partners in education who took their time to attend consultative meetings that were held in every school to gather views on the transformation of our curriculum to meet the industrial and other social imperatives for national development.
“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has hired a team of consultants to assist in sifting through synthesising data from such consultations to review and update the Curriculum in line with the wishes of the citizens of Zimbabwe,” said the Minister.
Minister Moyo warned school heads against turning away pupils over non-payment of fees saying it is illegal.
“Let me take this opportunity to advise all school heads that it is illegal to turn away pupils over issues to do with school fees. We will not allow you to turn away schoolchildren over such issues. Let me also advise parents that this should not stop you from coming up with a payment plan for school fees payment as schools need to run from such funds.”
Several schools and participating groups walked away winners after excelling in various musical disciplines that were on display at the schools’ arts festival.
