Ngoni Dapira

MUTARE based community organization (CBO), African Identity Advocates, recently launched its pilot cultural identity programmes in Mutare Primary schools to support the new Heritage-Based Curriculum (HBC).

African Identity Advocates was at the City of Mutare run Hobhouse Primary School where they promoted the Heritage Based Curriculum by ‘practically’ teaching the children about embracing their African and cultural identity through their totems.

Heritage-based education is a curriculum that combines Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage with modern science and technology. The goal is to create a workforce that can innovate and contribute to society. Launched this year, the Heritage Based Curriculum integrates the country’s cultural and historical heritage into the education system and is designed to promote a holistic approach to learning and to prepare students to drive national development.

The Hobhouse Primary School traditional dance club made the day memorable with polished recitals of the traditional muchongoyo dances and songs. It was inspiring to see the Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Grade One students enjoying the music and imitating the dance choreography.

African Identity Advocates founding coordinator Lynette Mudehwe said such practical exhibitions in schools are needed to help teachers who teach the theory aspect but need community activists who come to apply what they teach.

“Was it not exciting? Our traditional dances are not immoral or wicked as some say, but embrace who we are as Africans. So we want you children to grow up knowing this and be proud of your African identity and totem,” said Mudehwe to the children as she closed the short traditional dance recital after the photo shoot.

The Hobhouse Primary School traditional dance group.

Children had a photo shoot with a preserved specimen of a lion which was lifelike. Each child that took part in the photo shoot wrote down their totem. When their photos come out they will get their photo and the chronicle of their totem.A totem is one of the most important things in Shona culture. It not only identifies one’s heritage and lineage but relatives in the present as well.

Mudehwe said they will continue to do such programmes in primary schools to practically promote the HBC initiative by government.

“I feel this will groom a new generation of culturally conscious children that take pride in their African identity. This will also help reduce the drug and substance abuse trend amongst youths because they will not be easily swayed by foreign cultures,” she said.