Vic Falls’ ECD learners champion cultural pride on Africa Day
Tracy Moyo
The energetic Early Childhood Development (ECD) learners of Lightened Christian College in Victoria Falls erupted in celebration for Africa Day 2024, transforming their campus into a dynamic showcase of continental heritage.
Embracing the powerful theme “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century,” the young scholars hosted a captivating cultural extravaganza that vividly demonstrated their growing understanding and appreciation of Africa’s vast legacy.
Held uniquely beside the mighty Zambezi River at a rockpool area, the event wasn’t just a celebration; it was an immersive educational journey connecting children to their land and traditions.
Young hands crafted stunning traditional African art pieces, their vibrant colours and patterns reflecting the continent’s rich cultural tapestry. The air pulsed with rhythm as learners performed energetic traditional music and dances, their movements echoing generations of storytelling and community spirit. Laughter and friendly competition filled the space during authentic traditional games, promoting crucial physical development and teamwork while reviving cherished pastimes.
Crucially, the event fostered meaningful parent-child engagement. Parents actively participated alongside their children and teachers, cooking and sharing diverse traditional African dishes, strengthening bonds and deepening their collective connection to African identity.
Parent Thandekile Moyo captured the impact perfectly: “We as parents hardly cook traditional food and sometimes have less knowledge about Africa Day. This event has opened our eyes to the incredible variety of African dishes prepared by different cultures. Now, we feel much better equipped to support our children with their cultural homework and keep these traditions alive at home.”
This sentiment underscores the vital role ECD institutions play as foundational pillars for cultural transmission and unity building among the youngest Zimbabweans. By immersing children in their heritage from the earliest age, Lightened College is nurturing a generation with profound appreciation for Africa’s diversity and shared history.
Principal Aubrey Ncube highlighted the event’s pioneering significance and vision: “This is our very first Africa Day celebration as a school, but it stems from previous cultural trips to villages and other schools. We decided to host our own event so our children could have the exposure and truly showcase their capabilities as young Africans.” He emphasized the experiential learning, “We prepared various African foods – some children were delightfully shocked by new tastes! Holding the celebration at the Zambezi River rockpool was intentional. Not every child has experienced this majestic river; it grounded them in our continent’s natural wonders.”
Principal Ncube concluded, “Ultimately, Africa Day celebrations are a powerful tool to inspire young minds, fostering a deep sense of unity, belonging, and essential cultural awareness.”
The event clearly strengthened the crucial triangle of relationships between mothers, teachers, and children, creating a vibrant platform for community cooperation and setting a shining example for culturally relevant early childhood education in Zimbabwe and beyond.
