Assiel Tavonga Chipadza, the director of the Music Consultancy Society of Zimbabwe Music Academy (MCSZ), has emphasised the importance of school tours in primary education, urging parents and teachers to recognise their value.
Speaking to teachers and pupils from ZRP Braeside and Kuwadzana 8 primary schools at MCSZ premises in Hatfield, Chipadza said school tours provided children with first-hand experience that broadened their knowledge and nurtured essential life skills.
Having taught a lesson on Organology, the study of musical instruments, Chipadza noted that Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) is a broad subject that demands adequate time and practical engagement.
He said experiential learning through field trips and workshops often proved more effective than traditional classroom instruction.
The MCSZ learning environment reflects this philosophy.
The academy is adorned with visual art forms, including animal sculptures, paintings, calligraphy, and traditional instruments such as marimba and mbira, which pupils are free to explore.
According to Chipadza, such exposure stimulates curiosity, creativity and a sense of cultural appreciation.
“When children come together to learn, the experience becomes memorable and enjoyable. They do not only enhance their artistic abilities, but also develop a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and ways of life.”
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He encouraged schools to create more opportunities for learners to express themselves through painting, drawing, sculpture, drama and music.
Participation in plays, musicals, and concerts, he added, builds teamwork, confidence and communication skills while sharpening vocal and instrumental abilities.
Chipadza highlighted the importance of maintaining a balanced routine during school holidays.
He advised that children should rest, while preparing for their Grade 7 examinations through consistent study sessions.
Parents and teachers, he said, should guide learners in developing effective time management strategies. Since VPA activities such as dance and music are stress-relieving, children can use them both as recreation and as tools for strengthening skills they may use in the future.
Citing the National Association of Primary School Heads Choral and Dance Competitions, Chipadza said such events helped to identify and nurture talent while promoting inclusivity.
“The principle of Leave No One and No Place Behind can be achieved when learners support one another through peer
learning and shared participation,” he said.
Well-arranged music, theatre and dance pieces, he added, contributed to building a culture of excellence in schools.
For the continued success of VPA education, Chipadza urged collaboration among parents, teachers, community leaders and education authorities.
Effective resource mobilisation, such as acquiring instruments, art materials and rehearsal spaces, requires joint effort.
Stakeholders should work together to create sustainable support systems that ensure every learner, regardless of background, has access to quality artistic education.
The programme concluded with performances on mbira and marimba, as pupils learned chemutengure on the nyunga nyunga
mbira.
Forty students from Kuwadzana 8 Primary School left excited after acquiring new skills, cultural insights and a renewed appreciation for the arts, an inspiring send-off for school holiday.
