Zimbabwean Children Set for Moscow Forum, Carrying...

Zimbabwean Children Set for Moscow Forum, Carrying the Nation’s Cultural Flame

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

Six children from Children’s Performing Arts Workshop are set to represent Zimbabwe at the IV International Children’s Cultural Forum in Moscow, Russia, running from 21–23 August 2025. The send-off ceremony, held in Harare, was presided over by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Recreation, Nicholas Moyo, who described the young performers as “cultural ambassadors carrying Zimbabwe’s heritage to the world.”

Moyo said the participation of the group was not only a celebration of creativity and talent but also a reflection of Zimbabwe’s resilience and cultural richness. “These learners are our cultural ambassadors. They are going to showcase our rich heritage and raise the Zimbabwean flag high,” he said. “We also want them to learn from other nations, because cultural exchange and knowledge sharing are critical to the development and well-being of children.”

The delegation’s journey is rooted in the Zimbabwe–Russia Cultural Memorandum of Understanding, signed on 28 July 2025, which opened avenues for artistic cooperation between the two nations. “Our participation is a direct outcome of the Cultural MOU. It reflects our commitment to international collaboration while cementing cordial relations with the Russian people,” Moyo said, extending gratitude to the Russian government for creating platforms that allow Zimbabwean children to engage globally.

For CHIPAWO, the trip marks another milestone in its decades-long mission of using the performing arts as a vehicle for children’s education, creativity, and cultural pride. Established in 1989, CHIPAWO has nurtured generations of young Zimbabweans, providing training in music, dance, drama, and storytelling. The organisation has consistently represented Zimbabwe at international arts festivals, exposing children to global stages while instilling confidence and cultural identity.

Past CHIPAWO alumni include renowned artists, actors, and musicians who have gone on to shape Zimbabwe’s creative landscape. By sending young performers to Moscow, CHIPAWO continues this tradition of empowering youth through cultural expression.

The International Children’s Cultural Forum itself is designed as a melting pot of traditions, bringing together young people from different nations to share their art, foster dialogue, and build mutual understanding. Zimbabwe’s presence at the event underlines the country’s ongoing efforts to position culture and the arts as central pillars of diplomacy and development.