As global entertainment continues to shape the tastes of young people, the Let Them Trust Annual Schools Arts Festival is positioning schools as guardians of Zimbabwe's cultural heritage by encouraging learners to celebrate local music, dance, poetry, fashion and theatre while preparing them for careers in the creative industry.
The 14th edition of the festival, organised by Let Them Trust, will be held at the Harare City Sports Centre from July 24 to 25 under the theme, "Our Roots, Our Pride."
The event will bring together learners from Early Childhood Development (ECD), primary and secondary schools in one of the country's largest youth arts showcases.
Chido Musasiwa-Gutu, Festival Director of Let Them Trust, said the festival is more than a competition, describing it as a platform that helps young people appreciate Zimbabwe's cultural identity while exposing them to opportunities within the creative economy.
She said the festival encourages learners to respect their culture, traditions and heritage as a way of building confidence, identity and self-esteem.
Musasiwa-Gutu said this year's edition has expanded to feature seven artistic disciplines: music, dance, fashion, visual arts, theatre, poetry and public speaking, giving young artists a broader platform to showcase their talents.
She said multi-award-winning musician Ammara Brown will be the Guest of Honour on Saturday and is expected to inspire participants through her artistic journey and commitment to promoting Zimbabwean music on international platforms.
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Musasiwa-Gutu added that the festival's Friday Guest of Honour will be announced in the coming days.
One of the major highlights of this year's festival will be a musical tribute to the late Zimbabwean music legend Bob Nyabinde, popularly known as "The Headmaster."
She said every participating school in the music category will perform at least one of Nyabinde's songs during the live performances as part of efforts to introduce younger generations to his music and preserve his legacy.
Nyabinde's son is also expected to attend the festival in honour of his father's contribution to Zimbabwean music.
Building on the success of last year's edition, which attracted more than 32 schools, including institutions such as Vimbainashe Learning Institute and Tinokwirira Special School, organisers said this year's festival will continue promoting inclusion by providing equal opportunities for learners from different backgrounds to perform on the same stage.
Industry professionals will adjudicate the various competitions, giving participants professional feedback, mentorship and exposure to the mainstream arts industry.
Musasiwa-Gutu said the festival also seeks to help learners understand that talent can become a sustainable career while contributing to Zimbabwe's cultural and economic development.
Established in 2010, Let Them Trust has grown into a child-centred creative and cultural organisation that uses the arts to empower young people while raising awareness of issues such as mental health, child protection, and sexual and reproductive health rights.
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