Zimbabweans continue to lift the country’s flag high globally, three pupilsfrom Lusitania Primary School in Greendale, Harare are also emulating their counterparts after lifting the country’s flag high in India where they put up a thrilling performance during a cultural exchange programme.
The learners, who were accompanied by two staffers from the school, played mbira and danced to mbakumba stunning their Indian counterparts.
Nicole Lufeli (11), Kekona Chinhara (12), and Ruvimbo Muonde (12) all in Grade 7 attended a cultural exchange programme in India from July 22 to August 1, 2023.
They were accompanied by Dr Patricia Gonde, head of Academics, and Mrs Kathleen Chipadza, Head of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) department.
As part of their cultural exchange the group headed for Sonipat which is in Haryana state of lndia and visited Bright Scholars Senior Secondary school.
Dr Gonde said they received a hero’s welcome as they witnessed the opening of a cricket field by the renowned international cricket umpire Dr Anil Chaudhary.
“We watched a cricket match.
Our children played the mbira instrument accompanied by song and dance.
It was an amazing performance in front of more than 2000 children and staff.
“We toured the esteemed institution interacting with children and staff.
In line with Sustainable Development Goals project we had the honour to plant trees at the school,” she said.
Dr Gonde said they then went to New Delhi for the Biggest Interactive Knowledge Exchange Program (BIKEP). Four continents – namely Africa, Asia, America and Europe – were represented with both educators and learners. “With the BIKEP we visited tourist places in India like the Lotus temple, the Golden temple and Asram,” Dr Gonde said.
“We went to Kunda village in Utah Pradesh to witness the official opening of the first e-village/metro village in India.
There, we visited schools, hospitals and temples and toured the rural villages where we saw the planting of rice in paddy fields.
“Our learners interacted with students from schools and colleges. They played their instruments, sing local and Portuguese songs and we danced too.
“We presented about our country and presented artefacts and gifts written Visit Zimbabwe.”
She said the team distributed 300 maps of Zimbabwe which highlighted the country’s tourist destinations. Dr Gonde said they also gave a presentation about Lusitania Primary School and sang Portuguese songs.
“We then went to Agra and came back to Delhi on 30 July.
On 31 July our final call was the Zimbabwean embassy where we were warmly welcomed by Mr Hobwana the deputy ambassador.
“Thanks to Mr Chireka and Mr Ncube from the Embassy for organising future programs that we discussed there.” Dr Gonde said the programme aimed to promote cultural understanding and appreciation among students from different countries.
“By immersing themselves in diverse cultural practices, traditions, and ways of life, students would develop a broader perspective and a deeper respect for global diversity,” she said.
“The programme sought to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ideas between students from different countries.
‘‘Through interactions with peers from various educational backgrounds, students gained insights into different educational systems, innovative projects, and scientific advancements, fostering a spirit of collaboration and intellectual growth.” Dr Gonde said the cultural exchange programme aimed to foster personal growth and development in students.
“By stepping out of their comfort zones and experiencing new environments, students enhanced their adaptability, resilience, and confidence.
‘‘They developed important life skills such as communication, inter-cultural competence, and empathy, which are essential for navigating an increasingly interconnected world.
“The programme aimed to cultivate a sense of global citizenship in students. By engaging with students from different countries, they learnt about global issues, sustainable development goals, and the importance of collective action.”
She said the students were encouraged to become active contributors to society both locally and globally, and to embrace their roles as responsible global citizens. Dr Gonde said the program mealso provided a platform for students to express themselves artistically and culturally.
“Through performances, showcasing traditional instruments, singing, dancing, and exchanging cultural practices, students celebrated their own cultural heritage and gained a deeper appreciation for the artistic expressions of others,” she said.
“The programme aimed to foster lasting connections and friendships among students from different countries. By creating opportunities for meaningful interactions and collaborations, students built bridges across cultures, fostering a sense of unity, mutual respect, and lifelong connections.
“It also promoted environmental awareness and sustainability. By engaging in activities such as tree planting and witnessing sustainable initiatives, students become more conscious of the need to protect our planet and contribute to a greener future.” Dr Gonde said the overall objectives of the cultural exchange programme encompassed cultural understanding, knowledge exchange, personal growth, global citizenship, artistic expression, cross-cultural connections, and environmental awareness.
“Through these objectives, we aim to empower our students with the skills, knowledge, and perspectives necessary to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and diverse world,” she said.
