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VP Phelekezela Mphoko

Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO Metropolitan province were second to Harare in the first edition of the National Annual Science, Sport and Arts Festival held at the National Sports Stadium.

The province amassed 26 gold, 23 silver and 16 bronze medals while Harare had a medal overhaul of 59 gold, 40 silver and 29 bronze medals.

Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South were bottom and second from bottom respectively.

Matabeleland North got just five gold, seven silver and six bronze medals while Matabeleland South had seven gold, eight silver and six bronze medals.

Mashonaland East were third with 24 gold, 20 silver and 23 bronze medals.

The festival ran under the theme “Unlocking learner potential through the New Curriculum”.

The event is part of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s new curriculum, whose aim is to produce an all-round person through encouragement to take up non-academic skills.

Participants drawn from primary and secondary schools showcased their talents in the various facets of science, sport and arts.

It began at cluster level, then district and provincial, which culminated in the national festival.

In his official opening remarks, Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko applauded the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for the progress it has made in implementing the new curriculum, which embraces sport, science, arts and culture as key components of the education system.

The new curriculum emphasises the need to create an environment where students can fully develop academically, sport wise and in artistic skills.

“I am pleased the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has taken time to demonstrate  the milestones achieved in the implementation of the new curriculum,” said VP Mphoko.

“While it is quite commendable that sport, science and arts in Zimbabwe have a long tradition and have produced many world renowned names and personalities, the module you have initiated this time around will take Zimbabwe to greater heights.

“I view science, arts and sport as an essential package for the total development of our learners. It is pleasing to note that our schools have positively responded to the needs of learners and embarked on nurturing endowed skills, utilising locally available resources within their school community.

“As a result, new disciplines such as rugby, hitherto unknown mostly in the rural schools, have been introduced and thus, making the whole process more exciting and rewarding,” he said.

The Vice-President encouraged various stakeholders — arts and sports institutions, public and private sector partners to continually engage schools for the development of art and sport. — @skhumoyo2000