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Stella Chiweshe

Yeukai Karengezeka Arts Correspondent
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe has thrown weight behind Ambuya Stella Chiweshe’s Chivanhu Trust which was launched on Wednesday at Book Cafe.
Speaking at the launch NACZ director Elvas Mari said Ambuya Chiweshe’s idea was good and will help shape our culture.
“We are very supportive of the idea and we have the ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture fully behind the project.
“She is not just bringing this as an idea but rather as an experience ensuring that we have our own identity as a nation.

“We believe people can learn a lot from institutions so that they begin practising it in their families and communities,” he said.
The Chivanhu Trust seeks to reignite the spirit and passion for Zimbabwean cultural legacy, especially among the youth.

The vision behind Chivanhu Trust is to accord elderly folk of Zimbabwe their traditionally respected role in social life by understanding and listening to their wisdom.
The mbira queen said she is seeking financial assistance so that the idea can become broad.

“I do not have money yet to build a centre and I am seeking financial assistance so that our children will grow up knowing our culture. I am planning to build it in the foreseable future,” she said.

Ambuya Chiweshe said the education system does teach much about culture and her Trust will be different from other institutions.
“The education system is not fully addressing our culture and I believe every school must have round grass-thatched hut where students will be taught about our culture.

“This Trust will ensure that we practise what is being neglected in this generation. Will teach how to marry, what to do during the pregnancy period, kurova makuva among other things.

“It will be a platform where different tribes will discuss their cultures to avoid offending each other people’s cultural values out of ignorance,” she said.
Ambuya Chiweshe said she is ready to assist upcoming mbira players and share her stage experience with them.

The mbira queen has travelled the world mingling with many cultures.