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Tinashe Makichi Cool Writer
The Zimbabwean arts industry was once dominated by vibrant personalities like Aaron Chiundura-Moyo, Jesesi Mungoshi and the late Safirio Madzikatire among others.
But through technological advancements most children have since migrated from following the yesteryear legends.
What happened to these names? Did they sink into oblivion over such a short period of time?

The Girl Child Voices Fiesta, a group that advocates for creativity among teenagers, has gone on a drive to educate young children on the importance of taking part in writing and public speaking competitions in a bid to resuscitate the literacy levels that were beginning to dwindle among youth in the country.

Mbizvo Chirasha, who is the facilitator, said the programme’s main thrust is to make sure that schoolchildren are given a platform to showcase their talents towards building a brighter future for themselves.

“Such platforms must not be shunned since exposing children to writing and public speaking competitions will boost their art and creativity thereby creating a wider road to stardom.

“The programme has so far reached schools in high-density suburbs, with the first programme having started at Budiriro 3 Primary School,” he said.

He also said: “Prominent personalities in the Zimbabwe arts industry like Aaron Chiundura-Moyo will be playing facilitation roles, through sharing his writing skills with the young pupils who would be performing in the skills writing test.”

One of organisers, Kudzai Mutiti, said the Government should put in place platforms that boost creativity among the teenagers especially those of school- going age.

“Of late schools has not been doing much on public speaking and writing competitions therefore policymakers should put in place a taskforce to make sure such platforms are available,” she said.

Public speaking has propelled many Zimbabwean youths to international heights with some earning a living out of it.
Back in 2002 Zimbabwean-born Jonah Mungoshi broke two records to become the first African to win awards in the Toastmasters Inter-district Championship and the World Championship of public speaking.

Mungoshi, who was representing Southern Africa, gave other contestants a good run for their money to scoop one of the top prizes at the competition.