Three days celebrating Day of African Child

Standard People
by Obey Manayiti A leading arts group in Mutare, Integration of Children and Young People into Performing Arts (Ichipa), has put its weight behind the commemoration of the Day of the African Child.

Ichipa said it is paramount for young people to come together and speak with one voice on universal issues that affect them.

In an interview, Ichipa chairman Henry Tsopotsa said the arts industry is better placed to create a platform for youths to interact, participate, and have fun as well as getting information on the significance of their role in society.

“We have decided to have a three-day concert which aims at integrating the efforts of Zimbabwe’s youths in participating in economic growth, education and national healing,” he said.

The three-day event will be dubbed Manica Children’s Festival of Arts 2011.

About 30 schools from Manicaland and 10 other professional acts will participate.

Tsopotsa said Ichipa was formed in Mutare in 2007 as part of the Day of African Child commemorations.

“The formation of Ichipa was part of June 16 commemoration of children in Africa whereby we were taking time to celebrate and recognise the efforts of other youths in realisation of their dreams,” he said.

Ichipa comprises Manicaland arts ambassadors who have raised the Zimbabwean flag high in countries such as China, Netherlands, Liberia and Germany among others.