“Africa Alive!” isn’t just a title, it’s a call to action

By Terrence Chipunza –Zimba Wave Media HARARE

“Africa Alive!” isn’t just a title, it’s a call to action. Let these vibrant creations ignite a passion in each of us, young and old, to dare to delve deeper, to celebrate our diverse history. We have a profound and urgent responsibility to ensure that future generations grow up knowing the true and complete story of Africa, a story brimming with heroes, innovators, and a spirit that continues to inspire the world.’ , in the words of Conversation Architect and founder of the Kid’s African History Club, Nomkitha Ndlovu.

The exhibit is the culmination of a 10 week immersive, involving and practical program. The children, whose ages range from 7-14 years, creatively explored Africa’s rich history, actively learning and engaging with it’s heritage, triumphs, challenges and diverse cultures. Best described as a practical journey toward creating and owning a true sense of identity for the children, each week’s lesson would culminate into an art project, in order to cement and bring to life the lesson’s essence and focus as it were .

With topics ranging from a geographical overview, the continent’s diverse cultures, the Bantu migration, the trade routes, up to the Scramble for Africa, independence struggles then penultimating into each child’s vision of Africa’s future based on themes such as technology, culture and others, the program indeed is a holistic journey which undoubtedly tangibly shapes the children positively. An embodiment of “train a child in the way he/she should go indeed! It is more encouraging that she aims to replicate this project nationally and regionally with like minded facilitators. This is the sort of vision casting we need and must support to create and foster a true sense of Afrocentric identity, belonging and pride in our children.

More than a conversation architect, she is an embodiment of how we should nurture, build and encourage our children to be proud of their heritage, and practical teaching, which resonates with age old African traditions of storytelling, now fused and solidified with the artistic touch, echoing and reflecting the rich history and heritage of our beautiful, vibrant continent!

Below are two of the ten segments of the art pieces done by the children;

Artwork credits to the participating children, who are; Aliyah Michaela Ndlovu, 5

Cleo Julia Wakeling, 9 Ianthe Mhiza, 9 Janelle Chikomo, 14 Jasper Coen Wakeling, 7 Jelani Chikomo, 13 Juna Donna Wakeling, 12 Mayah Jordan Ndlovu  Micah Nathaniel Unathi Ndlovu, 8 Mufaro Tsanga, 11 Munesu Tsanga, 10 Phoebe Joy Albertyn, 9  Rudo Tsanga, 12 Rumbidzai Tsanga, 8 Zoe Mhiza, 9