A WIDE array of children homes will converge for a sports and arts festival dubbed Celebrate the Children at Harare Polytechnic, starting Thursday running up to September 1.
Thursday’s official opening has been set for 2pm.
In an interview with Zim Morning Post, festival director Maimba Mapuranga said the festival which is hosting its eighth edition has become the biggest event for children’s homes.
“Celebrate the children sports and arts festival is an annual festival that we host in partnership with the Child Welfare department in the Ministry of Labour and Social Services. It has become arguably the biggest corporate social responsibility, single event for children’s homes in Zimbabwe,” Mapuranga said.
He said the festival has proven to be a bright spot due to the increased number of attendants over the eight years.
“Eight years ago when we started we only had seven homes but we have grown now to about 23 homes this year, we are expecting a total of about 800 children from ages five right up to 21,” Mapuranga said.
The festival aims to change perceptions and inspire children to showcase their talent in both sports and arts.
“These homes will come and play in different sports disciplines such as soccer, netball, volleyball, tug of war. We will also have athletics competitions, tennis and the arts night,” he said.
The festival also offers participants an opportunity to engage with invited speakers who will be offering life skills on a wide array of issues including HIV/AIDs and child marriages.
“The children go into different sessions with invited speakers to talk about child marriages, HIV/AIDs, career guidance because we want them to have conversations that they do not have access to so that they can be inspired and motivated,” Mapuranga said.
