Handmaids Girl’s Convent School Holds End-of-Year Dance Concert
By Sr. Charity Tembo, HBVM, Lusaka CNCS Hub Handmaids Girl’s Convent School has held its end-of-year dance concert at Mulungushi Conference Centre under the theme, “Honoring the Unique Part that Defines Each Student.” The concert showcased performances from different countries such as Botswana, South Africa, India, Nigeria and Congo, along with Sign, Street and Salsa dances and a Royal Salutation, bringing together pupils from various grades. The Headteacher, Sr. Christine Himoonga said the theme emphasised the school’s teaching model of valuing pupils’ identity and nurturing their individual interests and strengths. “For us at Handmaids Girl’s Convent School, our wish is to bring to life the hidden gem, the unique part that defines every one of our learners,” she said. She thanked the teachers for their endless work in bringing out the giftedness and talent of the pupils. “You instill in them a passion for learning as you enlighten them with wisdom and inspire hope for the future. Your efforts are greatly commended. We deeply appreciate your commitment,” she said. She also thanked parents and guardians for their continued support, stating that they play an important role in the learners’ social and emotional growth. “It goes without saying that learners whose parents or guardians are involved in their education have enhanced social skills and improved classroom behaviour,” she said. And a teacher, Theresa Chanda said this year’s concert showcased every pupil’s talent, with children placed in groups representing different cultural traditions. “For example, pupils performing South African dance dressed in South African outfits doing South African dances, the Nigerians theirs, the Botswana theirs,” she said. “It was just so marvelous and unique. Seeing our children perform dances we usually watch on TV.” Ms. Chanda encouraged other schools to adopt similar initiatives because they help pupils discover their abilities. ”Showcasing talent in such shows builds pupils and moulds their character too. Schools and management should never ignore this part of curricula,” she said. Another teacher, Berty Jere, said the concert allowed children to display talents beyond classwork. Ms. Jere added that this year’s concert drew a large audience because it was held on a Saturday for the first time after skipping a year. She encouraged other schools to support pupils’ artistic talents. “Not every white-collar job gives us money. Artists, music, dancing, all those bring money to the table,” she said. Meanwhile, Michelle Maboshe, the school head girl, said she took part in the Congo Dance, with her group wearing black tops, black trousers and red, beige or grey berets. “We also learned about different cultures through the Royal Salutation, which featured Lozi, Bemba, Ngoni and other traditional dances,” Michelle said. Another pupil, Jasmine Manzi, a Grade Two pupil, said she performed a Nigerian Dance taught by teachers and that this was her second time attending the concert, the first being two years ago when she was in reception. She explained that pupils received chitenge material from their teachers for their costumes, which they had tailored into unique designs. Both pupils described the concert as “very nice” and said they enjoyed watching their schoolmates perform.