TAURAI Moyo founder and executive director of Chenhaka Trust, a Mutare-based arts organisation, says their recent publication, Guidelines and Procedures for Arts Educators in Schools, Art Educator's Handbook, is vital and user friendly resource for arts teachers.
In a wide ranging conversation with NewsDay Life & Style, Moyo said the book is designed to support arts educators in their journey, by providing essential guidance on best practices, ethical values and priorities to ensure a safe, inclusive and enriching learning environment.
The effort comes at a an appropriate time in response and support of the Heritage Based Education 5.0 which is grounded in Zimbabwe’s heritage-based philosophy and guided by National Development Strategy 1.
It also comes when there is an acute shortage of contextually relevant books and literature for a balanced teaching and learning in Zimbabwe.
The effort by Chenhaka Trust is in addition to other existing efforts by music and arts institutions like Zimbabwe Academy for Theatre and Dance, Music Crossroads Academy in Zimbabwe and Music Consultancy Academy in Zimbabwe respectively who have written handbooks which reveal their research findings and best practices in the teaching of the arts.
“This book is designed to address three primary concerns in the arts sector, particularly in schools. Firstly, it tackles the pressing issue of lack of professionalism among arts educators, providing guidance on ethical conduct, boundaries and best practices. Secondly, it aims to protect learners from various forms of abuse, violation of modesty and discrimination, ensuring a safe and respectful learning environment. Lastly, it offers practical advice and guidelines for artists and educators on the “dos and don’ts” when working in schools, empowering them to operate professionally, maintain appropriate boundaries and foster a culture of respect and inclusivity. By addressing these critical areas, the book seeks to elevate the standards of arts education and create a positive, supportive and nurturing environment for all learners,” Moyo said.
He said Chenhaka Trust in the past reached out to schools and artists by conducting several capacity building workshops and coaching clinics under the Creative ACTIONS 2 project banner in partnership with Culture Fund of Zimbabwe and funded by the European Union.
“This initiative has enabled us to produce a comprehensive book and provide free training for schools across all seven districts of Manicaland. In collaboration with the National Association of Primary Heads and National Association of Secondary Heads Manicaland, we're delivering practical and theoretical skills training in Mhande dance to both learners and teachers” Moyo said.
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The two-day workshops in each district, he said, aims to equip participants with the skills and confidence to integrate arts education into their curriculum, promoting creativity, cultural preservation, and artistic expression.
“By empowering teachers and learners alike, we hope to create a lasting impact on the arts education landscape in Zimbabwe,” Moyo said.
