In today’s evolving education landscape, the integration of entertainment and education known as edutainment is redefining how young learners engage with academic content.
By blending creative arts, entertainment, and educational material, this innovative approach offers a dynamic way of teaching that not only enhances retention, but also fosters active learning and social development among pupils.
At Destiny Learning Centre, Famona Branch, in Bulawayo, the power of edutainment aesthetics is on full display.
In today’s evolving education landscape, the integration of entertainment and education known as edutainment is reshaping how children engage with academic content.
By blending creative arts, entertainment, and educational material, this approach not only enhances learning but also fosters social awareness and development among pupils.
At Destiny Learning Centre, the power of edutainment is being harnessed to address critical social issues, particularly during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Through music, drama, and storytelling, the school is encouraging its young learners to become active participants in conversations around equality, respect, and the importance of eradicating violence.
"Music and drama have proven to be powerful tools for teaching children about social issues," says teacher, Sibonile Ndlovu, who oversees the school’s vibrant music club.
"Our pupils are not just learning about academic subjects; they are also gaining an understanding of how they can contribute to a kinder, more equitable world."
This initiative aligns with the global campaign’s emphasis on education as a cornerstone of prevention. Through edutainment aesthetics, Destiny Learning Centre is fostering empathy and awareness in its pupils, equipping them with the values needed to challenge harmful norms and practices.
"We want our children to grow up with a strong sense of social responsibility," explains Agatha Maodzwa, the school’s headmistress.
"By using creative arts, we can teach them about respect, equality, and the importance of standing against violence, all in ways that resonate deeply and stay with the children as they grow," Maodzwa said.
As the 16 Days of Activism continue, Destiny Learning Centre serves as an inspiring example of how schools can leverage the power of edutainment to educate and empower, ensuring that the next generation is not only academically equipped but also socially conscious and ready to make a difference.
At Destiny Learning Centre’s Famona Branch in Bulawayo, the music club has emerged as a hub for nurturing talent, fostering creativity, and addressing critical social and environmental issues through song.
The club has already recorded three singles, each with a distinct focus, reflecting the school’s commitment to holistic education and talent development.
The first single, "Green Future," emphasises environmental consciousness and the importance of tree planting. Sung with passion by the pupils, the song serves as a rallying call for young people to become stewards of the environment.
"We want our learners to understand that caring for the planet starts with them," Ndlovu said.
"Music helps convey this message in a way that is both impactful and memorable."
This focus on environmental education aligns with global sustainability efforts, ensuring students are equipped with the values needed to protect their surroundings.
The second single, Amica te Amo, Italian word which means my friend I love you, centres on the themes of love and friendship, tying these values to the reduction of gender-based violence (GBV).
The song teaches children the importance of kindness, empathy, and building relationships based on mutual respect and core precepts of preventing violence and hate.
"When children learn about love and respect from an early age, they grow up with the tools to build a more peaceful society," Maodzwa explained.
This song is particularly relevant during the 16 Days of Activism, as it reinforces how education can address the roots of GBV through value-based learning.
The third single is a lively medley of popular songs that the pupils sing during their sessions and school assemblies.
This collection highlights the joy and enthusiasm that music brings to the school community.
It also serves as a platform for students to showcase their vocal talents, encouraging them to explore their musical potential in a supportive environment.
The school’s broader goal is to groom future superstars and foster talent development, recognising that creativity is as important as academic achievement.
"We want to give our pupils the tools to shine in any area they choose," Maodzwa said.
"By exposing them to music and performance at this level, we’re unlocking their potential and preparing them for a future where their talents can take them far."
Through these activities, the music club not only enriches the educational experience but also instills values that resonate beyond the classroom.
By combining talent development with a focus on critical social and environmental themes, Destiny Learning Centre is grooming a generation of well-rounded, socially conscious young stars ready to make a positive impact in the world.
The incorporation of edutainment aesthetics at Destiny Learning Centre has yielded positive results in terms of both academic performance and personal growth among the students.
The hands-on, interactive nature of the edutainment approach promotes active engagement, which is essential for young learners, especially those in primary school who are developing their cognitive and social skills.
By fostering a learning environment that is both stimulating and enjoyable, the centre has seen improved enthusiasm for learning and greater participation in class activities.
Moreover, edutainment at Destiny Learning Centre helps cater to different learning styles.
For example, while some children are visual learners, others may benefit more from auditory or kinesthetic activities.
By offering a diverse range of activities that combine these different sensory inputs, the centre ensures that every child can learn in a way that suits their individual needs.
This approach also contributes to the holistic development of the students, enhancing their creativity, critical thinking, and collaborative skills.
"Each child is unique, and edutainment allows us to engage them on multiple levels, whether through visual art, music, or drama," Ndlovu said.
"When students have fun while learning, they are more likely to retain what they’ve learned and apply it in real-life situations."
The social aspect of edutainment is equally important.
Music activities at Destiny Learning Centre not only improve academic skills but also foster social cohesion and teamwork.
Children working together on group projects develop communication skills and learn how to collaborate effectively, gaining essential abilities for both personal and academic growth.
Through collective performances, students learn the value of cooperation, respect for others' ideas, and the importance of constructive feedback.
"Through our group musical performances, the children learn to listen to one another, respect differences, and contribute meaningfully to a shared goal," Maodzwa further explained.
"This builds both their confidence and their sense of community."
Schools can face resource challenges is to support their edutainment activities.
While music is a powerful tool for engaging students, this requires proper materials and space to be implemented effectively.
"We have to be resourceful," Ndlovu said.
"Many times we have to make our own instruments or rely on donated materials, but that doesn’t stop us from delivering quality education. The passion of both the teachers and students makes it work."
To further enhance the effectiveness of edutainment, it is important to invest in teacher training, resource development, and infrastructure that supports creative learning activities.
As Zimbabwe continues to explore innovative educational approaches, edutainment holds the potential to transform the learning experience for primary school children, making education not only more enjoyable but also more effective in preparing students for the challenges of the future.
"When education and entertainment come together, students experience a different kind of learning — one that stays with them for a lifetime," Maodzwa said.
By embracing the power of the arts, schools like Destiny Learning Centre are contributing to the evolution of education in Zimbabwe, where creativity, critical thinking, and social development go hand in hand with academic achievement.
nRaymond Millagre Langa is a musician, poet, orator, independent researcher and founder of Indebo edutainment Trust. You can follow on Facebook @Millagre Ray Langa, on X you can follow on #Millagre Langa, email. millagrepapito@gmail.com or indebotrust@gmail.com.