AFTER 20 years of service in various capacities until recently when she was appointed director at the Children’s Performing Arts Workshop (Chipawo), Chipo Basopo-Chindungwe has called it quits.
Co-founded by Robert McLaren, the late Stephen Chifunyise and Farai Gezi about 30 years ago, Chipawo provides a platform to empower youths and develope arts talent.
Some of the celebrated and notable products and pioneers of Chipawo include the likes of Danai Gurira who is now plying her trade in Hollywood, the late music star Chiwoniso Maraire, David Chifunyise, Gugu McLaren Ishewekunze, Rute Mbangwa and Charmaine Picardo.
Chipawo has also given birth to Chipawo World, in South Africa (Chisa), Namibia (Chinamibia), Zambia (Chieza) and Botswana (Chipabo).
These organisations are being led by young people in the different countries and have hosted various festivals and exchange programmes.
Since 1992, Chipawo has attended different festivals in Africa, Europe and Asia creating strong relationships.
Announcing her resignation from Chipawo on Facebook, Basopo-Chindungwe said she was privileged to be one of the pioneers in the arts catering for children and young people.
“Saying goodbye to Chipawo Zimbabwe, from a young age, I have always been guided by the belief that children are the best ambassadors each country has ever had.
- Basopo-Chindungwe quits Chipawo
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"This belief has influenced my life as I grew up in Chipawo, benefiting from the opportunities, learning, training, experiences and friendships that the organisation provided me,” she noted.
She said Chipawo shaped her into the person she was.
“I have served the organisation for the last 20 years under the leadership of the late uncle Steve Chifunyise and Robert Maclaren.
"I really want to say thank you to everyone that I encountered on this meandering journey. We did it together,” she said.
“I have enjoyed performing on stage, organising different activities for children around Zimbabwe and beyond borders, including underprivileged children, which has given me so much joy.
"The memories, good and bad, are just too many to mention. However, I cherish each and every one of them.”
She continued: “To the arts fraternity in Zimbabwe and around the world, those who helped me, advised me, supported me, funded me, partnered me, among other things, I salute you.
“To the friends that I networked with around the world, there are many of you that I would have loved to mention by name, but I know this is not the end as we shall interact along the way. A very special thank you to Chipawo children.”
In a follow-up interview with NewsDay Life & Style yesterday, Basopo-Chindungwe said the vision for a better cultural experience and exposure for children and young people had been the driving force that kept her for years at Chipawo.
Chipawo is not just an organisation, but a great and strong instrument for the children of Zimbabwe, so it was not an easy decision to make as I bid farewell to take a break as well as reflect on my life, family and work on a new adventure in my arts life,” she noted.
Basopo-Chindungwe said she had dedicated her life to the arts, and the dream still lived in her as the fire was still burning.
“My passion for the arts and children still lives and will continue to be part of my journey. We still have a long way to go in making sure that all that needs to be fulfilled will be done.
"Like artists always say, a good actress always knows when to exit the stage so that when they enter again they will be stronger.”
Several artists and creatives saluted Basopo-Chindungwe for her role in keeping the Chipawo flame raging, with arts promoter and critic Plot Mhako saying she had left a great legacy.
“What a journey! Thank you Chipo Precious Basopo for inspiring a lot, the partnerships with Chedenga Foundation, we will forever cherish the love and support you had for the less privileged.
"Here is to a new door opening,” popular theatre practitioner Ratidzo Eunice Tawa Chikowore said.
Edward Moroka said: “All the best on your new journey my dear… I learned a lot from you since 2012 during my first time at Chipawo.
"Botswana is growing in arts space for children and young people because of you and Chipawo. Thank you once more.”
“Thank you so much Chipo for your contribution towards our Chipawo journey as young people, making it a sweet, educational ride full of growth and personal development.
"Further growth awaits. All the best in your future endeavours,” Thabiso Valentine Dube said.
Karambakuwa Taurai said: “Sisi Chipo. Thank you for leading Chipawo. You helped me appreciate the value of arts as a therapy to children. May your new journey open opportunities for greater good. Farewell.”
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