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Some of the officials that graced the launch

Sophia Chese Arts Correspondent
At least 10 schools are to benefit from the Mbira Centre’s “Mbira in schools” project which was launched on Thursday in Harare. Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of the programme, director of the centre, Albert Chimedza said schools interested in teaching traditional music are to send proposals to Mbira Centre for them to acquire the instruments free of charge.

“We want those schools with traditional music at heart to come forward with proposals showing how they want to introduce the instrument in their learning curricular; the selection of schools to benefit is based on merit,

“We do not want to give these instruments to schools which are going to store them in storerooms, our mission is to unveil the instrument in school projects, so we will be giving five to 10 mbira each school,” he said.

Chimedza said Zimbabweans should look at the instrument as an economic asset that can create jobs.
“According to research, full fledge of mbira could create at least 10 to 15 000 jobs because we will be looking at the people who sell timber, manufacture, distribute and those who will teach playing the instrument,

“Other European countries are doing business with the instrument not because they are stealing from us but because we are failing to embrace the instrument,” he said.

He said a number of schools including Prince Edward have already put forward their proposals to acquire the instruments.
The availing ceremony was graced by members from the European Union and the Culture fund of Zimbabwe who spearheaded the programme by funding it with 20 000 Euros which was used in the manufacturing of the 50 mbira and 50 calabashes.

Both organisations in the country pledged to support the Mbira Centre in their initiative to introduce the instrument in the education centre and are looking forward to engage the Ministry of Primary and Secondary education, Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality and the Ministry of Psychomotor Activities in Education and Vocational Training.