By Blessing Nduku
The National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) hosted the International Museum day commemorations at The Zimbabwe Military Museum in Gweru where 10 schools battled in National Heritage Quiz under the theme Museums for Education and Research.
The event was graced by esteemed guests including Honourable Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Kazembe Kazembe, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube nee Mudha alongside Chief Bunina and other dignitaries.
The atmosphere was electric with performances by Midlands’s schools’ drum majorettes, police band, Mbizo High School Band, local traditional groups and the dynamic Zi Dancehall chanter Mukudzei from Kwekwe.
Speaking during the event Honorable Minister Kazembe Kazembe said that this year’s theme underscores the pivotal role of cultural institutions in providing a holistic educational experience.
“This year’s theme Museums for Education and Research underscores the significance of museums as dynamic educational institutions fostering entertainment, learning, discovery and cultural understanding.”
Kazembe went on to congratulate the teams that have made it to the finals as it engages young generations in guaranteeing a secure a future for Zimbabwe’s Heritage and officially open the quiz competitions.
“This competition engages the young generations and goes a long way in guaranteeing a secure future for Zimbabwe’s Heritage, may I take this opportunity to congratulate all the teams that have made it to this level.”
“As we celebrate International Museums Day 2024, I want to invite all Zimbabweans to rethink education, imagine a future where knowledge sharing transcends barriers and where innovation unites with tradition.”
“I want you to join me, my ministry and National Museums as we explore the wealth of knowledge museums have to offer, I now declare this National Finals of 2024 Heritage Education Quiz Competition officially open.”
Minister Kazembe granted two lucky pupils the opportunity to explain the significance of monuments commissioned by His Excellency Cde Dr E D Mnangagwa. The event had dynamic participation from schools like 3 Brigade, Solusi SDA, Victoria Junior and the competition was fierce from the start which was led by the quiz master Mr Murenga.
The teams engaged in five rounds of challenging Questions covering the past, object identification, science, nature and general knowledge.
After a nail-biting finale, David Livingstone Primary School of Harare Province emerged as the undisputed champions with 3 Brigade Primary from Manicaland securing a commendable second place and Cecil John Rhodes of Midlands Province clinched the third spot midst ties that were broken by the insightful questions by Minister Kazembe.
Coming to an end of the occasion, NMMZ extended a heartfelt gesture to Minister Kazembe with a gift of a portrait capturing the majestic front entrance of the Naletale National Monument. International Museum Day is an international day held annually on the 18th of May coordinated by the International Council of Museums since 1977.
Participation in International Museum Day is growing among museums all over the world. In 2023 over 37000 museums participated across about 158 countries.