School Principals have been urged to nurture students’ talents in drama and other co- curriculum activities.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of Western Region Drama and Film festivals at Chakol Girls’ Secondary school last Saturday, the regional chairperson Jael Lusamukha thanked the principals for making the event a success, despite financial challenges.
“We know funding can never be enough, but the kind of presentations and costumes that I have seen during this event is a sign of great sacrifice from you,” she said.
Lusamukha also thanked the drama members (students) noting that they also go through challenges like parents who have negative attitude towards the activity.
“Being the chair of Western region I expect nothing but the best,” she said adding that the trophy must remain in Western.
The official at the same time urged drama directors in the region to work together and ensure that the region emerges the best in the National festivals to be held at Kibabii University College in Bungoma next month.
“Even if your item does not win, you have displayed the best,” she said adding that the messages relayed through the items had touched the souls of many.
Lusamukha further stated that Western region was the hub of talents with the likes of Prof. Okumu Bigambo who spared time to attend the festival.
“I would also like to urge the technical committee to start the campaign to ensure that the trophy remains in Western, he said adding that the team will craft a formula for winning.
Busia County KUPPET Executive Secretary Moffats Okisai noted that the festival was still under funded appealing to the government to increase its allocation.
“Of all the Ministry of Education’s funding, let 50% go towards co-curriculum activities,” he suggested adding that 40% should go towards curriculum activities and the remaining 10% for infrastructural development.
Director of Education ThadeusAwuor attributed the success of the festival to high discipline among producers, directors and students.
Awuor stated that drama plays a very important on the Competence Based Curriculum currently being implemented.
“It forms one of the pathways which is Sports and Arts,” he said adding that others are Science and Technical Education and Manufacturing (STEM) and social sciences.
He added that the government is committed to promoting talents adding that Western region must continue to be a hub of talents.
“We want to appeal to those who qualify for the national festivals to go and polish their work so that we shine in the national event,” he said.
The Head of Protocol at the Ministry of Education Ruth Agesa said there was need to debrief all drama students at the end of the national event.
Agesa who was the chief guest urged the organizers to ensure that students maintain discipline during the national event adding that the Ministry will support the event.
The festival that ran for five days attracted 112 items ranging from plays, choral verses, modern dance, narratives, comedies and spoken word from the four counties.
Kakamega County was announced as position one after attaining 1726 points followed by Bungoma County which garnered 1640 points.
Vihiga County took the third position at 1552 points while Busia clinched the last position after obtaining 1408 points.
By Salome Alwanda
