Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture has stressed the importance of providing primary school learners with music and art education to help preserve and promote the country’s cultural heritage.
The ministry’s arts officer James Thole said this at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe during engagement with primary school students on cultural arts education open day on Friday.
Organised by the ministry’s Education and Outreach Section, the event provided a platform for students to connect with Malawian cultural heritage and laid the groundwork for a forthcoming Musical Arts Education Training Workshop.
Thole said the open day served as a preliminary engagement to gauge students’ knowledge of Malawian culture and arts ahead of the workshop.
“This day was about understanding students’ knowledge of Malawian culture and arts as we prepare for the training,” he said.
Thole encouraged schools to establish performing art groups to promote traditional music and dance education.
He also highlighted the need to bridge a cultural arts education gap in secondary schools, noting that primary and tertiary levels place more emphasis on culture and music arts education.
“There is also need to push for culture and musical art education in secondary schools to create a cultural background, especially for tertiary education,” Thole added.
The schools open day attracted various schools from Lilongwe which showcased cultural performances and traditional activities.
The upcoming workshop, which will cover all three regions, aims to strengthen youth’s creative capacities while fostering connections with cultural heritage.
Crazmatic International Primary School administrator Samuel Malata emphasised on the importance of cultural exposure for students.
“It’s essential that learners understand traditional dances and music as part of who we are as Malawians. Considering that culture is one aspect that we deal with in education it is important to get proper training,” he said.
Luyanda Mpeni, a learner from Crazmatic Primary School shared her appreciation for the event.
“Learning about the traditional music and dance helps us connect with our ancestors’ values. It gives us pride about who we are and where we come from,” she said.
