OWN CORRESPONDENT
BIKITA-On 5 July, Udzamu Poetry Slam hosted another successful and inspiring poetry event at paMbudzi Lodge, bringing together young poets from across Bikita District.
The competition was held under the theme “Dreams Delayed by Early Marriage,” encouraging children to speak out against early marriage and advocate for the protection of their dreams through the power of poetry.
The event featured 29 participants aged between 4 and 15 years, who captivated the audience with thought-provoking performances. Their poems highlighted the importance of education, child protection, and giving every child the opportunity to pursue their dreams before marriage.
The occasion was graced by several distinguished guests, including Mr. Musoni A. from the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture in Masvingo Province, Mai Dewa from the Ministry of Youth in Bikita District, MP Daniel Nhatiso, Member of Parliament for Bikita West Constituency, who was represented by his Personal Assistant Joshua Chamisa, Bikita-based poet Farai Hunde, renowned author and founder of ZIMPAST, Tichamupei Comfort Chivore (Ticha Comfort), and celebrated Masvingo female poet Millicent Chapwanya, popularly known as Millicent Wezhira. The guests applauded the young poets for using poetry as a tool for education, advocacy, and social change.
During the event, the winners of the June Udzamu Poetry Slam were honoured for their outstanding performances under the theme “Choose Life, Not Drugs.” Delma Marange, Tinotenda Charamba, and Moreblessing Madhura received their awards from the Udzamu organisers amid cheers from the audience.
Speaking at the event, the founder of Udzamu Poetry Slam, Chidima Shephad, expressed his gratitude to everyone who has supported the initiative since its inception. He extended special appreciation to MP Daniel Nhatiso for his continued support of the programme and to paMbudzi Lodge for providing the venue that made the event possible.
Chidima also appealed to individuals, organisations, businesses, and well-wishers to support Udzamu Poetry Slam in any way they can. He said the programme has the potential to become one of Zimbabwe’s leading platforms for nurturing young talent, promoting positive social values, and giving children a voice through poetry.
As the event came to a close, one message stood out clearly: every child deserves the chance to dream, learn, and fulfil their potential. Through Udzamu Poetry Slam, those dreams are being nurtured, one poem at a time, with the hope that the programme will continue to grow and positively impact many more young lives in the years ahead.
