Schools mark second annual drama, poetry show

ITUMELENG TSHENYEGO
Correspondent | Wednesday June 19, 2013 00:00

The competition was established in 2011 and is held once a year to identify and develop poetry, drama and traditional dance talent.It is also aimed at raising money for charity for underprivileged scholars not on the Botswana government poverty eradication scheme.One of the organisers, Shaddy Banopi, said that the competition has grown since its establishment, but some schools have a tendency of registering for the competition but do not turn up.'We also have a problem with sponsors.  Some of the companies agree that they will sponsor us but they renege on their promises, which doesn't help us', she said.Ten junior schools, six senior schools and three technical colleges attended the competition amongst them Jwaneng Technical College and Botho College.

The competition was divided into four categories: drama, traditional dance, poetry and beauty pageant.Kabo Mosapelo, who was also one of the organisers, said that their organisation aims at establishing a drama association.'We have noticed that schools do not encourage poetry and beauty pageants, which is why we are trying to close the gap by making them part of our annual competition.'It's high time schools acknowledged that some learners are not academics but are talented in drama, poetry, traditional dance and modelling and they can use their talents to sustain themselves,' he said.  He explained that the schools that participate in the competitions are those that failed at regional level and the competition is a way of encouraging them to nurture their talent. 

Mosapelo added that they liaise with tertiary institutions hence the presence of Jwaneng, Selebi-Phikwe and Palapye technical colleges.Speaking to one of the regular attendants, 22-year-old Akanyang Tshoto, he remarked on how the competition has helped him grow his talent for drama.  'I came here for the competitions last year as an assistant director for Senyawe Brigade.We managed to obtain position two, which has inspired me to open my own theatre some day,' said the vibrant Tshoto.  The competition ended with Seepapitso Senior Secondary School scooping first position followed by Matsha Senior Secondary School.  Also in the senior schools category, Kgari Sechele Senior Secondary School obtained position one in traditional dance followed by Tutume McConnell Senior Secondary School.

Shakawe Senior Secondary School and Lehutshelo Junior Secondary School obtained position one in poetry in their respective categories.  The winners walked away with a trophy and a shopping voucher.  The attendees said the competition helped them enhance their acknowledge through drama and poetry whose theme, 'Guy-to-guy talk' was aimed at encouraging safe male circumcision.