Glitz, glamour at VACAI prize giving ceremony in Chipinge
AFTER eight weeks of intense work, St Albertina School students who participated in the VACAI (Visual Audio Centre for Arts Initiative) got their prizes at a glittering ceremony at the main hall recently when over 500 people attended the event.
Terence Junior Shamu, was the toast of the day as his presentation skills showed he had taken to heart what he had been mentored over the course of two months. Together with Itai Ruzariro, Nothando Matimhure and Panashe Mushayavanhu, the foursome made TV presentation appear simple. The Director of VACAI who is also a senior teacher at St Albertina School, a private school, praised students, parents, the corporate world and Government departments for making the event a success despite the presence of teething problems.
“It has been an arduous eight weeks and I would like to thank the participants for giving their valuable time notwithstanding an occasional bleep or blunder from some quarters. In that respect, I salute all members of VACAI and the school leadership for being very supportive. There were times when I felt I must drop the project but the likes of Mr Stephen Ephraem encouraged me; it is in that vein that I profusely thank them,’’ Mr Elvis Nyanhongo, the director, said.
Mentor-ship has been the bedrock of the initiative from day one. The young children drawn from St Albertina School went through their paces under the watchful eyes of their mentors.
The Chokoto group fronted by girls scooped the best film and the coordinator, Mr Stephen Ephraem, said the girls were able to capture the mood. “These girls really captured the moment and they have a great future,’’ he said. Shalom Mugano was voted the best film director for the short film “Battle of abuse.’’
Nicole Hazangwi got the gong for the best script writer in her ‘‘Bullied’’ film script.
Kate Solomons, who scooped the best actress award, starred in “Battle of abuse’’ and "One good turn deserves another.’’ Mr Mekias Gwamanda, a local lawyer, was impressed with the children’s performance and said he felt the children had a very bright future if the mentors continued their fine work.
“The enthusiasm in children was great. It used to be something meant for affluent schools but it’s exciting when it is closer home,’’ the legal guru said. Mrs Ivy Chitambo, the guest of honour, said children were given a choice through their interaction with their mentors of either to be employed or to be workers.
‘‘I thank the parents, children, mentors and all stakeholders in coming up with this special day. Of note is the fact that children are offered opportunities to be artistes who can choose to be employers or employees,’’ she said. As the curtains come down on the year, Mr Elvis Nyanhongo, the director, said VACAI will continue to inspire young children.
‘‘This was a pilot project but we hope to expand the scope of the competition in future,’’ he said.