Eastern region drama festivals for secondary schools opened on Monday at Katoloni Secondary School with students staging thrilling performances. The festivals that were officially launched by the Machakos Deputy Governor Mr. Francis Mwangangi will see students perform different genres ranging from choral verses, plays, modern dances, comedy, spoken word and narratives. The theme for the festivals is fostering digital transformation through film and theatre. Over 120 schools drawn from the eight counties will participate in the festivals that will end on Thursday. Winners will represent the region at the national drama festivals to be held in Mombasa in April. Mwangangi underscored the need for the festivals in identification and development of talents for learners. ‘In line with the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC), these festivals will prepare students for professional careers in film and theatre, ‘he said. The DG also said that the festivals empower students with social skills like teamwork, confidence and attention. ‘The performances help improve self-esteem among other soft skills that will help students navigate life,’ added Mwangangi. Regional Quality Assurance and Standards Officer Mr. Simon Maina speaking at the same event said the government was keen on establishing academies to ensure that the talents do not go down the drain. ‘The government is on top of things to ensure that such talents are developed after the students exit secondary schools,’ said Maina, and assured the participants of fairness and transparency during the competition. ‘I want to assure that the adjudicators are people of integrity and will only ensure that the best performances win,’ added Maina. Katoloni Secondary School Principal Mr. Francis Ndimu said the school was honoured to host the regional festivals and assured the participants of adequate facilities throughout the competition. ‘We are glad to have hosted the festivals after a two year hiatus due to covid. The festivals besides espousing talents also enhances learning and discipline,’ said Ndimu.
Source: Kenya News Agency