Chimanimani youths embrace indigenous knowledge systems

Youths in Chikukwa community are actively reviving their culture and tradition in order to revive and preserve the natural ecosystem. Belinda Sirimoyi (24) [wearing a pink wrap] is one of the youths working with PELUM Zimbabwe member, Chikukwa Ecological Land Use Community Trust (CELUCT) and the Chikukwa Cultural Learning Centre. Photo: Collins Chirinda/ PELUM Zimbabwe

Youths in the Chikukwa community of Chimanimani District in Manicaland Province are embracing indigenous knowledge systems and actively reviving traditional practices among their peers.

Hopewell Chikukwa (22), the librarian at Chikukwa Research Trust, a cultural and knowledge sharing centre in Chikukwa community says youths have been using the community library which is located at the community cultural centre, to preserve and spread knowledge on the local traditions and culture in the surrounding communities of Chikukwa.

“This library is helping everyone in the community. These books have vital information which youths share amongst themselves including the preservation of our environment,” says Hopewell.

Hopewell says the Chikukwa Research Trust is involved in organising community dialogues which are hosted at the centre. Many youths are participating in these dialogues and this helps in knowledge sharing.

Patronella Gandare (23), a youth residing in Chikukwa community and working with PELUM Zimbabwe member, Chikukwa Ecological Land Use Community Trust (CELUCT) says she and other youths have gained knowledge on cultural preservation through sharing local and traditional knowledge with their elders.

Another youth, Yvonne Mashavave (24) from Chikukwa community says youths have been increasingly participating in community building initiatives. She says some of the initiatives include the setting up of the community library and participating in community dialogues.

Chikukwa community traditional leader, Chief Walter Matare Chikukwa (44) says the cultural centre has become a key pillar of social cohesion for the community. “Chikukwa Cultural Learning Centre was set up as a symbol of preserving our culture. I am happy that this centre is fostering unity in this community,” he says.

Hopewell says he hopes more youths will take up environmental preservation work and participate in community dialogues to further augment the work that has already been done.

“As youths in Chikukwa we have a vision for the future of our community. For me the work that we do is for the betterment of our community. With the support of our community elders and leadership, we would want more youths to actively participate in sharing knowledge on the preservation of our environment, our culture and traditions so that we develop our community,” he says.