The Ultimate Leader Junior School in Machakos on Friday held a Cultural Day, marked by the sampling of cultural foodstuffs, song, dance, and poetry.
Speakers at the event emphasised the need to retain important aspects of the African culture, mainly names and language, which are core to cultural identity.
Guest Speaker Kaloki wa Nzomo, the Director of Culture at Machakos County Government, stated that Africans have failed to transmit the positive aspects of their culture because they were ashamed of it.
“On Facebook, Africans use foreign names because we are ashamed of our identity. Why must you acquire an English name? Why walk away from yourself?,”Mr Nzomo posed.
He said Africans must reconsider the way they view their culture.
“There’s very little innovation in Africa because of the erosion of culture.
We must detoxify the way we hold our culture,” said Nzomo.
Mr Nzomo urged Africans to take pride in their cultural heritage.
“I am excited that we are teaching children who they are. It is only black people who have been taught that there is something wrong with their culture.
The foundation of any nation is its culture,” he said.
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School Director Mary Mueni Mutuku said it was beneficial to teach children about their culture.
“This is to help them to know where they are coming from and where they are going, she said.
She thanked the parents for their support towards the celebration of the School Cultural Day and asked them to help in teaching the children their culture.
A parent,Mr Samuel Mwangi said, “It is was good to remember indigenous cultures including clothing and food.
“We should teach our children to embrace their culture starting with the names,” said Mwangi.
The pupils from pre-school to grade six enter tained guests with presentations in various languages including Kamba, Kikuyu, Kalenjin,Swahili,Luhya,Luo and French.
By Stephen Muthini
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