YOUR WORD, YOUR WORLD - Music Dance and Drama at St.Kizito Primary School

On a sunny afternoon in Wakiso, St. Kizito Primary School came alive with the vibrant colours, sounds, and movements of its annual Music, Dance, and Drama (MDD) event. This highly anticipated gathering brought together students, teachers, parents, and the community to celebrate artistic expression and unity. This year’s theme, “Your Word, Your World,” emphasized the profound impact of our words on our lives and interactions.

The theme “Your Word, Your World” served as a reminder of the power of words. In today’s fast-paced communication era, the students aimed to highlight the importance of mindful speech. Through skits, songs, and poems, they conveyed a powerful message: words have the power to build or destroy, heal or hurt, and unite or divide.

One of the skits, “Gossip and Its Consequences,” portrayed the harm caused by spreading rumours. It followed a group of friends whose relationships were strained by a false rumour, highlighting how easily trust can be shattered by careless words. The characters learned to value honesty and communication, resolving their conflicts through understanding and forgiveness.

The musical performances were equally captivating. The choir’s “Words Like Arrows” highlighted how hurtful words can leave lasting scars, while “Speak Life” encouraged everyone to use their words to inspire and uplift others. These performances left a profound impact on the audience, reinforcing the theme’s message.

The poetry segment featured original works by the students, each reflecting the theme. “The Language of Love” described how words can be a source of comfort and strength, earning a standing ovation. “The Echo of Our Words” delved into the lasting impact of our words, urging everyone to choose their words wisely.

Music, Dance, and Drama (MDD) play a crucial role in cognitive and emotional development. Engaging in these activities helps students develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and emotional intelligence, enabling them to process their emotions and experiences better.

Participating in MDD activities builds confidence and enhances communication skills. Performing in front of an audience requires students to overcome stage fright and articulate their thoughts clearly, preparing them for future public speaking and interpersonal communication scenarios.

MDD activities inherently require teamwork and collaboration. Whether in a group dance routine, choir performance, or skit, students learn the importance of working together towards a common goal, teaching them the value of cooperation, empathy, and mutual respect.

Through MDD, students are exposed to diverse cultures and artistic traditions, fostering cultural awareness and appreciation. This exposure helps them develop a broader perspective and a deeper understanding of the world, nurturing tolerance, respect, and unity.

Artistic activities provide a healthy outlet for expression and coping with stress. MDD offers students a way to channel their energy and emotions positively, significantly impacting their mental well-being.

Research shows that students engaged in MDD activities often perform better academically. The skills developed through arts education, such as concentration, discipline, and perseverance, translate into improved performance in other academic subjects.

MDD activities provide opportunities for students to interact and build relationships with their peers. Through collaborative projects, they learn to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and support one another, developing strong social skills and forming meaningful connections.

Engaging in MDD can significantly increase emotional resilience in children. The process of creating and performing art allows them to explore and express their emotions in a safe environment, developing coping mechanisms and emotional intelligence.

MDD activities encourage a growth mindset by emphasizing effort, practice, and improvement. Students learn that success in the arts requires dedication and perseverance, fostering a lifelong love of learning and self-improvement.

Through MDD performances, students develop empathy and compassion. They learn to understand and appreciate different perspectives, fostering a sense of empathy towards others, crucial for building a compassionate and inclusive society.

The MDD event at St. Kizito Primary School was a profound reminder of the power of words and the importance of artistic expression in education. The students’ performances highlighted the significant impact our words can have on others and the responsibility that comes with this power.

Let us always remember that our words can build bridges or walls. Let us choose to build bridges, to speak life, and to create a world where kindness and understanding prevail.” The echoes of the students’ voices and the lessons from their performances will undoubtedly resonate long after the final curtain call, reminding us all of the profound truth in the theme: “Your Word, Your World.”

Raising Teenagers Uganda is working with schools to empower young people in different ways so that they can realize their full potential.