Panyatsime Center Drives Curriculum Integration
A Hub for Heritage and Education
Panyatsime Heritage and Culture Centre, located in the Rockview suburb of Chitungwiza, has become a significant force in advancing Zimbabwe’s heritage-based education initiatives. The center offers practical learning environments that combine traditional schooling with indigenous knowledge systems, creating a unique space where students can engage with their cultural roots.
The center is supporting the new curriculum by providing hands-on platforms for teaching history, culture, language, science, and technology. These lessons are deeply rooted in local heritage and community experiences, making them more relevant and engaging for students.
During a media tour of the facility, Rumbidzai Dihwa, the founder and CEO of Panyatsime Heritage and Culture Centre, emphasized the importance of making learning relevant, practical, and identity-driven. The event coincided with Global Community Engagement Day, an annual initiative that encourages organizations, individuals, and businesses to strengthen partnerships and contribute to community development.
Dihwa stated that the culture center is more than just a place for entertainment. It serves as a vital resource for school pupils and the public to explore and learn about cultural and heritage issues. The center is committed to restoring African and Zimbabwean identity while raising cultural awareness among current and future generations.
Community engagement is at the core of the center's mission. It actively collaborates with local organizations, cultural groups, and international partners to ensure inclusivity, accessibility, and responsiveness to the needs of all visitors.
Bridging Formal Education and Cultural Wisdom
Panyatsime's vision is to ensure that learners do not only read about heritage in textbooks but experience it in real life. The center functions as a living classroom where culture, innovation, and education intersect. It acts as a living archive of indigenous traditions, values, artifacts, and oral history, helping young people reconnect with their roots while building confidence in their cultural identity.
In an era where globalization threatens to erode cultures, heritage education becomes a powerful tool for restoring national pride and self-worth among learners. Beyond cultural preservation, the center equips learners with practical skills in arts and crafts, agriculture, environmental management, and entrepreneurship. This ensures that education translates into sustainable livelihoods.
Dihwa highlighted that the approach recognizes the need for education to empower communities economically. By teaching practical skills, the center prepares learners to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Elders, cultural practitioners, and local experts play a central role at the center. They bridge the gap between formal education and community wisdom through storytelling, demonstrations, and mentorship. This collaboration enriches the learning experience and fosters a deeper understanding of cultural heritage.
A Cultural Tourism Hub
The center also serves as a cultural tourism hub, attracting visitors and generating income for surrounding communities. It showcases Zimbabwe’s rich and diverse heritage, promoting cultural exchange and economic opportunities.
According to Ashley Lilyosa Maganzo, the center's heritage officer, more than 90 learning institutions visited Panyatsime Heritage and Culture Centre in 2025 as part of their educational tours. The center continues to position itself as a model for curriculum integration, community participation, and heritage-driven development in the country, particularly for schools in urban areas.
Natural Landscapes and Educational Value
In addition to its cultural and educational offerings, the center provides natural landscapes and a scenic environment. The indigenous forest contains approximately 45 different types of indigenous trees, each with medicinal, nutritional, and cultural significance. This natural setting enhances the learning experience and promotes environmental awareness.
Through its multifaceted approach, Panyatsime Heritage and Culture Centre is making a meaningful impact on education, cultural preservation, and community development in Zimbabwe.
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