BARNABAS ZULU
LUSAKA’S Chudleigh House School Headteacher Mweemba Gwaba has underscored the importance of co-curricular activities in schools, urging both learners and guardians to take them seriously as they contribute to the holistic development of pupils.
Speaking during the school’s sports day yesterday, Gwaba said sports and other non-academic activities help sharpen the mental, physical, and social abilities of learners, while also paving the way for talent identification and development.
“Learning is not just in the classroom. We must allow our pupils to explore other areas such as sports, music, drama, and art,” he said. “These activities build character, discipline, and confidence in children, and they also help us discover the unique talents each pupil possesses.”
He also called on school authorities and parents to create an enabling environment where pupils are encouraged to take part in co-curricular programmes.
“When children are only confined to textbooks, we limit their potential. We must balance academics with activities that grow the whole child,” Gwaba said.
Meanwhile, one of the pupils, Suwilanji Sokotwe, said participating in sports helps learners stay healthy and improve focus in class.
“It’s important to take part in activities like sports because they help us stay fit, reduce stress, and make us more alert during lessons,” Suwilanji said. “I’ve also made more friends through these activities, and it’s been really exciting.”
The school’s sports day featured various activities including football, netball, relay races, and traditional games, all aimed at fostering teamwork and fun while promoting physical well-being.
Gwaba encouraged schools to allocate more time and resources to co-curricular programmes, saying, “The benefits are far-reaching, and the nation stands to gain from nurturing well-rounded learners.”
