JSS display electrifying performances as drama and film festivals start

Last Friday marked the final day of the ongoing drama and film festivals at the sub-county level for primary and Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) schools nationwide. The two-day event was punctuated with heightened presentations from junior schools. For the first time in most venues, drama enthusiasts thronged sub-county venues to glimpse items cooked and served by JSS teachers.

The drama and film festival organisers had this year’s second day of junior school presentations. This year’s festivals saw improved performance quality courtesy of JSS teachers.

In Busia County, many items written and directed by JSS teachers attract vast numbers of learners who are left with no chance as they try to scramble for the top positions in the different categories.

JSS teachers flexed their muscles to prove who they were in plays, cultural and creative dances, modern creative dances and solo verses. In Rift Valley sub-counties where Education News pitched the tents, this year’s drama and film festivals witnessed a rare resurrection.

Some officials who were interviewed quickly admitted that the JSS teachers’ participation in writing and directing the items bolstered and brought back the festivals to the track.

Many schools in the Rift Valley region no longer participated in drama and film festivals. This was primarily attributed to a lack of teachers interested in drama and insufficient funds to carry out co-curricular activities. In a rare show of interest, some teachers dipped into their pockets to ensure that the participants reached the venues for participation.

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Several stakeholders have pointed out how the competency-based curriculum positively impacts learners. News presentations in dramatised studios gave learners an opportunity to showcase their journalism talents.

As the competition moves to the county level, all eyes are trained on how the JSS teachers develop polished items as they try to book places at regional festivals.

This is a clarion call to the Ministry of Education to increase funds allocated to co-curricular activities as they heavily impact the achievement of CBC’s mission and vision.

By Kaptich Tarus