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My name is Ruvimbo Chaeza an 18 old lady fighting to be the next Miss Budiriro 2025 queen.My theme for this year is a girl child against drug and substance abuse.For i have seen that many of my fellow colleagues have started indulging in this deadly things .I hope I can inspire some through modeling.As i advocate against drug and substance abuse hope to change lives of many in Budiriro Constituency .My inspiration for modeling was the crowning ceremony for Miss Zimbabwe 2014 back then I was 7 and the fire kept burning in me till early this year when I started training before I even got a pageant to compete in.I did my primary school at Budiriro 5 Council School ,then my secondary school was at Mufakose 2 High .And in our family there are three children ,two boys one girl of which that's me Special thanks to Boss Tobby Kusano

I'm Makanaka Sharara a proud 20 year old Contestant in Miss Budiriro.My journey into modeling wasn't a sudden leap,but a slow burn ignited during childhood. From watching TV shows to flipping through glossy magazine pages.Modeling is not just about walking on the runway its about values.l learnt at Queen Elizabeth High school. l am currently spearheading a project Against Drug and Substance abuse. Drugs destroy friends, families and communities. Drugs fuel corruption and poverty. Lets all join hands as a nation to stop Drug and Substance abuse. Growing up in my community .l was exposed to Drug abusers.This upbringing deeply influences my approach to modeling .its not just about modeling its about purpose. I want to use my voice and platform to advocate against Drug and Substance abuse towards vision 2030 by empowering all the people in this nation to unlock their full potential. Together, lets create a Zimbabwe where our citizens thrive, free from the grip of substance abuse Lets make Vision 2030 a reality.

X’s new profile-location feature raises safety concerns across Southern Africa, with digital-rights experts warning it could expose activists, journalists and political figures to harassment and surveillance risks ( image source ) X’s new profile-location feature — revealing users’ countries, regions, creation dates and username histories — is being framed as a tool for transparency. But across Southern Africa, digital-rights experts warn it may expose activists, journalists and political actors to fresh risks in an already volatile online environment. A Tool Built for Clarity, Now Creating Shadows The platform argues that displaying a user’s origin helps distinguish genuine voices from bots. In theory, it strengthens authenticity. In practice, even a country-level tag can be weaponised in Southern Africa’s tense political climate. Critics say that for activists crossing borders quietly or opposition figures navigating hostile networks, such metadata can betray their positions to online abusers, state actors or partisan rivals. Metadata as a Weapon in Online Battles Early reactions show how quickly the feature can be misused. Screenshots of location tags have already been repurposed to brand diaspora commentators as “outsiders” and to discredit critics as disconnected or foreign. Digital-rights analysts warn that a single visible tag can trigger harassment campaigns, distort public perception, or undermine the safety of those relying on anonymity in their work. Journalists and Activists Reassess Their Digital Footprints Journalists are also reconsidering their operational security. A location tag reading “Zimbabwe,” experts note, doesn’t confirm residency — VPNs, device logs and app settings can obscure or expose data unpredictably. Many users remain unaware of these dynamics, heightening the danger of unintentional disclosure in politically sensitive conversations. Civil Society Calls for Risk-Sensitive Defaults Civil-society groups across the region are pushing for safer controls, including default location-hiding for high-risk accounts and clearer user settings. Activists are being encouraged to tighten their digital hygiene, manage devices more carefully and decide strategically when — or whether — to reveal such metadata. In this evolving digital ecosystem, literacy is no longer optional but a core survival skill. The new feature underscores a broader reality: transparency is never neutral. In Southern Africa’s digital landscape, a lantern meant to illuminate can also cast dangerous shadows. X’s update reflects the ongoing tension between authenticity and exposure — and the shared responsibility of platforms, regulators and users navigating this intricate terrain.

South Africa projected calm leadership at the Johannesburg G20 Summit, dismissing rumours of tensions with the U.S. and asserting a confident Global South–driven approach to multilateral diplomacy ( image source ) Summits often unfold like intricate stage plays full of carefully choreographed gestures, whispered power dynamics, and sudden shifts that ripple far beyond the host city. The Johannesburg G20 Leaders’ Summit was no different. As delegations moved through Sandton’s polished venues, the week delivered a moment that seized global attention: a leaders’ declaration adopted without U.S. participation. Diplomatic commentators immediately began sketching narratives of tension. Was this a snub? A fracture? A sign of slipping alliances? But as speculation thickened, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni stepped before journalists and delivered what can only be described as diplomatic grounding. “There are no tensions,” she said in her signature steady tone — a tone that, for a moment, recalibrated the room. Her message was direct. South Africa’s early adoption of the declaration was not rebellion, she argued, but a demonstration of efficiency in advancing Global South priorities. For Pretoria, the text — with its emphasis on climate action, debt relief and development financing — represented an emerging consensus among attending members. The U.S.’s absence from that process, she insisted, did not derail the summit nor redefine bilateral relations. The declaration’s early passage, traditionally reserved for the summit’s closing moments, signalled something subtle but meaningful: host nations are increasingly confident in shaping multilateral conversations around their regional realities. Still, for an international audience primed to interpret every gesture as geopolitical chess, the moment heightened curiosity about the U.S.–South Africa relationship. The two nations, after all, remain deeply intertwined through AGOA trade, health partnerships, energy cooperation and regional security frameworks. A single procedural disagreement does not dissolve decades of institutional ties. Ntshavheni reinforced the point by addressing another cloud that hovered over the summit week — reports of visa revocations affecting select Cabinet members. She waved aside the drama with a grounding metaphor: such actions “do not change the price of bread.” In South African political language, it meant that domestic priorities remain uninterrupted, and governance continues. Analysts watching the summit agreed. One described the episode as “more theatre than rupture,” arguing that large forums like the G20 inevitably produce moments of friction, especially when host countries push agendas that challenge traditional geopolitical hierarchies. On the ground, the summit buzzed with the usual flurry: bilateral side meetings, late-night drafting sessions, and security cordons tightening and loosening as motorcades criss-crossed northern Johannesburg. But beneath the surface, something more significant pulsed — a sign that South Africa is increasingly confident in its multilateral skin. It is no longer merely participating in global forums; it is shaping them. As delegations wrapped up their engagements and the Johannesburg skyline returned to its usual rhythms, one conclusion stood out: the G20 did not fracture global alliances, but it did reveal the shifting texture of diplomatic power. In a world of competing narratives, South Africa delivered its own calm, deliberate, and deeply rooted in Global South realities.

Zimbabwean rapper Maskiri has been detained in a livestock-deal sting involving an alleged failed goat sale ( image source ) An unexpected livestock-related sting operation has landed popular rapper Maskiri in police custody, after a goat-sale agreement allegedly collapsed into a financial dispute in Chitungwiza. A Sting Operation Disguised as a Birthday Booking Authorities say Maskiri was lured to an event under the guise of a birthday performance booking, a tactic used to secure his cooperation for questioning. Police allege the rapper had been involved in a goat transaction that left buyers out of pocket — part of what investigators describe as a growing trend of livestock-related complaints in peri-urban areas. Informal Livestock Markets Under Scrutiny The case highlights the fragile nature of Zimbabwe’s informal livestock trade, where verbal agreements often replace written contracts. Law enforcement sources say similar disputes involving goats and cattle have, in recent years, led to remand cases for several high-profile business figures. Analysts argue this reflects the legal grey areas between civil disagreements and criminal fraud when documentation is limited. Public Reaction and Legal Debate Fans flooded social media with a mix of disbelief and banter, generating hashtags supporting the rapper and debating accountability in livestock deals. Legal commentators note that whether Maskiri faces fraud or theft charges will depend on receipts, communication records and proof of intent — all central to determining if the matter remains civil or escalates into criminal territory. A Case with Cultural and Comic Undertones The bizarre nature of the saga has sparked nationwide curiosity. One commentator quipped that “in Zimbabwe, the word GOAT is taking on new meanings,” capturing the blend of slang, scandal and livestock law. For now, Maskiri remains in custody as investigations continue, with observers waiting to see if the saga ends in court, restitution — or a twist worthy of his own lyrics.

Tinotenda Mureri (left) with her brother Devine ( image source ) Once, in the red-soiled belly of rural Gutu, there lived a girl who walked barefoot and dreamed boldly. Her name was Tinotenda Mureri, and though the world handed her a life stitched with hardship — a father gone too soon, a mother whose mind drifted like morning mist, and a grandmother trying to cradle four children with nothing but love — she carried something precious: the quiet belief that her story could still change. In Tariro Village 1, people whispered that she was simply another rural girl shaped by circumstance. And when Tinotenda failed her O Levels not once but twice, the whispers grew louder, curling around her like smoke from a dying fire. Maybe school is not for her, they said. Maybe fate has spoken. But fate has a habit of stammering when confronted with a determined soul. With pockets nearly empty and hope tucked like a pebble in her hand, Tinotenda travelled to Goromonzi. There, she became a housemaid in the home of a former Cabinet minister’s mother — sweeping floors, polishing furniture, and coaxing stubborn stains out of fabric as though she was negotiating with life itself. Yet even as she scrubbed verandas under the sun’s watchful eye, she dreamed of buildings, cities, roads, and skylines. She imagined herself shaping communities, not just cleaning them. So one day, with courage tightening her spine, she confessed her desire for education to Petronella Kagonye, the woman she served. And in a twist worthy of an African fairy tale, Kagonye listened — really listened — and opened the door Tinotenda had been knocking on for years. She returned to school at Chabwino Secondary, sitting in classrooms with teenagers who could have been her younger siblings. The teasing stung, yet she endured it with a stubborn grace. “People said a lot,” she recalled, “but I vowed not to look back.” In 2018, she passed all eight O Level subjects, proving that failure is merely a rude visitor, not a permanent resident. She advanced to Rusununguko High School, earning 10 A Level points that launched her into Great Zimbabwe University (GZU). And on October 23, wrapped in cap and gown, the 31-year-old who once scrubbed floors stood among thousands of graduates, crowned with a Bachelor of Science Honours in Regional and Urban Planning. Fate, dramatic as always, added another flourish: her youngest sibling, Devine, graduated on the very same day with a degree in Financial Engineering. “We always joked that she was older in age but younger in school,” he said, beaming. “But she fought the age gap and conquered it.” Kagonye, who helped shepherd both siblings through school, marvelled at Tinotenda’s transformation, saying, “Delay is not denial. From maid to graduate — that is the power of perseverance. She inspires even me.” Now, Tinotenda stands ready to design cities and shape futures — proof that even hands once busy with brooms can one day hold blueprints. Her journey is a reminder whispered to every girl in every dusty village: your story is not finished; you can still rewrite the ending.

Zimbabwe and Mozambique have signed new cooperation agreements covering trade, energy, agriculture, transport, and security, strengthening bilateral ties and signalling a renewed push for shared regional development ( image source ) Zimbabwe and Mozambique have signed a series of new cooperation agreements as President Emmerson Mnangagwa concluded a state visit to Maputo, strengthening bilateral ties between the two neighbouring countries. The deals, announced after high-level meetings with Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, cover areas including trade, energy, agriculture, transport, and security cooperation. The agreements are part of a broader push by Zimbabwe to expand regional partnerships and integrate more deeply into Southern Africa’s economic and political frameworks. Officials said the deals would facilitate cross-border trade, improve infrastructure connectivity, and enhance collaboration in managing shared resources such as energy grids and water systems. One of the key highlights was a memorandum of understanding on energy cooperation, aimed at improving electricity supply and exploring joint investment in renewable energy projects. With both countries facing power shortages, the agreement is expected to pave the way for shared solutions and greater resilience. Transport links were also a priority, with commitments to upgrade road and rail connections to ease the movement of goods and people across the border. Agriculture featured prominently, with plans to collaborate on food security initiatives, research, and technology transfer. Zimbabwe and Mozambique share similar climatic challenges, and officials said joint efforts could help improve productivity and mitigate the impact of droughts. Security cooperation was also discussed, particularly in relation to combating cross-border crime and addressing instability in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado region. President Mnangagwa described the agreements as “a new chapter in our fraternal relations,” emphasising that Zimbabwe and Mozambique’s destinies are intertwined by geography, history, and shared aspirations. He praised President Nyusi for his commitment to strengthening ties and said the deals would deliver tangible benefits to citizens on both sides of the border. Analysts view the agreements as part of Mnangagwa’s broader strategy to rebuild Zimbabwe’s international standing and attract investment through regional cooperation. By deepening ties with Mozambique, Zimbabwe hopes to secure reliable trade routes, energy partnerships, and political support within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The state visit also carried symbolic weight. Mozambique has historically been a close ally of Zimbabwe, with ties dating back to the liberation struggle. Renewing cooperation in the present era reflects continuity in relations while adapting to modern challenges. For citizens, the agreements hold promise of improved services, greater economic opportunities, and enhanced security. However, observers caution that implementation will be key. Past agreements have sometimes faltered due to lack of funding, bureaucratic delays, or political obstacles. Ensuring that these new deals translate into real progress will require sustained commitment from both governments. As President Mnangagwa returned to Harare, officials hailed the visit as a success, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s regional diplomacy and signalling a determination to build stronger partnerships. For Zimbabwe and Mozambique alike, the agreements represent not just diplomatic gestures but practical steps toward shared development and stability in Southern Africa.

A Rusape headmaster was attacked and tied up by eight armed robbers who stole his car, motorbikes and valuables worth over US$8,000 ( image source ) A school head in Rusape was attacked in a night raid by a gang of eight robbers who stole his Toyota D4D double cab, two motorbikes, cash and phones, with the total haul valued at over US$8,000. Police said the assailants, armed with machetes, knives and sticks, stormed the home around 2 a.m., tied the headmaster’s hands and legs, and stabbed him in the shoulder and back before fleeing. The victim, identified as Bennedict Dadaya of Mabvazuwa Primary School, received medical attention and is in stable condition according to local reports. Acting Manicaland Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident and said investigations are underway, with officers pursuing leads on the suspects’ movements and potential accomplices who might have scouted the property beforehand. Detectives are reviewing neighbourhood CCTV where available, canvassing for witnesses, and tracking the stolen vehicle and bikes through cross-provincial alerts. Neighbours reported waking to commotion at the property and raised the alarm, but the gang appears to have coordinated a rapid getaway. Police believe the group may be linked to similar armed robberies targeting households perceived to have valuable assets recently purchased at auctions or through civil service programmes, and they urged the public to avoid broadcasting such acquisitions on social media. Security experts recommended practical measures for households: reinforced doors, motion-sensor lighting, discreet parking arrangements, and community watch networks that share timely alerts without compromising privacy. They also urged residents to catalogue serial numbers of vehicles and equipment, which can help recovery and insurance claims if theft occurs. Local unions expressed solidarity with teachers and school administrators, noting rising crime has heightened anxiety among public servants and rural professionals. They called for visible patrols, faster response times, and targeted operations against known violent gangs. Police said night patrols would be intensified and pledged to update residents as the case progresses. Authorities reminded the public to avoid direct confrontation with armed intruders and to prioritise personal safety. They advised immediate reporting of suspicious activity and the use of verified hotlines to ensure quick dispatch of responders. Insurance providers in the area have also encouraged policyholders to review coverage for high-value personal assets and to adopt risk-mitigation steps recognised in policy terms. While the investigation continues, community leaders say rebuilding a sense of safety will take both policing and neighbour-to-neighbour cooperation. As Dadaya recovers, residents have coordinated support for his family and appealed for calm, emphasising the importance of allowing investigators the time to work the case methodically.

South Africa’s G20 hosting highlights continental priorities, diplomatic capacity and multilateral leadership ( image source ) South Africa’s hosting of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg is historic: it is the first time the gathering has been held on African soil, placing the continent’s priorities at the centre of global decision-making. The event opened at Nasrec with extensive security and global leaders in attendance, a moment that underscores South Africa’s logistical capacity and diplomatic convening power rather than serving as a popularity contest between presidents in the region. This year’s summit also reflected on two decades of G20 evolution, with a review emphasizing how the group’s broadened scope has helped navigate financial shocks and coordinate macroeconomic policy since its inception in 1999. Hosting responsibilities rotate and hinge on readiness to stage a complex, high-security event and lead agenda-setting, not on comparative judgments about leaders’ quality. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s agenda highlighted solidarity and inclusion, including a formal meeting with African Heads of State and regional organizations on the margins of the summit. The goal was to ensure African development priorities are integrated into G20 frameworks and to strengthen multilateral cooperation — a function of the chair’s role to steward a consensus-based process, not a referendum on domestic leadership in neighbouring countries. The Leaders’ Declaration under South Africa’s presidency leaned into Ubuntu as a guiding philosophy, committing to “solidarity, equality, sustainability” and coordination on major global challenges. This reflects the thematic direction a host sets and the collaborative architecture of the G20, where outcomes are negotiated among diverse economies. Hosting showcases convening strength, policy clarity and diplomatic credibility; it does not adjudicate who is a “better” president across borders. In media and public debates, the temptation to convert a diplomatic milestone into a regional score-setter is understandable but misleading. Hosting the G20 is rotational and planned years in advance. It signals a state’s capacity to secure venues, manage protocol, ensure safety and frame an agenda that resonates with peers. It does not offer a ranking of leadership performance across unrelated domestic contexts. Commentary from the region has cautioned against treating such events as endorsement contests, noting that similar rotational roles, like SADC chairmanships, are routinely over-interpreted in domestic narratives. The more grounded view is to identify what the host actually achieves — substantive agenda items, credible communiqués and inclusive side engagements — and judge the summit on delivery rather than symbolic prestige. For Zimbabweans watching from across the Limpopo, the useful question is not “who is better,” but “what does this summit deliver for Africa?” If the Johannesburg G20 advances debt reform, climate finance, trade facilitation and digital inclusion, African states including Zimbabwe stand to benefit. That is the true measure of hosting impact: concrete outcomes negotiated within a global forum, not comparative optics. In short, South Africa’s G20 moment is a continental milestone and a test of multilateral leadership; it is not a scoreboard for presidents in the neighbourhood.

Zimbabwe deploys a new mobile inspection fleet to curb accidents, improve vehicle safety, and strengthen national road-safety enforcement systems ( image source ) The government has deployed a new fleet of vehicle inspection units in a nationwide push to improve road safety and reduce the rising toll of accidents attributed to mechanical failure and poor vehicle maintenance. The rollout, announced by the Ministry of Transport, places mobile inspection teams at strategic checkpoints and along major highways, combining modern testing equipment with trained inspectors to identify unsafe vehicles before they cause harm. Transport officials say the initiative responds to mounting evidence that poorly maintained vehicles — from overloaded trucks to unroadworthy minibuses — are a major contributor to crashes. The new fleet comprises specially equipped vans and trailers fitted with brake testers, emissions analysers, wheel alignment rigs and portable weighing scales. Each unit is staffed by certified inspectors who can perform on-the-spot assessments and issue compliance notices or temporary prohibitions where necessary. The programme’s first phase targets high-risk corridors and urban centres where traffic density and commercial transport activity are greatest. Inspectors will focus on heavy goods vehicles, public service vehicles and commercial fleets, conducting checks on braking systems, tyre condition, steering, lighting and load security. Authorities emphasise that the aim is not punitive but preventive: to remove dangerous vehicles from the road and encourage operators to adopt regular maintenance regimes. To support enforcement, the Ministry has introduced a digital inspection registry that records test results, compliance history and remedial actions. The database will be accessible to licensing authorities and insurers, enabling better risk assessment and facilitating targeted follow-ups for repeat offenders. Officials say the system will also reduce corruption by creating an auditable trail of inspections and outcomes. Industry stakeholders have offered cautious support. Transport associations welcomed the focus on safety but urged phased implementation and clear communication to avoid disruption to commerce. Trucking companies said they would cooperate with inspections but called for reasonable notice periods and support for small operators who may struggle with the cost of urgent repairs. The government has signalled plans for a subsidy window and technical assistance for small-scale operators to bring vehicles up to standard. Civil society and road-safety advocates praised the move as overdue. Road safety NGOs pointed to data showing that mechanical defects account for a significant share of fatal crashes and argued that mobile inspections complement driver-focused interventions such as fatigue management and speed enforcement. They also urged authorities to pair inspections with public education campaigns on vehicle maintenance and load management. Operational challenges remain. Inspectors will need reliable power, spare parts supply chains and secure locations for impounded vehicles. The Ministry has committed to training additional technicians and coordinating with local authorities to establish safe inspection sites. There are also plans to integrate inspection schedules with weighbridge operations and border controls to streamline checks for cross-border freight. If effectively implemented, the inspection fleet could yield immediate safety gains: fewer breakdowns, reduced tyre-related incidents and better braking performance across the vehicle fleet. Over the longer term, officials hope the programme will shift industry norms toward preventive maintenance, lower insurance costs and improved public confidence in road transport. The government says the deployment is the first step in a broader road-safety strategy that includes stricter vehicle standards, enhanced driver licensing controls and investment in roadside emergency response. For now, the message is clear: safer roads require safer vehicles, and the new inspection fleet is designed to make that standard non-negotiable.

Zimbabwe launches Zimbabwe Airways, a new national airline aiming to restore confidence in aviation, boost tourism, improve connectivity, and revive economic growth ( image source ) Zimbabwe’s aviation industry has taken a bold step forward with the launch of a new national airline, unveiled in Harare yesterday. The carrier, operating under the name Zimbabwe Airways, is being positioned as a modern alternative to the debt-ridden Air Zimbabwe, with ambitions to restore confidence in the skies, expand regional connectivity, and eventually compete on international routes. The launch ceremony, attended by government officials, aviation stakeholders, and tourism representatives, was marked by optimism and a sense of renewal. Transport Minister Felix Mhona described the airline as “a fresh chapter in Zimbabwe’s aviation story,” pledging that Zimbabwe Airways would adhere to international safety standards, deliver competitive pricing, and provide reliable service. He emphasised that the carrier would work closely with tourism boards to promote Zimbabwe’s attractions, including Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe, and Hwange National Park, as part of a broader economic revival strategy. The airline’s management outlined an ambitious route plan. Initial operations will focus on regional destinations such as Johannesburg, Lusaka, Nairobi, and Maputo, with expansion to Dubai and London once capacity stabilises. Officials said the fleet will consist of newly acquired aircraft equipped with modern technology, designed to meet international standards and reduce operating costs. Industry analysts welcomed the move but cautioned that success will depend on strong management and financial discipline. Air Zimbabwe’s long-standing debt and operational challenges remain a reminder of the difficulties facing national carriers in Africa. Analysts noted that Zimbabwe Airways must avoid the pitfalls of mismanagement, political interference, and unsustainable expansion that have plagued other airlines in the region. The economic implications are significant. A functioning national airline can stimulate tourism, facilitate trade, and attract investment by improving connectivity. For Zimbabwe, which has struggled with economic isolation and infrastructure challenges, the launch represents a chance to reposition itself as a hub for Southern African travel. Improved air links could also benefit exporters, small businesses, and diaspora communities seeking reliable connections. Passengers expressed cautious optimism. Many welcomed the prospect of affordable fares and reliable schedules, while others voiced concerns about whether the new airline could sustain operations in a competitive market dominated by established carriers. The government has promised transparency and accountability, saying the airline will operate on commercial principles rather than relying on state bailouts. The launch of Zimbabwe Airways is more than a business development; it is a symbol of renewed ambition. If managed effectively, the airline could help rebuild Zimbabwe’s reputation in aviation, support economic growth, and restore national pride. For now, the challenge lies in turning optimism into sustainable operations that deliver value to passengers and the economy alike.

Elbasso Secondary School launches its first-ever student concert, showcasing music, dance, drama and community collaboration in a milestone arts celebration ( image source ) Elbasso Secondary School will take centre stage this weekend as hundreds of students prepare for the institution’s inaugural concert, a milestone event organisers say will showcase the school’s growing arts programme and mark a new chapter in extracurricular life. The concert, scheduled for Saturday evening in the school hall, brings together choirs, dance troupes, soloists and a student orchestra in a programme blending classical pieces, contemporary hits and original compositions by pupils. School leaders describe the concert as the culmination of months of rehearsals and a deliberate effort to broaden opportunities beyond the classroom. “This is about more than performance,” said the headteacher. “It’s about confidence, teamwork and giving our young people a platform to express themselves.” Teachers and parents have worked alongside students on staging, costumes and technical arrangements, turning the event into a community endeavour supported by volunteers from local arts groups and alumni. The programme is ambitious. The evening opens with a mass choir performing a medley of national and regional songs, followed by a string ensemble tackling a classical suite. Dance segments will range from traditional choreography to contemporary pieces created by senior students, while the drama club will present short vignettes exploring themes of identity, resilience and school life. A highlight will be a set of original songs written by the school’s music club, several of which were composed during after-school workshops led by visiting musicians. Organisers have emphasised inclusivity: students from all grades are represented, and the concert features accessible seating and sign-language interpretation for selected numbers. The school has also created a modest ticketing structure to ensure broad community attendance while raising funds for future arts programming and equipment. Proceeds will support the purchase of musical instruments, lighting upgrades and scholarships for talented students who lack resources. Logistics have been a major focus. The school hall has been refurbished to meet safety and acoustic standards, with new sound equipment installed and a temporary stage constructed to accommodate large ensembles. Technical rehearsals this week tested lighting cues, sound balance and stage transitions, and a team of student stage managers will run the show under the supervision of teachers and volunteer technicians. Security and crowd-management plans are also in place, with local police and community wardens coordinating to ensure safe arrival and departure for families. The concert has also become a learning opportunity. Students involved in production have gained hands-on experience in event planning, sound engineering and stagecraft, skills that organisers hope will translate into future vocational pathways. The music department has partnered with a nearby college to offer follow-up workshops in composition and performance, and several students have already been invited to audition for regional youth ensembles. Community reaction has been enthusiastic. Parents report a surge in pride and excitement as rehearsals have drawn neighbours to the school grounds, and local businesses have donated materials and services. Alumni have pledged mentorship and small grants to sustain the programme beyond the inaugural event. As final rehearsals wind down, organisers stress that the concert is both a celebration and a beginning. “We want this to be the first of many,” said the music teacher. “Our aim is to build a culture where the arts are central to education, where every student can discover and develop their talents.” If the opening night is any indication, Elbasso’s students are ready to shine — and the community is ready to applaud.