Celebrating Diversity: St. Anne’s Sega Girls hosts their first edition of the Cultural Festival and Talent Show at their school’s premises
By Bonface Otieno Okinyi.
The chief guest among other distinguished guests recognized the role of talent and culture preservation in the 21st century and especially among the young population.
- A Cultural Festival is an impressive ceremony that celebrates a variety of customs from various backgrounds, creating a kaleidoscope of traditions
- “Education and talent are too coherent and still very essential things that any ordinary citizen who wants to be extraordinary requires in life…”
At St. Anne’s Sega Girls High School in Ugenya Sub-county, Siaya, July 21, 2024, was a memorable day. Several guest schools gathered to celebrate cultural heritage and showcase talents. Consequently, it is indisputable that St. Anne’s Sega Girls High School is an educational institution that places a high value on talent development and cultural preservation. This remarkable institution hosted a vibrant Cultural Festival and Talent Show, bringing together students, teachers, and the local community.
St. Anne’s Sega Girls High School performing a modern dance during the cultural festival. Photo: Bonface Otieno. Scholar media group
Drawing from various locations and regions, Ukwala High School, Ugenya High School, Rang’ala High School, Rae Kanyaika Primary School, Township Seconday School, Sega Primary, Ugenya TVC, and Ugenya TTI, among other guest schools, had the chance to present various items showcasing talents, cultures, and heritages during this exceptional event. St. Anne’s Sega Girls High School humbly served as the generous host.
“We are so happy today to welcome you to our school as our distinguished guests. It is my pleasure as Principal to see all of you here, very distinguished people who honoured our invitation and joined us to celebrate our diverse talents and cultural heritage. Our school not only nurtures academic excellence but also talents and cultural heritage. As such, it’s my pleasure to welcome you to Sega Girls High School. Feel at home and enjoy this pleasurable occasion.” Said the chief Principal Mrs Penina Okech during her opening remarks.
Culture show is a platform of celebrating a variety of traditions.
A Cultural Festival is an impressive ceremony that celebrates a variety of customs from various backgrounds, creating a kaleidoscope of traditions. The issue of cultural preservation especially in the face of cultural corruption in the African continent; has become an elephant task clouding Africa with fear that she might ultimately lose her rooted traditions. It was from the onset, a mere excitement when another man’s culture was embraced in the black continent, it was good to style differently, eat differently, mourn and grieve differently, and bury one’s kin differently until it became a clear threat that, as we indulged into another’s man’s bedroom, our bedroom got cold and numb. The contemporary society is characterised by a culture that is neither African nor Western. It is alien and horrifying. For this reason, initiatives that promote cultures and guarantee proper cohesion among the various traditions are given careful consideration by the Kenyan government and Ministry of Education.
The Cultural Festival at St. Anne’s Sega Girls HIGH School was an ambience of colours, rhythms, and traditions. Students adorned in vibrant attires to depict different heritages showcased dances, songs, and rituals from various ethnic backgrounds. From the rhythmic beats of the Luo Benga and Ohangla dances to the graceful movements of the Luhya Isukuti, as well as the Baganda dances: the festival celebrated the diversity that defines Kenya. Powerful traditional chants, acrobatics and news anchorage also took to the centre stage seasoning the moment further.
Talent shows and culture exhibitions are a powerful tool that creates jobs and change lives.
As the guest artists, Tipsy Gee and Spoiler Lyrics joined the festival it heightened to spirit of entertainment.
Among the distinguished guests that graced the occasion, Ugenya member of Parliament Hon David Ochieng through his representative Hon Joseph Olale who are both passionate in culture retention and talent promotion were glad to support the event as well as great the congregation. Zetech University, Afrikwear company, Coca cola company and other sponsors were also happy to join hands in ensuring the event successful.
Why is it essential to preserve our cultures and celebrate them?
There are a thousand and one reasons; In an era of globalization and rapid change, cultural preservation is paramount and should be treated with the critical attention it calls for. The festival provided a platform for students to learn about their roots, appreciate their ancestors’ wisdom, and pass down traditions to future generations. Such activities like drama, comedy, proverbs, tongue twisters oral songs and storytelling sessions acted as reliable channels to fuelling this prestigious effort.
“Education and talent are too coherent and still very essential things that any ordinary citizen who wants to be extraordinary requires in life. I am a travelled man, I have been to different countries in the global world as a result of my talents and education.” Advised the Chief guest Mr Eric Omondi, President of comedy in Africa.
Unity and Understanding
By immersing themselves in different cultural practices, students fostered empathy and understanding. They realized that despite linguistic and geographical differences, they share a common humanity—a lesson that extends beyond the school gates. Members of the community could smile their lungs out truths of how aesthetic diversified cultures and traditions unearthed.
Breaking Stereotypes. It is notorious that different cultures have a tags of some known stereotypes. Some of these beliefs have negatively influenced the national cohesion of countrymen at different levels of interaction. It was eminent that this festival like many other related celebrations, shattered stereotypes by showcasing the multifaceted nature of African cultures. It dispelled misconceptions and highlighted the richness of traditions often overlooked or misunderstood. Children coming together to boldly exhibit their customs was not only a source of entertainment but also a lesson of how diversified we are.
Unleashing Hidden Gems through talents show
The Talent Show to the untapped potential within St. Anne’s Sega Girls HIGH School took an incredible turn. From poetry recitations to acrobatics, students stepped onto the stage with confidence to reveal their unique abilities. Notable performances included: modern dance, traditional dance, spoken word, news reading, comedy, modelling and traditional cooking.
Over 20 participants enrolled for a heated modelling competition of crowning Miss Sega Girls High School 2024-2025. Among the top participants who made it to the finals; Mercy Atieno was crowed winner Miss Jumbo 1st runner up while Noela Taabu was crowed Miss Jumbo 2024-2025. Mercia Auma was crowned Miss Sega Girls 2nd runners up, Idah Achieng 1st runner up while Mercy Kesley emerged the overall winner and therefore crowned Miss Sega Girls School 2024-2025. Ms Kesley confirmed that it’s her passion to model.
“It not is my first time being crowned as a model. This is something I love doing and have ambitions with. I have been crowed Miss Charity Busia County 1st runner up, and Miss Talanta Express 2nd runners up.” Confirmed Miss Kesley during an interview.
Is it not beautiful and promising to see young people take their talents serious? Haven’t we seen senior personalities in our global village who arose from their talents to rule established enterprises. Such is like the passion and dreams that lies with Ms Kesley.
“I want to get into a career, go international with fashion and design, open an agency. I want to model others and create a cohesive global space. I want to promote lives. I believe is not a mere mistakable walking up on some stage stylishly. It is a career or at least an opening into a career that also gives us a chance to networking opportunities.”
The Principal’s Vision
The chief Principal Mrs Okech, as a visionary leader, deserves commendation. Amidst cultural crises and external pressures, she recognized the festival’s importance. Her commitment to preserving African heritage and fostering unity resonated with students, teachers and parents alike. The Chief principal’s leadership exemplifies how education transcends textbooks—it shapes character, identity, and pride. It is in this light that she established a strong committee which through consultations and consensus sought for every means possible to make the day a success.
Led by the chief principal herself and the two deputies; Madam Mary Alando, and Madam Christine Winga, together with other colleague teachers Madam Joyce Owinga, Madam Caroline Pambala Mr Morgan Kipleting, Ms Leticia Ochola and Mr Bonface Okinyi, other teachers as well the support staff, the team worked day and night to ensure a show was coined than never before. The show exceeded expectations.
“Have fun, release classroom tensions. I want to urge the teachers, students and support staff and of course, our guests to utilize this ceremony to cool off, forget your stresses for a moment, breathe the energy that is yet to drown us here. I am a chief Principal because at some point the talents I got play a role. I believe that goes with every one of you seated here today.” Affirmed Mrs Okech.
The teachers too joined the heated celebration with some form of renewed energy and glitering eyes that shone above the stars. The danced and sang and celebrated
As the sun set over St. Anne’s Sega Girls HIGH School, leaving echoes of laughter and applause, it was evident that this Cultural Festival and Talent Show had left an indelible mark. Beyond the performances, it ignited a flame—a collective resolve to celebrate diversity, nurture talents, and safeguard our cultural legacy. St. Anne’s Sega Girls HIGH School stands a pillar in this perfect regard, reminding the entire world that amidst challenges, our roots ground us, and our traditions elevate us.
