By James Tichaendepi
Lower 6 student at St. Johns Emerald Hill
Zimbabwe celebrates children when they pass exams, speak in Junior Parliament or take part in Junior Council programmes.
The country also applauds them when they perform at public events, sing at national gatherings or entertain adults on stage.
But when the biggest arts awards in the country honour creative excellence, children rarely stand at the centre of that recognition.
The National Arts Merit Awards, widely known as NAMA, should consider a children’s category.
Zimbabwe has young poets, singers, actors, dancers, models, presenters, writers and digital content creators who already contribute to the arts sector.
Many perform with confidence, discipline and talent.
Others entertain audiences in schools, churches, communities, festivals and on media platforms.
They deserve recognition.
A NAMA children’s category would encourage young people to take the arts seriously.
Such recognition would also push parents, schools and communities to support children who show talent outside the classroom.
Zimbabwe often treats art as a side activity, yet creative work can build confidence, communication skills, discipline, identity and cultural pride.
NAMA already recognises many creative fields, including music, dance, theatre, literature, film, television, visual arts, fashion, spoken word and digital arts.
The awards also recognise children’s literature through an Outstanding Children’s Book category.
However, that category honours work made for children.
It does not directly honour children who create, perform and shape the arts in their own voice.
That difference matters.
A child who writes a poem, acts in a play, sings on stage or presents a programme does more than entertain.
Through art, that child learns courage, public expression and creative discipline.
National recognition can inspire such children to improve their craft and imagine a future in Zimbabwe’s creative industry.
The argument also fits the country’s wider child rights commitments.
Children have a right to participate in cultural and artistic life.
They also have a right to express themselves, learn, play and grow in safe environments.
A carefully designed NAMA children’s category could promote those rights.
But the debate must not end with applause.
Zimbabwe must avoid turning child artists into small adults chasing trophies, fame and public approval.
Talent matters, but childhood matters more.
A national awards category can build confidence, open doors, and give young artists visibility.
Without safeguards, however, it can also expose children to exploitation, unhealthy competition, online criticism and adult expectations.
That risk deserves serious attention.
Some children already face heavy pressure from school, extra lessons, social media and family expectations.
The arts sector must not add another layer of pressure without proper protection.
A child artist still needs time to rest, play, learn, make mistakes and grow away from the public eye.
For that reason, NAMA should not create a children’s category as a simple add-on to awards night.
It should create a child-centred system that protects young artists while celebrating them.
Organisers should require parental or guardian consent.
They should verify ages, protect children from inappropriate content and ensure that participation does not disturb school attendance.
Judges should understand children’s development, not only artistic performance.
A child should not lose marks because they lack the polish of an adult professional.
NAMA could start with one broad award, such as Outstanding Child Artist, for children under 18.
The award could recognise excellence in any arts field.
Later, organisers could expand the category into age groups or disciplines, such as music, dance, theatre, spoken word, modelling, visual arts and digital content.
That approach would allow NAMA to test the idea without creating confusion or unfair competition.
The awards could also link winners and nominees to mentorship, training and safe performance opportunities.
A trophy alone will not build the future of the arts.
Mentorship, exposure, protection and skills development will.
If NAMA wants to nurture child talent, it must think beyond the stage lights and the red carpet.
Zimbabwe already has children who carry the culture with pride.
School festivals, community arts groups, dance competitions, poetry platforms and church programmes continue to reveal young talent.
The country does not lack gifted children.
It lacks a stronger national system to identify, guide and protect them.
A NAMA children’s category would send a powerful message.
Young artists would know that Zimbabwe sees them.
Parents would understand that talent deserves support.
Schools would receive a reminder that arts education matters.
The creative industry would also recognise that its future does not begin when artists become adults.
It begins much earlier.
Still, the country must ask one important question before it rushes to celebrate: Are we creating space for children to grow, or are we creating another platform that demands too much from them too soon?
That question should guide the debate.
Zimbabwe needs a NAMA children’s category.
But it needs one that honours both talent and childhood.
The best award for a child artist should not only say, “You are gifted.”
It should also say, “You are protected, supported and allowed to grow.”
