There were tears of ecstasy on Saturday when Stella Maris Secondary School rose to the occasion to conquer in the 34th edition of the French Schools in Blantyre Drama Festival grand finale.
The school underlined its supremacy as hosts when it won the hearts of the judges of French lecturer at the University of Malawi, Prince Chimasula, gospel musician Chigo Grace and Solomonic Peacocks Director McArthur Matukuta to claim the championship outclassing eight other finalists.
Stella Maris, which also came out top during the regional finals, won with their play titled Le Effets De Vandalisme, which tells the story of Misha played by Hazel Chanika, who works hard to obtain good grades but undergoes pain and suffering caused by her schoolmates.
“We very excited, when we were preparing, we were setting for a win. The other schools put up great performances as well, but we just had to win,” the school’s headteacher Sister Evalista Kapwata, said.
The school which received a trophy and medals also produced individual winners in Best Actress, which went to Chanika and Best Actress playing a male role which went to Rachel Ngulube.
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Last year’s winners Jacaranda School for Orphans from Blantyre failed to defend the title when they came second receiving medals and a trophy. They also produced the Best Actor in Vincent Steven.
Likuni Boys from Lilongwe came third representing the Central Region. They received a trophy and medals.
The Northern Region which travelled a long distance failed to do well with its first representative Mzuzu International Academy, a new entrant, coming fourth and also produced the Best French Speaker (Female) in Mary Dindi whereas the Best French Speaker (Male) went to William Munthali from Luwinga Secondary School from Mzuzu.
The best actor and actress and best French Speaker (Male) and Best French Speaker (Female) received medals, bags and bicycles.
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The guest of honour for the event Timwa Lipenga from University of Malawi thanked organisers Jacaranda Foundation and French Embassy in collaboration with Association of French Teachers in Malawi and Ministry of Education for propelling the French language through the competition.
“We saw good plays and the schools put up great performances with a rich message,” Lipenga said.
French Honorary Consul to Malawi Luc Deschamps said they were satisfied with the outcomes of the grand finale.
“All the schools did well, and the students spoke French fluently,” Deschamps said.
The competition run under the theme La lute contre la violence et le vandalism dans les ecoles (The fight against violence and vandalism in schools).
