Preserving Totem Knowledge Among
Learners at Mushumbi High School
Objectives
- To preserve and promote knowledge of totems among learners.
- To design a simple educational tool that teaches students about their totems.
- To reduce the ignorance and confusion among learners about the importance of their clan
totems.
Stage 1: Problem Identification
Statement of the Problem
Many learners at Mushumbi High School do not know their totems. This affects their
understanding of family identity and cultural values. The problem is happening at school,
especially during cultural lessons and activities where learners are expected to share or
identify their totems.
Statement of Intent
I am going to solve the problem by designing a visual and interactive Totem Awareness
Chart that helps learners identify, learn, and remember their clan totems easily.
Design Specifications
- A colourful poster/chart titled 'Know Your Totem'.
- Includes popular Zimbabwean totems, their praise names, animal symbols, and meanings.
- Displayed in classrooms and the library.
- Uses bristol board, markers, printed animal pictures, glue, and clear tape.
Stage 2: Investigation of Related Ideas
1. Oral Storytelling in Families (Rural homes across Zimbabwe)
- Strengths: Encourages family bonding, preserves culture.
- Weaknesses: Not consistent, can be forgotten or miscommunicated.
2. Cultural Days at Schools (Gokomere High School, Masvingo)
- Strengths: Fun and interactive way to learn totems.
- Weaknesses: Held once or twice a year, not continuous learning.
3. Totem-Based Textbooks (Some schools using Shona/Heritage Studies books)
- Strengths: Helps with reading and understanding.
- Weaknesses: Not all students read the sections, lacks visuals.
4. Community Elders’ Workshops (Mhondoro communal lands)
- Strengths: First-hand knowledge from elders.
- Weaknesses: Not easily accessible for school learners.
Stage 3: Generation of Ideas
1. Totem Awareness Chart (Poster)
- Strengths: Visual, simple, easy to understand, always visible.
- Weaknesses: Might get torn or damaged with time.
2. Totem Flashcards
- Strengths: Can be used in groups and competitions.
- Weaknesses: Cards can get lost, not useful for large class teaching.
3. Totem Quiz Game
- Strengths: Fun and engaging, promotes memory.
- Weaknesses: Requires time and someone to guide/play with students.
4. Totem Corner in Classrooms
- Strengths: Cultural section where learners contribute their totem stories.
- Weaknesses: Depends on learners' participation and contributions.
Stage 4: Development of Selected Idea
Selected Idea
Totem Awareness Chart (Poster)
Reason for Choice
It is easy to make, doesn’t need electricity or complex materials, and is visible to all students
every day.
Materials Used
- Bristol board
- Printed animal totem images
- Markers and pens
- Glue and scissors
- Clear tape
Process
1. Research common totems and praise names.
2. Print matching animal pictures.
3. Design sections with headings (e.g., Totem, Animal, Praise Name).
4. Paste and label each section clearly.
5. Cover with clear tape to protect from damage.
6. Display in the classroom/library.
Stage 5: Presentation of Results
Displayed the Totem Awareness Chart in class.
Asked classmates to identify their totems.
Did a short quiz to test memory.
80% of the class could identify their totem and praise name after one week.
Stage 6: Evaluation and Recommendations
Evaluation
The chart was well-received, but some learners struggled with pronunciation. Some images
were unclear and needed replacement. Learners requested more totems to be added.
Recommendations
Schools can create digital versions of the chart.
More charts in different languages.
Introduce flashcards and quiz games for revision.
