All is set for this year's edition of the annual Jikinya Dance Festival to be held this Saturday at 7 Arts, in Harare. Some of the schools that will be competing in the national competitions include Chifamba Primary School from Mashonaland Central, Ndlovu Primary from Matabeleland North, Denzva Primary from Manicaland and St Joseph Primary from Mashonaland East.

National Arts Council of Zimbabwe deputy director Nicholas Moyo said the national finals would be tough, and that the level of competition in the provincial competitions was better than previous years.

"We are happy with the level of competition at the provincial competitions and the national finals prove to be bigger and better as there are more schools and dances in the competition," said Moyo.

The winning school will walk away with US$1 500 and a trophy.

Last year's finals were held in Bulawayo for the first time. The reigning champions are Matjinge Primary from Matabeleland South.

Jikinya was started in 2002, organised by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and mainly sponsored by Delta Corporation.

The festival is aimed at encouraging children to appreciate and perform Zimbabwean traditional dances thus preserving the country's rich cultural heritage.

It is hoped that Jikinya will contribute to the rebirth of a national culture, identity and pride among Zimbabwean youths.

Since the establishment of the festival, a lot of interest has been generated among teachers and school pupils.

Besides promoting and preserving culture, the festival has helped in creating employment for artistes.