Accra, Oct. 16, GNA – The National Theatre of Ghana is set to use its October edition of FunWorld, a family edutainment programme for basic schools, to promote mental health and breast cancer awareness.
Scheduled for Friday, October 23, at the Main Auditorium of the National Theatre in Accra, the programme will commemorate World Mental Health Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Month through educational activities and creative performances.
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Department, the National Theatre said the initiative sought to encourage conversations about mental well-being, emotional health, empathy and the importance of supportive environments for children, while promoting breast cancer awareness and the sharing of accurate health information within families and communities.
A major highlight of the October edition will be a debate competition between Springfield School and Gloryhill International School, providing pupils with an opportunity to demonstrate their public speaking, critical thinking, research and communication skills while engaging with relevant social issues.
Other participating schools include St. Theresa Kiddie Home and Educational Centre, Bethbara Academy, Opportunity School, Mount Gerizim, Stratford Academy, Jesus Ambassador School, Virgo Preparatory and JHS, and Paradise Mission Academy.
FunWorld provides a platform for pupils to showcase their talents through traditional and contemporary dances, drama, poetry, music and other creative performances, combining education with entertainment while nurturing young talents and promoting Ghanaian cultural heritage.
The National Theatre said the programme reflected its commitment to using the performing arts as a tool for education, social awareness and personal development, particularly among children and young people.
Basic schools, parents, teachers and the general public are encouraged to attend the programme, which begins at 1000 hours, with an entry fee of GH¢20 per person.
FunWorld is the National Theatre’s flagship monthly family edutainment programme. Established alongside programmes like KIDDAFEST, it has for over two decades provided basic school pupils in the Accra Metropolis with a professional stage to build confidence, teamwork, discipline, leadership and artistic excellence.
Each edition is anchored on a national or international observance to drive social change through the arts. Past themes have included environmental sustainability “Our Power, Our Planet, Inspired by Nature, For a Sustainable Future” for World Earth Day and World Environment Day, Girls’ Empowerment, World Creativity and Innovation Day, and the preservation of Ghanaian intangible cultural heritage.
The programme typically features drama, poetry, dance choreography, music, fashion shows, and quiz and debate competitions. It is managed by the National Theatre’s resident companies; the National Dance Company, National Drama Company and National Symphony Orchestra.
The October edition aligns with two global health observances. World Mental Health Day, marked on October 10, raises awareness of mental health issues and mobilises support for mental well-being. Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed throughout October, focuses on early detection, education and support for persons affected by breast cancer.
The National Theatre of Ghana, which opened in 1992 in Accra, is Ghana’s largest state-owned performing arts centre with a seating capacity of over 1,500.
Its mandate is to promote and preserve Ghanaian culture while fostering youth development through arts education.
GNA
Nii Martey M. Botchway
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong