Chidima nurtures young talent through poetry and education
Chidima Shephad is a Zimbabwean teacher, poet, author and arts advocate whose work focuses on nurturing young talent through poetry, education and community arts.
He is a semi-finalist under the Entertainment Impact Award category at The List Awards 2026.
Born in Bikita, Masvingo Province, Chidima’s passion for poetry, education and the creative arts has shaped his work with young people. As a teacher and poet, he has witnessed the creativity and potential of children who often lack platforms to showcase their talents.
Reflecting on his journey, Chidima said his experiences in poetry and community arts inspired him to create opportunities for young poets to build confidence and develop their skills.
“My passion for poetry, education and the creative arts inspired me to pursue my current work,” he says.
This passion led him to establish Udzamu Poetry Slam, a platform that provides children aged 4–15 with opportunities to showcase and develop their poetry talents.
Through Udzamu Poetry Slam, Chidima has organised poetry competitions that address social issues including drug and substance abuse, early marriage and suicide prevention. He has also mentored young poets and supported learners in arts activities, creating opportunities for them to perform at community and national platforms.
Chidima holds a Diploma in Education from Morgenster Teachers’ College and a certificate in Script Writing and Producing from the Zimbabwe Film and Television School of Southern Africa.
His work as an author has also seen him publish seven poetry anthologies, two novels and a Grade 7 revision book. In 2026, he was recognised as Best Poet at the Masvingo People’s Choice Awards.
For Chidima, recognition at The List Awards would affirm the value of using poetry, education and the arts to create opportunities for young people and contribute to community development.
“Being a finalist or winner of The List Awards would be a meaningful recognition of the work I have dedicated to poetry, education and community development,” Chidima added.
Regardless of the outcome, Chidima remains committed to writing, teaching, mentoring young people and developing Udzamu Poetry Slam. His work continues to promote creativity, culture, education and positive social values while creating spaces for young talent to grow.