Don't Die With Thirsty in Abundance!

By Brian Maregedze

Reflecting on the April holiday which is sometines called the Easter holiday, l managed to meet many students for two weeks covering topics in Family and Religious Studies as well as History for advanced levels. This has been an exciting phase indeed as l managed to interact in person with students, teachers and also parents. More interesting is the encouragement,  motivation l received not only from students or teachers but parents who take their time reading this blog. As schools open, it is my desire to communicate with students basing on the lessons we covered. This appeals to all students.

The observations and recommendation l seek to make is not limited to lessons covered but to some extent, whatsapp group interactions we had. Having met with some students, I personally shared soft copies of Handouts, books as well as articles to read. This has been good news to new learners whom l met. The general consensus is that there is not enough reading material for the New Curriculum. On the contrary,  l proved many students wrong. Schools yes, there are struggling to access reading material in general. This however,  doesn't represent the reality on the ground everywhere. My story isn't more to resource inadequacy but rather on those who are dying with thirsty in abundance (kufa nenyota makumbo ari mumvura). I earnestly encourage students to use whatever source of information they have. Given the reading material l shared with students, that l share using this platform l find it not justifiable to find students who still don't read.

Some students still showed that they were not reading the sources they had gathered from me over the two weeks we interacted through lessons and social media. This is sad on the part of students as this betrays their desire to see them earning excellent results at the end of year. Again, the very fact that one owns a gadget,  mobile phone or computer and has access to an expert in the subject should push you to work hard day and night for excellent results. It is not necessary to have all the resources and not utilize them for greater good and or excellent results. Students, l challenge you as you begin another term to rethink, focus and actively participate in all the learning activities which lead to your positive growth.

The future of Africa is in you. Harness the resources you have at all cost. In as much as some students claimed lack of cooperation with their classroom practitioners l insist and believe in Zimbabwe's teachers. As long a class has a teacher, l believe in positive results. Learning with passion on the part of student/s also inspires even the teachers.

The uncertainty of having class room practitioners has been circulating on  both print  and electronic media platforms as the term begins. This should never dumpen your spirit of learning. It is still possible to excel.

Mr Muso, the President of History Teachers Association of Zimbabwe in a whatsapp post had this say to students;

".... schools are opening. Our exams for October/November are fast approaching.Some are writing in June. Be focused from day one! Shape your life now, work harder!
Use this time wisely. Associate with friends who are focused. Relationships are not good for you now. The time for this will certainly come.
Pray to God for wisdom and understanding. Read your Bible every day in the morning and before you sleep.
Have a blessed term!
Bless you!"

It is my contention that, DON'T DIE WITH THIRSTY IN ABUNDANCE as we are always there for you and you. Enjoy your studies all the time.