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Viola Mzungwana
RELIGION and education complement each other and churches around Bulawayo have community-based initiatives that are helpful especially to schoolchildren.
Churches around the city, especially during school holidays have student friendly programmes.
B-Metro visited some churches around Bulawayo that are actively involved with teenagers.
Prophetess Sizangokuhle Moyo of Family Life Worship Centre, a church based in Cowdray Park said for them, youths were a special needs group.
a�?We give our children a lot of attention as we dona��t want them straying. We usually have youth gatherings at church and if one of them has a birthday we specifically help in organising it. For instance, this coming weekend we organised a celebration for them.A� They are going to Hillside Dams to celebrate a birthday,a�? said Moyo.
Church elders help in moulding the youths to be better people in their communities.
a�?We have elders who teach them how to play church musical instruments usually during weekends. We also have experienced people within church who help with life skills,a�? she added.
Brethren in Christ Church (BICC) needs no introduction. The institution has a rich history of running schools.
Bishop Sindah Ngulube from BICC said they conduct career guidance days and lessons during the holidays, especially for children from their church.
a�?During these career guidance days we invite guest speakers who assist these students in making key career choices. The intent of this is so that we manage to avail all the support we can to our children. We also have holiday lessons to further assist them in areas we feel they are lacking,a�? said Ngulube.
Harvest House Internationala��s Pastor Leonard Mupezani said they believed in empowering young people.
a�?We have teachers who volunteer their services to students during the holiday period. These free lessons are not meant for children from our congregation only but can be attended by anyone. We currently have about 80 children attending now. Our sole goal is to empower our children realising that they are our future leaders,a�? explained Mupezani.
Efforts by these churches are in danger of a�?cut and joina�? instant churches and gospel preachers who claim to have anointed pens that help students pass.
Prophet Sham Hungwe, of House of Grace International Church was scolded for selling a�?holya�? ballpoints which, he claimed, would take students down the road to success during exam periods.
Despite a pen actually costing 15 cents each, media reports revealed that Hungwe had been selling the ball point pens for between $1 and $20 each, telling parents and students that they would do well.
One parent reportedly parted with more than $10 for one of the pens after Hungwe told crowds the more faith placed in God, and the more money parted with, greater was the chance for success.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Lazarus Dokora came out guns blazing after the publication of the reports, urging parents and students not to be misled by wayward religious leaders but instead study in order to pass their examinations.
A parent, Nobukhosi Ndlovu, who has an O-level child in one of the local schools said that belief in anointed pens was just wrong and something should be done.
a�?It will intimidate our kids at school, such acts should not be allowed at school. It all depends on what an individual believes, people use anointing oils and bracelets because they strongly believe they work, but anointed pens, it is totally absurd,a�? said Ndlovu. .
Online Reporter