Online Reporter
Gabriel Manyeruke
“Put God first in everything.”
These words, spoken by celebrated actor Denzel Washington during his 2015 commencement address at Dillard University (the United States), resonate far beyond the glamour of Hollywood.
He frequently emphasises this principle in his public speaking, capturing a timeless truth that success without faith is hollow and true greatness is anchored in values.
For many Zimbabweans, this principle was woven into their earliest experiences of schooling. Before lessons began, we would recite, “Our Father, who art in heaven”, grounding our day in reverence.
Scripture Union meetings brought song, fellowship and the Word of God into our young lives. These practices were not mere rituals; they were formative experiences that shaped our moral compass and offered consolation in times of trouble.
The moral foundation of education
Parents today face a crucial choice on whether to send their children to schools that prioritise sharing the Word of God.
Such institutions instil honesty, hard work, kindness, discipline, perseverance and resilience — qualities that endure long after academic certificates fade.
Increasingly, schools have recognised this by employing chaplains as full-time staff, ensuring that spiritual guidance complements the teacher’s role.
The Bible’s role in correcting misconduct and upholding moral standards cannot be underestimated.
Zimbabwe’s mission schools and long-established Association of Trust Schools (ATS) institutions stand as living testimony to the power of faith in education.
Founded on church principles, they continue to impart biblical wisdom to learners.
Their graduates often carry into adulthood a sense of discipline, humility and service.
If schools neglect this dimension, learners from homes where prayer is absent are at risk of being deprived of the nurturing foundation they deserve.
Diversity and emerging practices
With the mushrooming of churches and varied approaches to worship, some emerging schools have embraced diversity by setting aside time for prayer and worship that respect different Christian traditions.
This inclusivity ensures that all learners feel appreciated in their beliefs while still being anchored in shared values.
Such practices remind us that life is spiritual and education must acknowledge this reality.
Confronting the dark side
Recent headlines about alleged Satanism in schools, though often lacking tangible evidence, reveal how deeply learners interpret life through the spiritual lens.
Even hysteria points to a truth: Children, like adults, perceive existence as more than material.
Ignoring this dimension risks leaving them vulnerable to confusion and fear.
Schools must, therefore, prioritise spiritual formation alongside academics, embedding it as part of the hidden curriculum.
Every successful civilisation has treasured its religious beliefs. To raise children without biblical wisdom is to risk producing a generation adrift, lacking the moral compass that sustains peace and harmony.
Education divorced from faith becomes sterile, producing knowledge without character. By contrast, schools that blend academics with Godly principles cultivate citizens who are both competent and compassionate.
Towards a God-fearing nation
Imagine a nation where learners grow into adults who fear God, uphold honesty and practise kindness.
Such a society would be blessed with harmony and resilience. The call, therefore, is urgent: Schools must not reduce education to examinations and syllabi.
They must embrace the lifelong element of moral and spiritual formation.
Zimbabwe’s future depends not only on the quality of its classrooms but also on the values instilled within them.
Schools that integrate prayer, chaplaincy and biblical wisdom are not clinging to outdated traditions; they are safeguarding civilisation itself. Education without God is incomplete.
To nurture learners who will lead with integrity, we must ensure that faith remains at the heart of schooling.
Gabriel Manyeruke is an author and educator at Wise Owl High School in Marondera. Feedback: [email protected]
