The Sunday Mail
Shamiso Yikoniko
In Malachi 4:6, Jehovah says: “(I) will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.” 
This Scripture resonates with today’s occasion, Father’s Day, as families honour men of the house.
It speaks of the beautiful gift of love shared between father and children, much like the affection the Father continues to lavish on every human.
Last week, The Sunday Mail visited Alexandra Park Primary School in Harare to pick the minds of Grade Seven pupils on that subject of paternal affection, and oh, what impressions fathers have made on their children!
Dumisile Ncube said this of her dad, “Father’s Day is a day on which we celebrate fathers for all the sacrifices they make to ensure all our needs as his children are catered for. They provide shelter, food, clothing and school fees for us, hence, it’s only noble to celebrate them on this day.
“I have made it a tradition to buy my father a card and chocolate every year to show my gratitude. Moreover, I make him breakfast while he is in bed.”
Matinatsa Hapanyengwi said, “I am going to surprise him. Making use of my weekly savings, I have bought him a jacket. On top of that, my elder brother and I are going to take him for breakfast at a local restaurant.
“Father’s Day is special. It’s a day when fathers get to rest and children help around with household chores. It’s also a day when we give them presents and show them that all their efforts don’t go unnoticed.”
Tatenda Maswera chipped in: “It is a day when fathers get to rest from what they do for the family everyday. I will spend the day at church, with my father, of course. An event has been arranged to celebrate the day.
“This function at church involves games and lots of fun. I will first prepare breakfast for my father and then take him out for dinner.”
Shawn Katsidzira and his siblings plan to surprise their father with dinner. “Father’s Day is when we celebrate how our fathers have protected and cared for us,” said Shawn. “We have organised a surprise dinner for him to show our appreciation for being there in our lives and also because he is our role model.”
Father’s Day was first recognised in the United States on June 19, 1910 to celebrate fatherhood. Many countries celebrate it on the third Sunday of June, while others celebrate it on different days.
