The Sunday Mail
Misheck Jaravaza, Form 3 Waddilove High School
I was born in an African environment. It taught me many life lessons. My parents brought me into this world, gave me inspiration, motivation and mentorship in my life. Apart from them, I am thankful to the community that taught me in so many ways through experiences and observations. I reflect on my childhood days, as I stand tall today enjoying the fruits of the lessons I learnt as a little boy.
I grew up in a rural homestead called ‘Jaravaza’ in ‘Masvingo’. I am a boy who lived in grass-thatched huts. My eyes would wet due to our smoky cooking kitchen hut. The smoke used to make me look like I`m crying. Life was tough but I confronted the challenges and sailed through. I remember waking up early and knocking off late after a tiresome day working in the fields, which was never easy. Nevertheless, the funny part is that I would lick my hands enjoying food from our fields. My grandfather would then say, “Sweet comes from sweat my boy.” This taught me that hard work and patience pays in life. I was proud of our tonnes and tonnes of harvests.
My days as a little boy were exciting as we played various games with my friends and siblings. Rules are always part of any game, so I had to learn that following rules even in life makes you win and cheating is unacceptable. I remember playing Chihwande-hwande (Hide and seek) in the moon night. Chihwande-hwande game is very popular in Zimbabwean rural areas. It involves the act of two teams where the other team hides then the other team searches for the ones hiding until they find them. The game is great fun and it taught me never to give up until you find what you are searching for in life.
The African-Zimbabwean culture embraces division of labour between men and women who have different expected roles to play and fulfil. Back in the day, I herded cattle with my brother for the Jaravaza kraal. We would go far exploring forests in search of greener pastures. I enjoyed this task as we ate wild fruits that were abundant in the forests. Honey birds deceived us sometimes leading us to snakes and hyenas instead of taking us to harbingers of honey. This turned me into a good runner, as we would sprint away with our dear lives.
My story paints an African life based on Zimbabwean experiences. It depicts the culture, tradition and values of the nation. Life has difficulties and one has to withstand and overcome them. My childhood experiences prepared me to be brave and courageous in our God-given land.
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