Online Reporter
Gabriel Manyeruke
LAST WEEK, as the school bells rang, signalling the end of another academic year, I found myself filled with anticipation and warmth.
As a teacher in urban Marondera, the holidays are a special time when I can step away from the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with my roots, hundreds of kilometres away.
This year, as was the case in the past, I will be travelling to my rural home in Murambinda, Manicaland province, to spend Christmas amid the love and familiarity of relatives and old friends.
A journey back home
There is something inherently magical about returning to the village for the holidays.
The journey itself is marked by a transition of scenery, from modern concrete buildings to lush green fields and rolling hills.
The air becomes fresher and the rhythm of life slows down, inviting you to take a deep breath and savour each moment.
One thing I particularly love about rural life is the strong sense of community.
In the village, everyone knows each other and there is an unspoken bond that ties us together.
The greetings are warmer, the smiles genuine and the conversations heartfelt.
It is a stark contrast to the anonymity often found in urban areas.
The situation in the village fills me with a profound sense of belonging.
The importance of family connections
Christmas is a time for a family reunion; it is worth utilising the period to visit relatives. This tradition should be cherished and upheld.
For learners, spending time with family members, especially those in rural areas, can be a deeply enriching experience.
It allows them to learn about their heritage, understand their roots and appreciate the values and customs that have shaped their families for generations.
In the village, our Christmas celebrations are a tapestry of cherished traditions.
From singing carols around a crackling bonfire to preparing a feast with fresh produce from the fields, every activity is infused with love and joy.
These moments create lasting memories and strengthen bonds among family members.
The spirit of love and giving
Christmas is not just about receiving gifts; it is about embodying the spirit of love and giving.
In the village, this spirit is evident in every gesture — big or small.
Neighbours come together to share meals, exchange stories and support one another.
It is a reminder that the true essence of Christmas lies in the act of giving, whether it is a simple smile, a helping hand or a heartfelt present.
For schoolchildren, embracing this spirit can be incredibly rewarding.
It teaches them the importance of empathy, compassion and generosity.
By participating in communal activities and helping those in need, they learn that the joy of giving far surpasses that of receiving.
A celebration of simple pleasures
Rural life offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the simple pleasures that are often overlooked in our fast-paced urban lives.
In the village, the days are filled with laughter and the rustling of leaves.
Children play traditional games, elders share wisdom through storytelling and everyone gathers to celebrate the beauty of life.
These simple pleasures remind us that happiness does not come from material possessions, but from the connections we build and the moments we share.
For learners, this realisation can be both humbling and inspiring, encouraging them to value the intangible gifts of love, friendship and community.
As I prepare to travel back to my rural area this Christmas, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with my roots and celebrate the spirit of love and giving.
I encourage all learners to embrace the joy of visiting relatives during the holidays and to cherish the invaluable lessons that come with it.
In a world that often prioritises material wealth and individual success, let us not forget the importance of family, community and the simple act of giving.
By nurturing these values, we can inspire a new generation to carry forward the true spirit of Christmas, making the world a kinder and more compassionate place for all.
Gabriel Manyeruke is an author and educator at Wise Owl High School in Marondera. Contact details: 0774122288, Email: [email protected]
