i

TRAIN
UP
A CHILD
By
Faith Chiwara
a.k.a
Rutendo Lovely Nzira

ii
 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Copyright © Faith Chiwara/2017

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Faith Chiwara asserts the moral right to be identified as the

author of this work. NO part of this publication may be repro-
duced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any
means without prior written permission of the author. Any
abuse or unlawful sharing of this book will lead to prosecu-
tion.

iii
 Contents

Acknowledgements .............................................. 5
INTRODUCTION ...................................................... 7
CHAPTER 1 .............................................................. 9
CHAPTER 2 ............................................................ 18
CHAPTER 3 ............................................................ 27
CHAPTER 4 ............................................................ 34
RUN TOWARDS THE PRIZE ............................. 34
CHAPTER 5 ............................................................ 48
CHAPTER 6 ............................................................ 63
CHAPTER 7 ............................................................ 81
CHAPTER 8 ............................................................ 99
YOUR BODY IS THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY
SPIRIT ................................................................ 101
DON’T DIE BEFORE YOUR TIME. ................ 103
CHAPTER 9 ......................................................... 112
CHAPTER 10 ....................................................... 122
CHAPTER 11 ....................................................... 133
CHAPTER 12 ....................................................... 142
CHAPTER 13 ....................................................... 154
CHAPTER 14 ....................................................... 163
CHAPTER 15 ....................................................... 172
CHAPTER 16 ....................................................... 188

iv
CHAPTER 17 ....................................................... 205
CHAPTER 18 ....................................................... 224
CHAPTER 19 ....................................................... 235
CHAPTER 20 ....................................................... 250
CHAPTER 21 ....................................................... 260
CHAPTER 22 ....................................................... 275
CHAPTER 23 ....................................................... 288
CHAPTER 24 ....................................................... 299
CHAPTER 25 ....................................................... 310
CHAPTER 26 ....................................................... 321
CHAPTER 27 ....................................................... 331
BREAKING CURSES....................................... 335
WHAT IS A CURSE? ........................................ 335
BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES INVOLVED IN
CURSING .......................................................... 338
THE POWER BEHIND THE CURSE ............. 339
CURSES RELEASE DEMONS. ..................... 339
WHY CURSE? WHAT MOTIVATES CURSING?
............................................................................ 341
BREAKING OF A CURSE ............................... 341
PRAYER TO BE DELIVERED FROM PAST
CURSES............................................................ 342

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to God
the Almighty for the voice of wisdom and knowledge
in the writings of this book. If not for His anointing,
nothing would be as powerful and life changing as it is.
The Chiwara – Panganai family, where I was born
and brought up. Am grateful for the support over the
years.
My mentors Apostle Augustine & Pastor Mrs
Audrey Mutanga and Pastor Tichaona Striker & Pastor
Mrs Isabel Machuwaire, for helping me to explain the
word of God and make sense out of it in secular writ-
ings. I appreciate the grooming, teaching, criticism and
rebuke that they are putting so much work and prayers
into, to shape and sustain the brand Lovely Rue /Auntie
Rue / Sis Rue …. Only God can reward such work.
All my Pastors for the job well done in grooming
me to where I am today. Bishop Sheila and Baba
Utedzi, Overseers Uanguta, Pastor Tochi, Pastors
Musvota, Pastors Mubvundikwa and the Agape Assem-
bly Keetmanshoop Namibia where I fellowship.
My sister and friend who did the Social Network
groundwork, Sheila Chimuzinga Charamba.
I also want to thank my editor Mr Victor Zvada and
the producers Pearl Press. All online writers for the sup-
port that they have given me to make my writings a
success.
~5~
 TRAIN UP A CHILD

A special appreciation to my Facebook and

WhatsApp Fans, affectionately known as “the free edi-
tors.” Our association has made me grow with every
copy written. Keep it up.

~6~
 TRAIN UP A CHILD

INTRODUCTION
TRAIN UP A CHILD

The proverb reads: “Train up a child in the way he

should go, and [or even] when he is old he will not
depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
One simply cannot twist the verse to mean if one
rears children properly, then God guarantees they will
choose the right path. Guaranteeing someone will
make a choice cannot be done without God taking the
freedom to choose out of the hands of every child
reared by believing parents.
What is peer pressure’s role in the raising of kids,
how about the Social Media, Internet? Education? Are
these things taking over from the parents’ authority?
Ko ndizvo here kuti mugoni wepwere ndEasinayo or
rather akazvara sekera muchitende, for you never know
what stunt your child may pull….
Is spoiling my child loving him? Is loving my child
spoiling him?
Is there a certain expected measure of loving my
own child? (minimum and maximum?)
Can a child break his parent’s heart? How?
Am I raising my child in a properly acceptable man-
ner, a way that even in my absence my child can adjust
in any environment and live a happy fulfilling life?
Do I raise my child to correct my youthful faults?

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Pushing my child to achieve everything I have failed

myself, thereby not giving him room to decide and
make his own choices.
How about gender balance? Are youthful mistakes
worse in girls or in boys or they are just the same. How
many chances can I give my child to make sure they
make it in life?
Are my children a blessing or a curse to this world?

~8~
 TRAIN UP A CHILD

CHAPTER 1

I t was Monday 14 January that year, Secondary

and Primary schools opening day, vabereki vese
vaimhanya mhanya kutenga mabhuku neku-
batanidza mari dzechikoro kuti vana vavo vandotanga
gore rechikoro zvakanaka. Mhuri yaBaba namai Ma-
konese muguta reHarare kuMarimba Park, was one of
them, for their only son Takunda Makonese was going
to St Matthias High School, a Catholic School that was
70km outside Harare, kwaaiita Form 6 gore iroro. Aive
mwana ega, the apple of daddy’s eye, the joy to his
mother, vaimuda, ndiye wavairaramira.
Even their friends and relatives vaiti kana vasvika
vaiti zveavo hazviteedzerwi vanoita mwana wavo
kunge tese tisina vana. Asi vese vaisave nehanya nazvo,
vaidanana vakadaro, mhuri yavo yaivafadza vakadaro.
Takunda aiwana more than necessary things, even
things that he would jokingly mention or simply ad-
mire in passing, baba namai vake vaimupa asina kutaura
kechipiri.
Like the Biblical Jabez, Takunda akange azvarwa
mukurwadziwa nekuchema kwamai vake, nhoroondo
of the circumstances surrounding the birth of this fine
teenager is a story and a half for another day.
VaMakonese vaive nemakombi aienda Dziva-
rasekwa Extension and also Glen View 1 and 7, all in
all vaive nemacombi 12 on the road. Saka mari yange
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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

yakati wandei mumba mavo, and Takunda aizviziva

and aigona to make use of it asingabwairi. He would
blow a civil servant’s salary within the twinkle of an eye
and ask for more.

That Monday, the domestic workers of the Ma-

konese home were running around, the house maid
packing and unpacking Takunda’s luggage, the driver
and an assistant loading in the car, zvombobudiswa
zvovhurwa zvodzorerwa zvakare. Dai vaifamba one
continuous journey ah kana boader Nyamapanda vain-
dosvika musi uyu. Apa Takunda aishamarara nekutu-
kirira vashandi vairongedza muAmarok yababa vake,
all gadgets zvairambidzwa kuchikoro, iye aienda nazvo
by hook and crook.
Semazuva ese achienda kuchikoro, airongedza mon-
ach rake rezvekupfeka riri rega, rebhutsu rega, re-
chikafu rega. Then boxes of a computer, home-theatre
system, Ipods and play-stations, and countless DVDs
and memory sticks, loaded with heaven-knows-what-
nonsense, ndozvaipinda muAmarok with the driver
and an assistant to offload kana vasvika , iye nevabereki
vake vari vatatu vaizotevera vari kumashure iye mwa-
nakomana achidriver BMW yababa vake kusvika ku St
Matthias High School.
Apa cellfone yaTakunda yakabva yarira ndokudaira
achifamba famba and later came back oti kuna amai
vake,
“Mum, let me quickly go back to that boutique to

~ 10 ~
 TRAIN UP A CHILD

return the sneakers they just called vawana the color

yandange ndichida.” Amai vasati vapindura, baba vaka-
daidzira vakamira pamota panze vachiti; “Just get a sec-
ond pair sonny, why return that pair? You may need
both.”
Takunda smiled achindopinda mune imwe mota
oenda mutown to do his sneakers business.
Later on that day, just before sunset the Makonese
family motor-duo yakasvika paSt Matthias Mission,
boys’ hostel. Boarding Master vaGondo vakamhanya
mhanya helping the assistants to make Takunda as
comfortable as the Mission would allow, kwavari zvai-
bhadhara from both Takunda wacho nababa vake.
After their grant entry into the Catholic Mission
Farm, vakazopfuura nekuMission House vachikwazisa
vapikiri maSister nemafata, semaitiro avo vaivasiira
zvipo. Baba namai ava vaive maKatorike akakwana
aichengeta varanda vaMwari muchurch zvaizikanwa
chero naArch-Bishop. Vakasiya vakomekedza vana
Sister vaishanda kuHigh School kuti vachengete
mwana wavo nekumudzidzisa tsika neunhu
zvaitsanangurwa mumabhuku eKatikasi yechitendero
chechi Katorike...

At the hostel, the 5 A’Level boys, known as the Big

5 or team TK were sitting vachidya biltong nekunwa
some energy drinks zvakange zvauya naTakunda,
while updating each other zvakange zvaitika during
the holiday, and their plans for that term. Mumwe

~ 11 ~
 TRAIN UP A CHILD

wevakomana ava ainzi John Zuva akabva ati;

“Ini guys my report was all red, mudhara akandirova
ne electric cord, ndakaita holiday yese kumusha
kwaMuchekayaora nemoms yamudhara shamwari,
ndichirara muround hut maive nehuku yairarirawo
mazai ayo boy, this term I will study, that experience
was hell.”
Vakomana vese vakamboseka vachiwanzira mumwe
wavo. Takunda akabva ati; “Jay Zee wakapinda ma1,
Inini never will I fail, vanenge vaenda kupi vana Sir
Makore dzinogara dzakachona, dzinobhadhara child
maintenance yeHarare yese”.
Vakomana vakamboseka teacher wavo, Takunda
ndokuenderera; “he will always sell me passed test pa-
pers and a good report, even paO’Level final exam
chaiyo he did a good job, exchanging and rewriting
exam papers for me from the Deputy Head’s office, so
my dad and mum know that their son is mwaaaah, I
had more A’s than most of you vaiverengaka haha-
haha.” vakomana vakamboseka, John achibva ati;
“Be careful this term TK, hanzi Makore akaenda
kuSouth Africa, so uchatanga ani manje, vasara vese
vanogara maRosary ari muhuro vanoramba bribe
dzako.”
Patrick Payarira akabva ati; “Let’s just study guys ti-
pase A’Level zvipfuure izvi, we can still enjoy pahol-
iday, but this term let’s be serious. ”
Takunda akaseka achiti; “P Square unotyawo iwe
too much, ease boy.”

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

The sirene for supper time went off vachibva va-

simuka voenda to their dining hall.
Vana vese were happy and noisy vachionana, Sr Ma-
ria-Goretti Boarding Mistress vakatora nguva nekuto-
zobata shamhu kuti vanyaradze vana ava kuti paitwe
munamato wekudya. Rakave sadza nebeans zvekurasa
chaiko nekuti vese vakange vachine roasted chicken
nezvimukuyu from home.
Vakagara kudaro muA’Level Dining Hall pakasvika
musikana aitaura naSister, John akabva ati; “Kakabat-
anaka aka kaO’Level Vice Headgirl, hakaite.”
Patrick akasimudza musoro achiti; “Ndekekuma-
raini kwedu kuHighfields usadherere, amai vacho
vanovava too bad, like mother like daughter haupushe
ipapa, ndomavirgin Mary aya, amai vacho vakatopan-
ama necement boy, sealed hauvhure.” Vakaseka vese
vakatarisa the Vice head girl of St Matthias High
School.
TK akazhinya ndokusimudza a clenched fist
ndokuti; “PSquare let’s bet guys, I will disvirgin the vir-
gin Mary wacho iyeye, even if it means using the ro-
sary and the bible, so be it.” Vese vakaseka again Sister
Maria Gorretti ndokufamba towards them, when she
got there everyone was serious she failed to see where
the noise had come from.
Vachingobva Patrick akabva ati; “Unoflasher dollars
TK but I tell you that girl is not moved, ukamugona
then uri munin’ina waSatani boy” they laughed again,
this time avoiding attention to themselves.

~ 13 ~
 TRAIN UP A CHILD

“PSquare you are right, anonzi Dorothy musikana

uyo, remember even teachers for that post yaVice
Headgirl they choose the most brilliant and well disci-
plined Form 4 girl , so apo haubate.”
Takunda smiled and said; “We will see about that,
watch the space guys.” Aitaura akatarisa musikana uya
akange akamira naSister, licking his lips like a rabid
dog. Vakabva vazobuda voenda kumahostels avo, to
rest and prepare for the first day of school.

The following day, the whole school assembled to-

gether, teachers and students, to mark their first gath-
ering of the year, the Priest in charge of the Mission
was also present to bless and encourage the children and
teachers alike. After singing the National anthem,
Church Choir yakaimba rwiyo “Ngaarumbidzwe
kudenga denga”, vachitenda Mwari nekudzoswa vese
as one big happy family to learn and be educated.
VaGwatikudza headmaster of St Matthias High
School vakabva vati;
Today I want to teach you about PEER PRESSURE,
what is it?
What is peer pressure? :Peer pressure is when we feel
compelled to act a certain way because we want to fit
in and be accepted by certain people.

 Nobody wants to be the person who gets

talked about or laughed at. But, unfortunately,
sometimes we lose focus of who we really are
~ 14 ~
 TRAIN UP A CHILD

because it becomes more important to us to

just fit in, especially when we're young like
this.
 Most of the times the pressure that you feel as
teenagers involves superficial things, like dress-
ing, talking, behaving in a certain way to be
considered cool. We have to have the name-
brand clothes or shoes.
 Or maybe the pressure involves doing things
that we think everyone else is doing. How
many people here started drinking or getting
high because everyone else was doing it and
they didn't want to feel left out?
 Or maybe the pressure involves doing some-
thing illegal. Maybe your friends were in on
something and you went along and joined in
because you didn't want them to think that
you didn't have heart or that you were scared.
 Maybe you got caught doing something while
you were just trying to fit in and go along
with someone else. Or maybe you were the
one who convinced one of your friends into
doing something wrong. So, first off, we
sometimes feel pressure from our friends.”
“Today as your headmaster, I advise you, do not be
someone who blends in too easily with the crowd and
you are comfortable being in the company of unsaved,
undisciplined, rebellious people.
As a school we have set up Christian Groups where

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

you meet every Sunday afternoon and discuss issues the

godly way, we have Nzanga yaSimon Peter for boys
and Nzanga yaMaria for girls, and also the Charismatic
Renewal, we want to groom prayer warriors that will
save our nation, we want to breed prayerful leaders.
Kwete zvidhakwa zvinofamba zvakarembedza
mabhurugwa hanzi ndokuva cool.” Vana vese vakaseka
as their Headmaster imitated dropping his pair of trou-
sers the teen-fashion way and walked towards them.
Headmaster vakafamba vachienda to the senior stu-
dents who were at the back, ndokuvati;
“Be good examples to the new Form one students
and other young ones, zvamunoti kuve cool will lead
you faster to your grave kwaunondove cool graduating
to cold underground zveshuwa.
Church Choir, can I have the song “Mambo ndi-
notenda nechipo chavabereki” VaGwatikudza vakabata
microphone yavaitaurisa nayo ndokutanga kuimba
pamwe chete nevana;
Mambo ndinotenda nechipo chevabereki
Makavapa simba negrasiya renyu, Vakandirera
ndinot Ndinokumbira muvapewo rugare
Muvasimbisewo muchitendero Muchitarisiro
nemuchido Ndinotenda vabatsiri vese
Vamakapa moyo uzere tsitsi, Vakomborerei
kuti varambe vachipupura Nezvechitendero
chenyu. Ndingavatendewo neikooooooo

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Chikoro chese chakaimba, vaive vakabata ngoma

nehosho vachidzitindimura kusvika munhu wese ave
kuzununguka, after that the Priest came forth and
stretched his hands towards the pupils;

“Let us pray: In the name of the Father and the Son

and the Holy Spirit, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
honai vana vedu ava, may you remind them of their
core business at this school. Teach them kufadza
vabereki uye kutenda vabereki vavo vanovada kudai
through discipline and hard work. You are the greatest
teacher Lord Jesus, the staff members here are simply
your assistants. Give us enough of the Holy Spirit at this
place to succeed pane zvese zvatinoita zvinokufadzai,
zvipe mbiri kunaJesu Kristo iye Mwari kwemisi isin-
gaperi.…. AMEN”

Vana vakazofamba vese voenda to their respective

classrooms, while the Form 1 and other new students
stayed behind. That was the beginning of the term for
Takunda Makonese at St Matthias Catholic High
School

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CHAPTER 2

A lois Makonese, baba vaTakunda, aive murume

ange ave nemakore 56 ekuberekwa akange
akurira kuWedza, kwaRuzane, padyo nezvi-
toro paMukamba, vaindogeza nekuchera mvura mur-
wizi Mhare. He was the first born in a family of 7 boys
and a girl. In his childhood and youthful years, he was
a hard worker, a pride to his parents and siblings.
Paakanyora Form 2, ane 15 years, mazuva iwayo ichiri
yeCambridge, akabva asiya chikoro nekuti mari dzai-
sakwana kuti mhuri yese iende kuchikoro nekuti amai
vavo vakange vazvara sembudzi, gore mwana gore
mwana chaiyo.
Chekudya chaicho chaitonetsa pamusha apa, zvekuti
amai vake pese pavaisununguka mwana,kunyanya
kutanga pane wetatu apo, hama dzavo dzakange dzo-
tadza kuti makorokoto nemwoyo wese, nekuti yaive
nhamo, ndemumwe muromo waida dura rezviyo pa-
gore rese.

Mumwe muzukuru wababa Makonese aityaira

magonyeti eZambia akabva atorana naAlois
paakapedza ZJC vombonotsvaga chekubata beyond
the boaders. It was the most difficult 6 months of his
life, doing menial jobs which he could have done in
Harare or Chitungwiza nearer home, aingowana kwa-
cha rekudya chete, so he decided to move again.
~ 18 ~
 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Akabva aenda mhiri kwaLimpopo in Durban

kwaakandoshanda at a transport Company achitumira
vabereki vake mari yekuti vaendese vanin’ina vake ku-
chikoro. Akadzidza motor mechanics dzese zvekuti pa-
makore 13 aakashandapo akange oziva engine yemota
semaziviro aaiita ruoko rwake.

Pakangopedza hanzvadzi yake, last born, tete Caro-

line, A’Level, akabva adzoka ave nemacombi ake
maviri, ndokutanga business iroro. Ndopaakasangana
naMonica Chindedza ari police officer kuVID.
Vakawirirana vakaroorana zvakafadza vabereki vavo
vese. Monica akabva asiya chipurisa vobatsirana busi-
ness uye aida kuve amai mumba achirera vana vavo
nababa vaisweroshingairira mhuri yavo.

Mwedzi mitatu yekutanga ambuya Makonese

vakange vogara vachishanya kuMarimba Park, ku-
zoona kuti muroora haasati osvipa svipa here neku-
finyama finyama. Alois was their hero, they were all
waiting impatiently for his children, they all felt he de-
served better and more. After sending all his siblings to
school, up to degree levels, and building the family
mansion, they all wanted to see his home full of his chil-
dren. His brothers and sister would jokingly say,
“mukoma itai vana venyu even 10 they are our respon-
sibility, it’s now your time to rest”. Yes they loved and
appreciated their brother that much. They all were
grateful for how he had sacrificed his education, his life

~ 19 ~
 TRAIN UP A CHILD

crossing boaders alone for their sake, and each of them

felt obliged to give back to him. Amai vavo ndo gos-
pero she would preach to all of them vachingongodzera
kuti mukoma Alois is and will always be the man of the
Makonese match.
After 4 months, vakawana Monica achingofamba
pasina chaainacho. The old lady was not impressed at
all, however she decided to be patient and gave her
more time.
At the end of 12 months, mhuri yese yekwaMa-
konese vange vatsamwa and they did not hide their dis-
appointment, mukoma Alois vaitambisirwa nguva
nemukadzi waange akaroora aisada kukudza rudzi. His
business was extraordinarily flourishing, mari yese
iyoyo yaifanira kudyiwa nani? Iye Monica ndiye ange
oita seanogeza nemukaka ozora chocolate nekudya
mari yamukoma Alois akarara zvake musabhabha.
Izvi zvaitaurwa kwavari vese vachinzwa, insensi-
tively.

Pagore retatu, hapana chakachinja, kusekererana

kwavamwene nemuroora kwange kusisipo, vamwene
vaisatombonyara zvavo kana kunyepera, she decided to
do it the feminine way, frustrate her till she packs her
bags and go. Kana pavaishanya kuMarimba Park
vaisadya chinhu kuti azvione kuti havanei naye.
Nerimwe zuva Monica akashanyira vamwene vake
kuWedza, paakavatambidza groceries she had brought
for her, vakaramba kutambira ndokumuti;

~ 20 ~
 TRAIN UP A CHILD

“Ndave broiler here rinongounzirwa chikafu zuva

nezuva, ndodawo muzukuru wekubereka, wekutuma,
wekufambawo naye. Kurwizi kwatinoenda uku twana
tunenge twakati farara pese twuchitamba. Ndoshaya
kuti wangu munyama rudzii kuti chero vana vane
15years vanotamba pasi pemuti vanongomitisana, asi
wangu muroora anorara pamuzvambarara weLuxaire
mubhedha asi chabuda hapana. Musanditorera vanhu
vemaricho ekumenya nzungu gore rino, imi usiku
hwese munenge muchiitei, huyai muzomenya nzungu
dzangu kuno. Kusanyara mukadzi mukuru akaita sewe
kufamba wega senyoka, chero Dorika mupengo
anofamba nevana vake wani…..”

Monica akabaiwa chaizvo nemanzwi aya, akaridza

mhere sepafiwa, manheru acho akadzokera kumba
kwake kuHarare, haanazve kuzotsika gumbo rake
pamusha pasekuru naambuya Makonese. Akasviba
moyo akashaya kuti mhosva yake yaive yei kana vana
vari zvipo zvinobva kuna Mwari. Akati kana Mwari
vaida kuti adzokere kundoitawo muroora anofarirwa
neremekedzwa vaizomupawo mwana.

Gore iri ndopaakatanga kuenda kumaChiremba ese

ese seriously, akambosiya zvekuti we are waiting for
God’s time, akaenda kundovhenekwa kuti vaone kuti
chii chaimutadzisa kuitawo mwana wake. Kwese
kwaakafamba vaingoti hapana chakaipa paari. Monica
akatanga achaita Rosary zuva nezuva, nekunamata

~ 21 ~
 TRAIN UP A CHILD

maNovena of all Saints aaiziva as shared in the Catholic

church, katatu pagore aienda kuMutemwa Leper Camp
kundorara mugomo rainamatira St John Bradburne,
akaneta akambosiya chitendero cheRoma.
Akatanga kuverera usiku kuti mafata, masister
nemadzimai eNzanga yaAnna Musande vaainamata
navo vasaziva kuti pane kumwe kwaaimboenda.
Aienda kumapostori; akaenda kune vemazuda
akambosunga mutimwi wered newhite akaneta
akaudambura akavasiya. Akaenda kumagemenzi
ewhite anosungwa nemabhande matsvuku, akaendazve
kune asingasungwi akaona sekutambisa nguva
akaramwa. Akaenda kunguwo tsvuku dzine bhande re-
green akatizazve. Asi bheriya ange otamba zvemhando
yepa top.
Akaenda kuDefe Dopota kuZion akambotevera
zveko kusvika atizazve. Asi akabva odzana chaizvo
aitamba zvine rhythm waiyeverwa makumbo achiita
seane magetsi achiimba ndire ndire. Akageza nekunwa
miteuro neinoyera, midzi yekun’anga akanwa neimwe
yaizomurarisa akagara hana ichirova, dzese dzaive
shungu dzekuti abatewo mwana wake mumaoko. Asi
chibereko chakaramba chakavhara, apa makore ai-
famba.

Kana Nigeria-SCOAN kwaTBJ akandosvika

akandoudzwa kuti “God has heard your prayer you
shall surely have a son at God’s own time.” Asi pakaita
dzimwe 5 years mwana wechipikirwa asina kuuya,

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God’s own time yacho yaive kachana kure kure kusina

anosvika, kana yaizosvika. Zvokwadi when was God’s
time? Pane anoiziva here nguva yaMwari kana kuti
kungomirira murima, dai maporofita aiziva aitaura
zuva mwedzi negore kwete kuti God’s time, Monica
aiita hasha achifunga prophecy yakadai.

Pavange vasvika 7 years vari vese asi mwana pasina,

ambuya Makonese vakadaidza mwana wavo kumusha
ndokuti;
“Chionaka iwe mwanangu Shumba, zvekuti ufe
usina mwana nekuti wakaroora mukadzi ngomwa
aiwa. Saka ndakutsvagira mumwe mukadzi kubva
Buhera kwedu. Ari pano anonzi Chengeto anogara
muraini rimwe chete nesu kwana sekuru vako uko.
Akaita mwana wake kare atove Grade 2 izvozvi. Saka
iwe ndiye achave mudzimai wako wekuno kumusha,
uyo waunoda mogara mese Harare.”
Alois asati apindura, amai vakasimuka pasi
pemumvuri pavaive vakagara, ndokundopinda mumba
ndokudzoka nemukadzi wemakore 24.
“Muroora Chengeto, ndiye murume wako uyu.”
Ambuya vakataura vakasekerera chaizvo vachigutsi-
kana nehurongwa hwavo. Alois akaramba akanyarara
akatarisa mudzimai akange apfugama mberi kwake
kuti amukwazise, akagutsikana kuti paive nemukadzi
akasvika. Asi attraction naye paive pasina hapo, upenyu
hwake Monica ndiye waaida. Vakazokwazisana

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

nekubvunzana upenyu, Chengeto ndokutumwa kun-

dobikira “murume wake”. Ambuya Makonese
ndokusara vachiti;
“Uyu anozvara ari pano tichimuchengeta nevazu-
kuru vangu. Kana vakura wovatengera imba kuHarare
vogarawo semagariro anoita mvandara yaunogara
nayo.” Vaitoda kuti kana asvotwa nazvo ngaaende asi
vaiziva kuti mwanakomana wavo haazvide. Akange
amboita mwedzi wese asingataure navo
pavakambosimbirira kuti Monica adzokere kumusha
kwake.
Alois akaramba akanyarara ave kungotura befu
nekupukuta dikita achifunga zvese zvaitaurwa nez-
vaiitwa namai vake.
Zvisinei masikati aya akaenda kuHoward Mission
Hospital kwavakandoitwa all necessary tests, Alois
ainyanya kuda kuve nechokwadi pazvinhu zviviri.
Aida kuziva HIV status yaChengeto kana zvimwe zvir-
were zvepabonde and most importantly, aida kuziva
kuti Chengeto haana nhumbu here nechekare.
Zvakaramba zvichimunetsa kuti sei Chengeto ange ab-
vuma kupfimbwa nechembere iyi kusvika pakutouya
kumba kwavo vasati vaonana, akangoti ndozvinoita
nhamo paruzevha.
Nevertheless, Alois akazogara kumusha kwemavhiki
maviri akatevera, naChengeto semudzimai wake.
Vakamboenda kuHarare kwaakandomutengera boxes
of clothes and shoes, maternity dresses, and also gro-
ceries. Akazondomusiya kumusha odzokera kuHarare,

~ 24 ~
 TRAIN UP A CHILD

ainzwa kuve young and newly wed.

Paakasvika kuMarimba Park akawana mudzimai
wake achinge anorwara chaiko nedepression and seri-
ous stress. Pane kuti afarire kudzoka kwemurume wake
akangochema achizvidemba kushaya mwana kwake.
Alois akabwaira bwaira achishaya zvekunyatso-
tsanangura kumudzimai wake, iye Monica aida mhin-
duro;
“Ko kana waive kumusha muchigadzira about our
problem, why was I not invited, handiti mwana
anoitwa nevanhu vaviri here?”
“Sorry shamwari zvaiitika zvacho ndiamai vakazvi-
ronga, and zvaisaita kuti uvepo, ndiwe mukadzi wangu
nyangwe ndikaita mwana nemumwe mukadzi anenge
achingopfuurawo nepano. But tinodawo mwana
mumba muno Monica.” Akapedzisira nekumutaurira
nezveurongwa hwaChengeto, akaedza kutaura
zvishoma kuti Monica asanyanye kurwadziwa. Asi
Monica aisave benzi aiziva kuti chii chinoitika pakati
pemukadzi nemurume vabvumirana kuita mwana vese.
She did not comment anything, but shed bitter tears of
heartbreak and hopelessness.
Vakazoita vhiki yakanyarara , Monica achifa
nekufunga, and a long list of unanswered questions
which she would not dare ask Alois due to fear of facing
the truth and further heartbreak.
Alois wacho, aitaura kuti anoda Monica wake asi
anxiety and excitement yekutarisira mwana wake na-
Chengeto got the better of him. He was always on the

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

phone asking how the mother of his child was doing,

taking orders from both his mother and amai vevana
vake. All weekends ainge ave kuWedza, achitandara
nemudzimai wake, nekusimbisa mwana aiumbika
mudumbu maChengeto….

Pamwedzi wakatevera Chengeto akatanga kurutsa,

kurwadziwa rwadziwa kusingapere, mbuya Makonese
vange votonzi mbuya vaKudzai, vange vatove
musikana chaiye vachibikira Chengeto tea nemazai
zuva nezuva vachimupa ari mumagumbeze asina neku-
geza kumeso. Musha wese wakafara, kufara kwavo vese
vakabva vakanganwa kuti kuna Monica aivewo
mudzimai wavo. The smart and knowledgeable
mother in law had everything under control. There
was no hurry of going to the hospital for tests, they
were waiting for sometime, of no menstrual flow to be
sure and then go to the hospital. Uye kugadzirira kun-
dobvisa danga reNzou chairo kuvabereki vake.

Mwedzi miviri yakave yekusimbisa pamuviri paka-

uya pakatarisirwa nemaziso matsvuku. In the fourth
month, Chengeto was shocked to wake up one morn-
ing with spoiled undies, was she having her menstrual
flow or was it a miscarriage?

~ 26 ~
 TRAIN UP A CHILD

CHAPTER 3

V amwene vakamhanya pabus nemuroora

kuenda Harare, pange pave kuda the City doc-
tors, Specialists to be specific, vakazoudza Alois
vatove munzira kuti vari kuuya, vakangosvikira
kwaPrivate Doctor ange asanofonerwa naiye Alois, uye
Alois ange akavamirira ikoko.
After a thorough examination, chiremba akagarisa
mhuri iyi pasi ndokubvunza mibvunzo yakawanda
yange yave kutovasvota.
Akabva azoti; “I am sorry baba namai, condition iyi
inonzi; Pseudocyesis or in layman’s language, it’s False
Pregnancy which is a condition in which a woman
believes that she's pregnant, yet conception hasn't
taken place and no baby is forming inside. There will
be common pregnancy symptoms that help to rein-
force this idea, which can lead a woman to be abso-
lutely certain she's expecting, for months or even years!
In this case it happened for about 150 plus days.
A woman with a case of Pseudocyesis may experi-
ence many of the same symptoms as an actual mom-
to-be, including the following: cessation of the men-
strual cycle, nausea and general pregnancy aches and
pains, like leg cramps and backache. Sezvaingoita
muroora wenyu.
Saka zvese zvainzwa muroora it’s Medically proven,
ange asinganyeberi” Chiremba akadaro. Alois akabva
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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

ati; “Ko nhai Doctor zvinokonzerwa neiko zvakadaro?”

"As unbelievable as it may sound, the mind is actu-
ally able to take control and prompt the body to pro-
duce believable signs of conception” Chiremba
akatsanangura ndokuenderera achiti;
“In a few cases, false pregnancy may be the result of
an actual physical symptom such as an ovarian tumor.
A history of depression, as well as past medical issues,
or past abuse, psychological problems and insecurities,
But I want to rule out everything in your case, be-
cause in this case; it’s simply the result of a very strong
wish to be pregnant,"
Chiremba vakadaro, vakatarisa ambuya Makonese
ndokuti; “Kana imimi amai at your age with experi-
ence, handiti maitoona sekuti dumbu remuroora riri
kukura? Maitoona zvese zvingaite mudzimai ane
nhumbu, saka zvinowanikwa.”
Chiremba akaona kurwadziwa nekupererwa kwak-
ange kwaita mhuri iyi achibva avati; “Muroora anoda
kubatsirwa zvakanyanya panguva ino kuti asapinde
muDepression nekuti munoona how powerful her
mind is, muviri wese wange watodairira kunhumbu
isipo, you all need to relax, it’s actually a relaxed body
and mind that makes conception easier.”
Akange ongotaura ega, vatatu ava vakabuda vadun-
gamidzana kunge vachatizana. Vachisvika kuMarimba
Park, Alois akatora mudzimai wake Monica ndoku-
buda nemotikari yavo vachisiya vaenzi vega. Monica
akaramba achibvunza zvange zvaitika asi murume

~ 28 ~
 TRAIN UP A CHILD

haana zvaakataura. Vakaenda kumashamwari avo

vakandogocha, Alois achinwa doro kunge aida kuti
rimuuraye, vakazodzokera kumba pave pakati nepakati
pazuro nanhasi.
Pazuva rakatevera vaenzi vakaperekedzwa nadriver
kumabhazi vachisiya Alois akarara nemudzimai wake,
zvese vakarongedzerwa nevashandi.
Pavhiki yakatevera Alois akadzokera kwaChiremba
uko akandokumbira kuita zvaaiudzwa nemachiremba
over the years, have a thorough Medical examination
himself. After 2 weeks he went to collect his results,
Chiremba akamuti;
“Mr Makonese my friend, you have a condition
called oligospermia, which is a lower-than-normal
sperm count, while a complete lack of sperm in the se-
men is called azoospermia. A low sperm count in male
lessens the possibility of fertilizing the female’s egg, but
it does not mean one cannot become a father”.
Alois akatsikitsira nekuti his fears and denials were
confirmed, asi Doctor vakaenderera,
“I will refer you to a Fertility clinic, it will be good
dai maienda mese with your wife because besides med-
ical treatment, there are other things that you need to
do, some adjustments at home such as your diet and
your lifestyle, zvinoda kuti mubatsirane, wega it can be
stressful ukazvitadza.”
This was a very difficult for Alois, paakasvika kumba
akangotaura sematsananguriro ange aita chiremba, he
did not want to ask anything from his wife, he wanted

~ 29 ~
 TRAIN UP A CHILD

her to offer and initiate. Asi Monica ange akamirirawo

musi wakadai uyu, akabva ati;
“Ndozvatairegera kuita for the past 7 years izvi, how
many times did I ask you kuti tiende tese to doctors?
Now Chengeto made it possible? Now Chengeto
forced you kuti uchienda handiti? Thanks to influential
Chengeto she can make powerful, life changing deci-
sions for this marriage.”
Mudzimai akambonyarara achimedza mate
nekufemedzeka, ndokuenderera, “but come to think of
it, ko wadii wati inini ndiite zvawakaita naChengeto?”
Alois akatarisa mudzimai wake ndokuti; “Kuita sei
ikoko?”
“I find another man wekuita naye mwanaka handiti
dai zvakaita kwawakabva kwese dai watove nevaka-
wanda?”
Alois akaridza tsamwa ndokuti; “I know you are an-
gry and I treated you unfairly, but waa kufarisa manje.
Kana wave nechikomba taura zvakanaka.”
Monica akabva atanga kuchema; “You see, you see
iwewe hauzvikwanise handiti, ko inini handisi munhu?
N’anga yekuMufakose yakandirarisa muSewage, yek-
uEpworth ikanditenderedza mumakuva ndakashama,
gore riya ndikaita cerebral malaria kunge ndichafa nda-
rara kumasowe kuChiredzi weekend yese. Guesthouse
yandairara Nigeria was bombed by suicide bombers
ndave ne2 days ndadzoka kuno. Waivepi?
You saw all my Medical reports for 6 years Alois,
why did it took you so long to THINK kuti it could be

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

you! Nhasi waa kuti ndinofarisa, dai ndakaita easy way

like you and your intelligent mother did with
Chengeto, now ndakazadza vana pamba pano kare
kare. Now watadza zvese waa kuti ndikubatsire. Your
mother is cruel Alois, yes go tell her I said so, uvati
vakudzorere mudumbu mavo ubude wave nemamwe
mabhora anogona kugadzira hwurume hwunoumba
munhu , hoo she actually made a mistake kukuzvara
usina kunyatsokwana pakati apo, go to your mother.”
Alois akasimuka ndokubuda panze ondogara ega,
this was getting hotter, akaona kuti aizomurova kana
airamba akaterera mashoko emudzimai wake. Vakaita
mazuva matatu vasingataudzane vakanyarara vachijaira
nyaya yavo. Monica akabva azoti;
“Handei kwaDoctor kwacho munotanga treatment”
Alois akaramba akanyarara, Monica paakazotaurazve
kechitatu, that’s when Alois responded, “What if it
doesn’t work? Zvikaramba ndodii?”
“Tozviona ipapo, remember TB Joshua akanditi I
will have a son, haana kumboti outside this marriage I
am still believeing in my prophecy for 4 years now. I
believe this treatment is the answer to our prayers.”
Vakazobvumirana ndokundoona chiremba wavo,
and God being the Creator that He has been since the
beginning of time, in the 3rd month, the doctors con-
firmed Monica pregnant. The couple was more that
excited, asi havana hama yavakada kutaurira, vakagara
vega rejoicing and spoiling each other.
Ambuya Makonese vakange vaita mwedzi mishanu

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

yese vasina kutaura nemwana wavo, pavakadzokera

kumusha vakandosvika Chengeto achidzokera kwake
Buhera. Akangoitawo semunhu ange andosevenza,
proof of nice clothes, groceries and a fat bank account
made it believable.
Ambuya vakafunga to visit his first born son and
make peace with him, and as always vaienda without
an appointment, vaingosvika zvavo sechamupupuri.
Izvi Monica aisave nehanya nazvo pahama dzemurume
wake, ko Alois was a father to all of them.
Ambuya vakaita sevachafenda vachivhurirwa
musuwo naMonica dumbu riri uko, ngarikure aiita
kunge ane matwins. Vakabata bata kuti vaone kuti
raisave rekuisira here, muroora akaseka achikanyaira
slowly as she made way for the monster-in-law to
come in.
“Ko wakadii kundiudza kuti ndozvawakazofunga
izvi?”
“Chiiko nhai amai” Monica akabvunza asina
kunzwisisa.
“Wakatorerei mutorwa, murume wako ane
vanin’ina vakawanda dai wakaitira mumba, zvino
wounza mutorwa pamwana wangu?”
Monica akangodzungudza ndokuvatsanangurira
zvakange zvataurwa namachiremba. Ambuya havana
kuzvibvuma;
“Makaita zvese izvi mega, Alois kana kundiudza,
akange atsamwa kuti tese takaziva kuti ndiye murwere
here? Kana newewo muroora, kana ari muzukuru

~ 32 ~
 TRAIN UP A CHILD

wangu wawakatakura kwakutadza kundiudzawo here

chokwadi.”
Monica akasimuka ave kurongedza zvinhu
zvavange vauya nazvo uye kuvagadzirirawo chekudya.
Mushure me4 months ambuya vashanya, Takunda
akabva azvarwa, pakave nekufara nekupemberera. Vese
Monica naAlois vakagutsikana nemwana wavo
mumwe chete, kana zita ravakamupa raive rekutura
befu, vakange vakunda nyika. Havana kuzoda wepiri
uye makore akange afamba vakange vachembera, the
doctors told them it was risky to have a normal baby at
that advanced age and also under treatment.
Takunda was clever and brilliant throughout his pri-
mary school years. Nekukura achiona kudiwa
kwaaiitwa nevabereki vake, he took advantage of them.
He was over pampered and he enjoyed every moment
of it.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

CHAPTER 4

P aSt Matthias High School, first Sunday of the

term, vana vechikoro vaipinda Mass yavo vega
yaive 10:00 – 11:30am. Vana vaigara
zvichienderana nemalevels avo, form ones in front
while the advanced level students were at the back, all
boys at the right side while the girls on the left side of
the church. Father Paul Chuma, the Priest in charge
conducted the first mass of the year;

RUN TOWARDS THE PRIZE

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

 24
Do you not know that in a race all the run-
ners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in
such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who
competes in the games goes into strict training.
They do it to get a crown that will not last, but
we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
26
Therefore I do not run like someone running
aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating
the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and
make it my slave so that after I have preached
to others, I myself will not be disqualified for
the prize.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

 Press Toward The Mark - The word Mark re-

fers to the "goal that one has in view." In other
words, Paul was oblivious to his surroundings,
he was just heading for the goal. He wanted to
finish well. Notice that when he did reach the
end of his life, he was able to leave behind the
testimony that he had indeed run well. "For I
am now ready to be offered, and the time of
my departure is at hand. I have fought a good
fight, I have finished my course, I have kept
the faith:" 2 Tim 4:6-7.)

Fata vakambobva kuPulpit ndokufamba down the

aisle vachibvunza vana the prize that they were all ex-
pecting to get from the school, their parents’ expecta-
tions, their parents’ advice, how best they can achieve
that. Vana vakapa mhinduro dzaiti hardwork, obedi-
ence, discipline, prayer.
Fata vakabvunza zvakare about the distractions
zvingawane vana and disturb their stay at school. The
pupils mentioned peer pressure, alcohol, smoking,
drugs, love relationships. Fata vaibva vatevera every re-
sponse vachipa dzidziso yavaida kuti vana vazive.
 As students, there is a great need for you to
avoid the trap of becoming distracted by the
events of this life. There is a mark, there is a
goal and you should be striving for that goal in
your lives! May God help you to keep your
eyes on the goal.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

 Too many of you come out of the blocks

primed and pumped to run the race, but after a
few weeks you fall into peer pressure, you have
become distracted and fallen out of the race. I
like those students who are steady! They are
not living for the moment, but they run with
eternity and success in view at all times.
 They realize that God is honored by a race
well run and a life well lived. They are not eas-
ily distracted, but they run with their eyes on
the goal!
 If you are to succeed in your studies and in
Christian life and honor God by the lives we
live, then you are going to have to run the race
His way. You will have to run with our eyes
upon Him.
 You will have to learn to turn a blind eye to
the allurements of the world and a deaf ear to
the siren song of compromise. If you will at-
tain the prize of Christ likeness, then you will
have to pay the price of dedication and strug-
gle.
 It will be a hard fought victory, but in the end,
when we see His face, it will be worthy it all!
 Hard work rewards, you will have good results
and qualify to Colleges and Universities.
Fata vakamira kushure kwaive nevakomana veA’
Level ndokuti; “Kana maticha enyu nevabereki venyu
vachikutsiurai, vanoziva zvavanenge vachitaura, it’s

~ 36 ~
 TRAIN UP A CHILD

through experience so vanenge vachiti musaite same

mistakes. Nekuti takabvako kumhunga hakuna ipwa.”
“Dzange dzisati dzamera!” Inzwi rairatidza
kusvotwa nemharidzo iyi rakadaidzira kubva kuvako-
mana veA’ Level. Muchurch makaita mhere mhere
vana vese vachifa nekuseka. Sister Maria Goretti nava-
Gondo vakasimuka voenda kwaive nevakomana,
vakasvika vachisimudza Takunda ange akagara
akavhara kumeso kwake nehat yake vobuda naye
panze, pasina nguva ange adzoka.
Fata vakapedzisa vachiti;
 How well are you running your academic race
this year? This term?
 Are your eyes on Jesus alone for help? To be
obedient and disciplined as a child of God?
The 5th commandment says honor your father
and mother kuti mazuva ako agowedzerwa pa-
nyika, surely God knew and loved us enough
to give us such commandments.
 There is a song we sing from time to time that
has a part that goes like this, "Turn your eyes
upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and
the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in
the light of His glory and grace." How true!
Getting your focus solely on Jesus will give
you the direction you need to successfully run
the race for His glory and your eternal benefit
as you run for the prize!

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Let’s have the song “Ndibatsireiwo Mambo

wangu”, musamboridza ngoma or anything, let’s all
stand up and sing it with closed eyes as a prayer;
Ndibatsireiwo Mambo wangu
Kuti ndisangoita samashizha
anobhururutswa kwese
kwese nemhepo
asi ndive mutenderi akatsiga.
Kazhinji isu vanhu tinofarira
kutorwa mwoyo nezvinhu zvisina maturo,
Amai Maria musandisiye ndiri ndega
Nekuti kazhinji ndiri bofu
Uye handitane kuzvinyengedza. AMEN

Mushure meMisa vana vese vakabuda, vakomana

vashanu, known as the big 5 or team TK vaifamba
slowly going to their hostel, musikana we Form 4
ainzi Nancy akabva amhanya kwavari ndokusvika
achibata Takunda,
“TK, uncle Changie is here, handisi kuda kuti Sister
MG vandione ndega, go entertain him am coming
now” musikana akafamba achibva apa.
Patrick akati; “Dhara ratouya? Visiting her 1st week
chokwadi?”

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Takunda akaseka ndokuti; “ringaendepi, handiti he

recently bought them a house next to imba yababa
vangu kuHighfields, baba vangu vaitoida to put more
lodgers asi he beat him to it. Amai vaNancy iGirls pa-
Tonas boy.”
John akambotarisa Nancy ndokuzoti; “So TK un-
opinda papi apa?”
“Ndini ndotamba front ka nhai, kuti kana madzimai
MG vave kuuya as she is everywhere like demons, an-
owana uncle Changie sitting harmlessly with me.”
John akadzungudza ndokuti; “But I know all moth-
ers are protective of their girls, what’s happening be-
tween this uncle Changie and Nancy’s family?”
Takunda akaseka ndokuti; “Poverty poverty boy,
uncle Changie bought them a house like I said, and he
pays for Nancy’s fees and everything else for her to live
and breathe. So it’s paying to both mother and daugh-
ter, kana Nancy ave criminal lawyer achitibudisa ku-
Chikurubi uko, zvinenge zvakanyorwa pai kuti fees
was paid by what-her-mamma-gave-her?”
Vakomana vakabuda misodzi yekuseka, Takunda
akaenderera ndokuti;
“And boy, why are you asking so many questions,
all of us here, yes the 5 of us we were disvirgined by
this Nancy chick, she knows the game real good, no
wonder uncle Changie is wrapped around her little fin-
ger.”
Patrick akaseka ndokuti; “Jay Zee be carefull ndiwe
unonyanya kukada, it’s scary now, madhara anorwara

~ 39 ~
 TRAIN UP A CHILD

aya, she is now dangerous. Inini handichaendepo

again.”
John ndokuti; “And we can’t afford her anymore,
uncle vane Ford Ranger iwe une Nike sneaker boy,
stay away.”
Vakomana vakaseka chaizvo.
John akabva ati; “PSquare ugare nemaCDs (con-
doms) boy, and make good use of them,”
Patrick akaseka achiti; “What’s your problem guys,
wait for your honeymoon night, from now on, no sex
before marriage.” Vakomana vakaseka chaizvo.
Takunda ndokuti; “Haiwa dai Mwari aida izvozvo
angadai akazotipa sex organs on the wedding night,
manje kana zviripo ngazvishande.”
Charles Dewe ange akanyarara nguva dzese akati;
“Ko TK amaiguru Dorothy tovawana riniko, ukafamba
paduze navo vanofinyama, ingosiyana nazvo tipe mari
you lost.”
Patrick akati; “CD ari right siyana nazvo TK, tipe
mari tiite musoro nayo.”
Takunda akaita nguva akanyarara ndokuzoti;
“Mune dzungu vapfana imimi, now that you said all
that, am making a second bet, she will not only fall for
me, but ndiye achatondinyenga.”
Vakomana vakajumper jumper vachirovana maoko
vachiita kusveveredza Takunda iye achisekawo
chaizvo.
John akambomira kufamba achiseka achiti; “I know
kuti unogara wakadhakwa muface wangu, but apa dai

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

wambondoona chiremba. Mbanje wadziwanza iwewe.

Our very own Vice Head Girl, Madame Dorothy
Moyo kunyenga iwewe, tsotsi repaMbare, rinozikanwa
navaChihuri, tsotsi riri paWanted list yeFBI? Be serious
boy.”
Takunda akambozvida ndokuti; “She will beg me
boy, achauya kwamuri mese to ask you kuti bro TK
ngavataurewoka kuti ‘I love you babes’ watch and learn
vapfana how to paralyze a woman, learn from me kuti
mukadzi anofonyorwa brain sei.”
Vakomana vakaramba vachiseka vachipinda
muHostel mavo, vakandobvisa school shirts vopfeka t-
shirts ndokuenda pange pakapaka Uncle Changie mota
yavo. Vakangosvika vachipiwa biltong neroasted nuts,
cooler box rakavhurwa maive nemacan of assorted soft
drinks, vakanwa vachitaura nyaya naUncle Changie
while waiting for his teen-queen.
Nancy akafambisa achienda kuHostel, ndokun-
dopinda mushower 2 minutes ndokuenda kuFootball
ground kwaive nemuenzi wake, it was parked behind
some eucalyptus trees zvekuti munhu aive kumahostels
and classrooms aisaiona. Panguva iyi vana vese were
moving around their hostels and resting while waiting
for 1230hrs to go for lunch. Musikana akasvika
ndokupinda muFord Ranger yeblack yaive nematinted
windows, even back at the canopy, vakomana vese
vaive apa started disappearing one by one vaviri
ndokusara vega.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Vakagara for more than an hour behind closed win-

dows, once in a while mota yaionekwa shaking, slowly,
faster, slowly, alternatively, ko handiti maive makagara
vanhu vapenyu. A few minutes to 1230hrs mota
yakandomira at the girls’ hostel entrance, musikana
ndokututa mapasuro ake achindoisa maaigara.
Paakabuda akawana Sr Maria Goretti vakamira ne-
hama yake.
“Nancy, you did not report your visitor to my office
as per the rules, why?”
“Mange musimo Sister ….” Nancy akadaro
akadzikama.
“And the head girl?” Nancy akaramba vakanyarara,
sister ndokuti;
“So ndiani vako ava nhai Nancy?”
“Ndisekuru hanzvadzi yamamma.”
Sister vakatarisa sekuru vaye ndokuti; “Ko mwana
zvaachangobva kumba nhai sekuru mange matotevera
narini, our visiting days as you know is every 1st week-
end of the month. This is unacceptable. Mati munonzi
vaani zviya?”
“Ndinonzi Rateyiwa C. munhu waMwari. Inini I
am always travelling so pakauya muzukuru kuchikoro
I was outside the country. So I came to check how she
is and pamunoita all your scheduled visiting days, ese I
went through them, I will be out of the country, so
ndodii?”
“Ko handiti amai vake variko nhai vaRateyiwa?
Vanozomuonaka, imi munhu wemurume

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

mungazonyanyoita nyaya dzei nekamhandara

zvinotadzwa namai vake?”
VaRateyiwa vakaridza tsamwa, “Ah mave kuto-
tiudza how to run our family nhai sister. Nancy is my
investment, do you get it? Kuti ave pano ndini, kuti
chikoro chino chiti tine 50 O’Level girls, including this
Nancy girl, ndini, do you understand? I am allowed to
see kuti pandiri kuisa mari panofamba sei, right? Will
you stop harassing me now? ” sister vakafamba vachib-
vapo, vaRateyiwa ndokuti kuna Nancy, “and you, get
inside the car, I will drop you off kuDining hall, ndave
kuenda.”
Sister vakaramba vakatarisa mota ichivapfumburira
huruva ichienda.
Nancy akasvika ndokumira mira paDining Hall
ndokusangana naTakunda,
“Waita rough ka iwewe Nancy sha, ko kuzosiya
condoms kumaGum trees uko ndokudii” Takunda
akafa nekuseka achirova mumwe wake maoko. Nancy
akabata muromo ndokuti;
“Serious? Ndafunga kuti uncle Changie vaisa
mudashboard, inga ma1”.
“Ko ndaona makamira namadzimai Maria Goretti
hanziiko?” Takunda akabvunza.
“She is full of nonsense hameno zvavange
vachingowawata zvisina maturo.” Nancy akadaro.
“I have a pending issue navo ndofanira kuvaona
about kudaidzira kwandaita muchurch. I blundered

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

shamwari, I was dozing so ndapepuka Father vachi-

taura zvemhunga neipwa munzeve mangu sha, I didn’t
think I was shouting.” Vakamboseka ndokufamba
vachienda kuO’Level dining hall vachitiza vaGondo
vange vouya kuzoridza sirene.
“Uncle vauya neCocaine here?” Takunda
akabvunza.
“Ya enough to last me a term, inini handitokwanisi
kuverenga kana ndisina kumbodhonza” Nancy aka-
daro.
Vice head girl Dorothy akange akamira paDining
Hall akati kuna Takunda; “Please go back,
hamubvumidzwe kudimbudzira nekuno uku
muchienda to your A’Level dining hall”
Takunda akaita kuruma muromo kuti asatukirira,
but since he had an agenda on this girl akasekerera
ndokuti; “I am sorry my sister, ndodzokera, can I see
your notebook?” Dorothy akafamba achibvapo, Nancy
achiseka achipinda mukati. Takunda akadzokera ku-
mashure ndokufamba achienda kwaaifanira kuve.
Masikati emusi uyu, sister Maria Goretti vakadaidza
Takunda kuOffice kwavo yaive at the Girls’ Hostel.
“I want to send you to the Headmaster zvawaita mu-
church hazvitomboita, you know we respect the body
of Christ in the house of God, saka mhosva yako is
straight expulsion.”
Takunda akagara pafloor chaipo, achiisa kabag
kaive nemabook ake pachair paange akagara.
“Sorry sister, handizviite futi, musadaidze moms

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

vangu vanoita BP kana ndikapinda munyaya dzedisci-

pline idzi, please sister.”
“But there is a way yandinogona kukuregerera, ”
Sister vakadaro vachitsvetera.
“Anything Sister please, any punishment.”
“Tell me the relationship between Nancy and her
visitor Mr Rateyiwa”
“Ah sister nooo,” Takunda akadzungudza.
“Kana usingade ndave kutofonera amai Makonese
ndivaudze vauye mangwana.” Sister vakadaro vachi-
bata cellphone yavo.
Takunda akadzungudza ndokuti; “But Sister mu-
sanditaurewoka please ndingauraiwe.”
“Uri mwana wasahwira wangu I will always protect
you Taku.” Sister vakadaro vachipeta maoko avo
ndokuterera.

Takunda akambondandama ndokuzoti; “Uncle

Changie is Nancy’s sugar daddy, handiti munoziva kuti
baba vaNancy vakashaya 3 years back, and also kuti
amai vaNancy vaimbove nemaShebeen kuHighfields?
Then akavharwa ese neCouncil vakasara vasina any
means of livelihood, saka she sold or rather pimped her
daughter to uncle Changie, he is also a drug dealer, a
ruthless one, asi ndovanovachengeta vese.”
“Saka kuti uncle Changie ndokuti chii?” Sister Maria
Goretti vakabvunza.
“Ndofirst name ravo, vanonzi Changamire Ratey-
iwa, so we call him Uncle Changie” Sister vakaseka

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

chaizvo zvekutozara misodzi mumaziso.

“Ok mwanangu, inga vamwe vanhu havakure, saka
kutamba nevana ndokudii? Chienda.”
Takunda akaramba akambomira ndokuti; “Sister
ndokumbirawo kuona Dorothy the vice head-girl.”
“Zvaita sei?” sister vakabvunza vave kusimukawo
kuti vabude.
“Ndine some extra note books andakapiwa natete
Carol, you know aunty Carol vanoshanda kuCompany
inogadzira stationery, Biblos Stationers, so I have extra,
daddy vakati nditore extra to bless someone here, so
ndamuona akabata that type of notebook so I can add
2 or 3 more.”
Sister vakasekerera impressed, “Inga unomboita
munhu kwaye nhaiwe, usawanze mbanje otherwise
you will be as generous as your parents. Rega
ndimudaidze.”
Sister vakabuda ndokudadzira Dorothy nekuti room
yake ndiyo yaiteverana neApartment yaSister. Vakad-
zoka kuna Takunda ndokuti; “You are god-sent mwa-
nangu, I know haana enough stationery as we speak,
amai vake vanorarama as a single parent baba vachi-
dhakwa zvavo varipo. Uye wamubatsira chaizvo. Even
uniform yake chaiyo, it’s worn out and old, but she is
very smart and brilliant hamungamboone zvese.” Sister
said this as a matter of fact, havana kuziva kuti vari
kutengesa mwana wababa namai Moyo uyu kugora
rekwaMakonese. Pamusuwo pakagogodzwa Dorothy
ndokupinda.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Sister vakati, “Takunda ati he has something to give

you Dorothy, I don’t see anything bad, tora zvako.”
“Ari kupa inini nani? Who else is receiving things
from him?”
“Ah ah na na eh eh ndapa vamwe boys veForm 2,
it’s ok if you don’t want.” Takunda akadaro.
“I have enough things, and you are not my father to
give me anything.”
Sister Maria Goretti vakati; “Isa patable pangu uende
Takunda.”
Takunda akabudisa three 100 page counter books,
three 60 page exam pads and 5 pens and 2 pencils
ndokubuda oenda asina kutarisa kuna Dorothy.
“Tora Dorothy, as if it’s from me to you. Baba namai
Makonese are givers in church, so is their son.”
Dorothy akatora ndokubuda oenda.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

CHAPTER 5

A t the beginning of March, a Tuesday afternoon,

pakaita staff meeting paSt Matthias High
School. Boarding Master, Boarding Mistress,
Head Cook, Garden supervisor, Caretaker, Tuckshop
operator and Security guards vaivewo part of of the
meeting, vachibatana nemateacher, apa paitaurwa non-
academic issues vamwe nevamwe vachitaura zvekude-
partment kwavo.
Sister Maria Goretti vakaisa nyaya yavo, vakatsanan-
gura her detailed research about Nancy and her visitor
aiuya pachikoro paadira, as it was; since January akange
auya twice every month kunze kweVisiting day chete
aisauya.
Headmaster vaGwatidzo vakati secretary wavo adai-
dze amai vaNancy vauye as soon as possible. Meeting
yakazopera vave kutaura dzimwe nyaya about the de-
velopment of the school.
Musi weChishanu wevhiki iyi amai vaNancy
vakauya pachikoro, vaive vari very serious havana kana
kuseka nemwana wavo, Nancy haana kudaidzwa ku-
musangano uyu akange akamirira amai vake panze.
Vakagara muoffice maHeadmaster nevakuru vechikoro
including Father Paul. Sister vakataura zvavaiziva, Fa-
ther Paul ndokuti;
“Amai are you pimping out your own child? Not

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

even referring to mutemo wechurch newechikoro us-

ingabvume zvakadaro, at a personal level amai, can’t
you see you are destroying your own child? She is just
16 years old for heaven’s sake, seiko kudaro amai?” Baba
vezvoMweya vakaita sevachachema, havana kunge va-
funga kuti kuna amai chaivo vakabereka mwana wavo
vangadaro.
Mai vaNancy vakati; “Ko ndiri kufunga kuti man-
didaidzira kuti muzondibvunza ini. Zvamuri kutaura
izvi makazviwanepiko? Sezvamataura Father hapana
amai vangatsvagire mwana sugar daddy. Munhu
wamuri kutaura is my only brother, ihanzvadzi yangu.
Ndotoshaya kuti mashura amunotaura aya
makaanzwepi?”
Father Paul navaGwatidzo vakatarisa Sister avo va-
kati;
“Our security guards vakaona magariro emwana
wenyu nasekuru vacho haaite, so inappropriate, and
also kwavanopaka mota pese pavanouya panosara tissue
papers and used condoms. Saka hanzvadzi yenyu ari
kuitei nemwana wenyu?”
“If you have a personal vendetta against my child
motaura zvakanaka imi Sister, hanzvadzi yangu an-
gaitei mwana waanobhadharira fees nekuchengeta
zvese kumba nekuchikoro, mundikwanire imi mai va-
sina mwana.” Mai Nancy vakapupa furo nehasha.
VaGwatidzo vakabva vati; “Ambuya hatitaure
saizvozvo kuvapikiri vedu, zvamunoona ndovaridzi

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

venzvimbo yatiri, kutaura uku rudo rwaMwari pam-

wana wenyu nepamhuri yenyu. Kana muchiti imi
manyeberwa it’s ok, all we are trying to do is mould
our daughter Nancy the way she should go, akure
mutsika neunhu zvinofadza Mwari. Mungachienda
zvenyu. Muone mwana wenyu aripo panze apo. Asi
isusu as a school, we are going to do further investiga-
tions and come to a decision.”

Sister Maria Goretti vakagumbuka chaizvo nekuti

kwavari nyaya iyi yaive pachena, vakabva vati; “Asi
kana tikazobata kuti zvatange tichitaura pano
ichokwadi zvinoreva kuti mwana wenyu haachina
nzvimbo at this school. Anenge ari bad influence to
other young girls, and zvinotipa bad reputation as a
Christian School, our Catholic faith says no no to child
pimping and prostitution. I will personally report this
to the Police. We are ambassadors of Christ. No to sex
sins kuda kutinyadzisa kuti hatigone to keep our vows
to Christ. Expulsion straight away.”

Vamwe vese vakati “ummm” vachigutsurira

nekubvumirana naSister.
Amai vaNancy vakasimuka ndokubuda. Father Paul
vakabva vati;
“This is a very delicate issue, we need to be extra
careful on how we are going to handle it.” VaGwatidzo
vakabvumirana naBaba vezvomweya
Senior Master vaivemo vakabva vati; “Poor Nancy,

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

does this mean we have failed her as a school? Hapana

chatakwanisa kuita even tadaidza amai vake?”
Senior Mistress ndokuti; “Nyangwe makamutarisa
mwana uya, haana shamwari, she is always quiet and
serious, behaviour yemwana ari abused chaiyo.”
Senior Master ndokuti; “Ko kave kachembereka
kave kuziva varume in and out, kuti hakana
kutoendeswa kuchinamwari ikaka? Angataure chii ne-
vamwe vasati vave kupfeka kana bra pablouse re-
chikoro?” Vakagurisirwa kuseka kwavo navaGwatidzo
vakati; “Eeeh colleagues, Father naSister vachiri muno,
let’s respect them.” Vadzidzisi vaive vasiri vapikiri va-
katsikitsira vachiseka kuziva bonde kwemwana akange
avagarisa dare uyu. Father vakaita chiratidzo chechip-
iyaniso bidding his team farewell ndokubuda voenda
kuMission House kwavo.
Mai Nancy vakandogara pasi nemwana wavo
ndokuti; “Ko chii ichi? Zvakataurika sei zvese izvi?”
“Maiguru handizive ini, maybe nekuti uncle
Changie vange vonyanya kuuya pano,”
“Waunoti amaiguru ndianiko” amai vakakarira.
“Sorry mamma handizive kuti zvakafamba sei.”
“Kuuya kwaChangie pano is not the issue, chokwadi
Sister vaye vangataure zvemaShebeen angu zvinei
navo? Kuzoti dai vaziva kuti handisi your biological
mother vaitondiroverera. Everyone thinks kana mwana
asiri wako unomubata rough. But hona iwe Nancy
chese chandakaita since kufa kwamai vako une 5years
kukuchengeta zvakanaka nezvishoma zvandaive nazvo,

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

even considering kuti we were half sisters namai vako,

tiri vana vepabarika ndiani aikuchengeta sezvandakaita
inini? Waakubudisa nyaya dzandakati dzisabude.”
“Aiwa mamma it’s ok, hapana chichaitika futi.”
Nancy akadaro.
“Kana Changie akatsamwa akakusiya unoenda ku-
musha, kuMachonyonyo chaiko. Dai wamborega
dzungu nemaSister aya wapedza zvako kana O’Level
Changie achiripo kudai, nekuti ini handina zvandi-
chakwanisa futi kukuitira wanzwa.”
“Ehoi maiguru.” Nancy akadaro nemisodzi muma-
ziso.
“Ugadzirise nyaya yako iyi, ndaenda ini.” Amai
vakasimuka ndokufamba vachienda, Nancy achidzo-
kerawo muclassroom.

PaStudy time yemanheru musi uyu, Nancy akaenda

kuUpper Sixth Arts class kwaive naTakunda,
akangosvikomupa kapepa ndokubuda. Takunda
akasara overenga musikana atoenda, kapepa kange ka-
kanzi “Come to the library now, desk number 15”
Takunda akatevera ndokuwana akamirirwa.
“Iwe you are my only suspect, wakataura
naMadzimai MG kuti chii about dhara? Manje
Madzimai wants me expelled, all because of you.”
“I did not say anything Nancy sha what happened?”
Takunda akadaro hana ichirova.
“Mamma vangu vakadaidzwa naHeadmaster, all
thanks to you, everything chataurwa in that meeting

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

ndiwe wega unoziva. Madzimai MG akagozvinzwepi.

Am warning you kana uncle Changie vakazviziva kt
wakatengesa base unoziva kuti even mudhara wako
anovharirwa maroutes ese emaCombi handiti? Make
sure MG leaves me alone, faster faster.” Nancy akadaro.
“Unoda kuudza uncle Changie kuti chii? Vabvunza
here?” Takunda aida kunzwisisa.
“Ndiri kudzingwa chikoro you idiot, usingagone
kuvhara muromo, am warning you, if I go down so
will you and your father’s business, you know that Rat-
eyiwa is brutal if you stand in his way.”
Takunda akachururuka ziya akatsikitsira achidzun-
gudza.
“Ok ok ita steady I will handle this MG chick, I will
make sure she shuts her mouth and she leaves you
alone.”
Nancy akafinyama achiti; “TK unozviita sei varivo
investigative officer paMission pano, and she wants to
prove herself right, because kuuya kwamamma nez-
vataura mamma kwavaita a stupid liar.”
“Fine fine let me think kani, I will make sure hapana
zvavanokuita haunzwe here, take a chill pill.” Takunda
akadaro akatsikitsira nezevezeve.
“Sister MG is known to be very strict Diocese yese
sha, and you know that. Handiti vakaunzwa pano be-
cause of those girls, two streams ahead of you guys,
vainwa doro in the hostel, and other naughty things,
she came to maintain discipline TK sha, saka iyi
havairege iyi. Am stressed, ndotombofema cocaine

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

nhasi.” Nancy akadaro vakaseka vese vakatarisana.

Takunda was faking confidence asi aiziva politics
dzaive pakati pababa vake naChangamire Rateyiwa.
They had a history of fighting over combi routes and
bidding same properties. Iyo imba yakange yatengerwa
amai vaNancy naRateyiwa yaive next to yavaMa-
konese kwaigara maroja avo. VaMakonese vakange
vatobvumirana naAgent aiitengesa vakangozoudzwa
last minute kuti yatotengwa paid and delivered to
Changamire Rateyiwa. Asi nekuti vaMakonese was of
noble character vaimurega winning everytime. How-
ever, their community respected vaMakonese more be-
cause he was a dignified man and Rateyiwa was jeal-
ousy, always trying to pull him down unsuccessfully.

Takunda akapukuta kumeso achihuta aiziva kuti

kunetsana naRateyiwa was doom to his whole family.
Changie was always on the look-out to frustrate Alois
Makonese, apa aizomuwana in a platter of real gold.
Vakaparadzana naNancy achifunga what to do next.
Paakazondorara, akange ave nezano, how to con-
vince Sister Maria Goretti, kana zvaizoshanda zvai-
vavhara muromo zvachose, aizoita madiro paMission
pagore rese iri. Asi kana zvaitadza backfiring yacho was
going to be hell, chimurenga chaicho. He decided to
take his chances. Akamuka ndokubuda panze
ndokufonera mumwe driver wababa vake akamupa or-
der yaaida, zvaaida kutengerwa, zvaifanira kuzouya pa-
chikoro as soon as possible. Aizotsvaga madriver

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

echikoro aienda kuHarare kundouya nezvinhu zvake.

Akambozorora apedza kuita izvi asi hana yange ichiri
kurova. Pavakomana vake hapana waakaudza yaisave
nyaya yekutamba.
Musi waChishanu wakatevera Sister vakamira mu-
Dining Hall vachiti;
“Today this afternoon you are free, you have to go
kuma Christian Groups enyu and in your classes and
plan how you are going to fundraise as a group for the
Lenten Sacrifice Campaign. You know that as usual the
Headmaster throws a Braai Party for the best group. So
take this seriously.” Vana vese vakaombera vachifarira a
break from homework and studies yavange vapiwa.
Takunda masikati aya akaenda kuForm 4A class,
kwaive naMax aive nevabereki vaMax were family
friends nanaMakonese uye vaipinda vese church ku
Catholic Cathedral Harare, ndiyo same class maive
naDorothy. Akasvika akagara naye achiita nyaya for
almost an hour kusvika abuda, once in a while
vaisanganidzana maziso naDorothy asi vese hapana
akataura nemumwe, paakabuda akacheuka akaona
musikana akamutarisa akasekerera nechomumoyo
akasiya zvakadaro….
That same Friday, Takunda akabva adaidzwa kuOf-
fice kwema Drivers echikoro ndokundoona Driver
akange abva nemaparcels kuHarare ndokutambidzwa
zvake. Akavhura ndokusekerera asi hana yairova nekuti
zvaange afunga kana zvaizobvondoka, vabereki vake
vaizochema naye. Uye aizonyadzisa zvaibuda

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

muNews, Newspapers, muNhau nemuIzindaba

zvokwadi. Asi akafunga kuti saka business rababa
ronyudzwa here akatarisa akati ndofira mukuedza.
Akambotora cocaine yaakange apiwa naUncle
Changie ndokufema mbichana to increase guts.
The young man went to Sister Maria Goretti’s room
at the girls’ hostel, since it was the Boarding Master
only who could stop him from going there, pange
pasina zvakadaro nekuti vaGondo vaive paPayroll yake.
Fodya nedoro zvavainwa since Takunda akauya pa-
chikoro apa zvaibva muhomwe yekwaMakonese.
“Sister MG, I have a terrible headache, mune
mapainkillers?” Takunda akadaro achipinda mumba
maSister ogara pasi.
“Inwa mvura yakawanda kuri kupisa mwanangu.
Gara ipapo ndikupe some pain killers.” Sister vakadaro
vachisiya table cloth yavaiita embroidery.
Sister vakauya nemvura nemapiritsi, “tora mvura
pasink apo unwe” Takunda akafuratira Sister
ndokunyepera kunwa mapiritsi ndokumakanda
musink, ndokunwa mvura chete. “But Sister mungan-
diti mwana wangu imimi, you are young hamungam-
boite mwana anenge inini dai mune mwana he would
be less than 5 years old.” Takunda akadaro ari serious.
Sister vakangoseka ndokuramba vachiita embroi-
dery yavo.
Takunda akagara opposite Sister “Why did you be-
come a nun nhai aunty MG?”

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

“Ko zvabva kupi izvozvo?” Sister vakamubvunza va-

sina kusimudza musoro wavo.
“Sometimes I think of becoming a Priest, daddy has
indoctrinated me too much with Catholicism, that’s all
I know.”
Sister vakamutarisa ndokuti; “Holy Mary mother of
Jesus, thank you.”
Takunda akavabata ruoko Sister vakasiya tsono
neshinda pasi “But imimi why did you become a nun,
you are very beautiful aunty MG”
Mupikiri akati; “Who said serving God is for the
ugly?” Vese vakaseka, asi Takunda haana kuvaregedza.
“I don’t have a girlfriend Sister, here at school and
non at home.”
“You are 18 now Takunda, a girlfriend will help you
kumbodzikama some of your unnecessary mischief, try
it.” Sister Maria Goretti vakadaro.
“Won’t you ask me why I don’t have a girlfriend
aunty MG?”
Sister vakangomutarisa iye achibva ati; “It’s because
of you, everytime ndikafunga musikana or rather muk-
adzi, I see you, you are my idea of a woman, weird
handiti?”
“Iwe mwana waMakonese unopenga here, ndokuti
chii ikoko?”
“No no no aunty, it came out wrongly….. Don’t
misquote me please.”
Takunda akasimuka akangobata sister ruoko,

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

zvaaida zvakange zvaita, akaramba akavatarisa muma-

ziso. Aida kuti vamuregedze ivo asi havana ku-
muregedza, akavakwenya mukati memaoko ndoku-
buda achienda. Sister vakasara ziya richinyorovesa
Habit (Nuns’ uniform) yavo apa mucheka wacho
ngaukore, yaive teu teu chaiyo. Vakafemedzeka
ndokuti; “Hezvo, nhai ko mwana uyu zvaatove
murume chaiye …. ”
Mashoko akaramba achirira munzeve dzavo ndoaiti;
“Why did you become a nun, you are very beautiful
aunty MG. I don’t have a girlfriend because of you,
everytime ndikafunga musikana or rather mukadzi I see
you.”
Sister vakadzungaira mumba mavo vari vega,
vakaedza kusona asi tsono neshinda zvakaramba kuba-
tika, maoko ange anyorova nedikita. Fingers were jit-
tery and slippery, vakapfugama ndokuedza kunamata
vakabata Rosary yavo asi it was meaningless buzzing.
She decided to face it, her body had just responded
to a man’s touch and closeness, like what any other nor-
mal woman would do. Habit and vows of chastity
hazvina kunge zvavachinjisa kuti vasave mukadzi aiwa,
she was still a woman. She was feeling ashamed and
embarrassed because of her uncontrolled feelings, asi
ndozvaivepo.
The following 2 days, TK aitarisa sister from a dis-
tance asingade kuswedera padyo navo, ivo semunhu
mukuru havana zvavakaratidza. Aive neshiri mbiri

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

dzaaimhanyisa and aidzida dzese, vakomana vange vo-

museka kuti Dorothy aisada kana kumukwazisa.
Panyaya yaNancy haana kuda kutaura, he feared to
worsen things.
Musi uyu akabva kuBasket ball pitch kwaaienda
kupractise once in a while, he deliberately went in the
dining hall late akapfeka sports attire yake yaive a short
and a vest of expensive silky material. It was that thin
shiny material yainamira pamuviri. Sister vaimira
pamusuo vakazembera madziro paipinda nevana vese
veA Level. Pakanzi amen munamato wekudya,
Takunda akafambisa semunhu anonoka, achipinda
nekumashure kwaSister, akaita kuzvimanikidza pakati
paSister nemadziro. Akavabondera achidonhera kumu-
sana kwavo, ndokuvabata kuti vasadonha vese,
akanamira kumusana kwavo, achizvikwizira ku-
mashure kwavo ndokuzvidonhedzera pasi. He faked
pain ndokuramba akagara pasi feigning a sprained an-
kle, Sister vakambopera mweya neconduct yange yai-
tika kumagadziko avo, vakanyatsonzwa kukwizirwa
kwavange vaitwa nemukomana uyu. Vakafemedzeka
ndokugara pasi, vaGondo vachibata Takunda
vachimubatsira kusimuka. Akatsvabidika nhema
achienda kwaaigara, akaita zvake nguva yese achidya
ari serious akatarisa Sister avo vange vakamutarisawo
vakagara pasi, ropa ravo richimhanya from head to toe,
like the mighty Victoria Falls.
Patrick akati; “TK, term yotopera bet takahwina ka,
for the first time boy bvumawo.”

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

“Bet not yet lost PSquare, I just got a stressful dis-

traction somehow, but I am on it. Plus we all agree inga
wani kuti that Dorothy chick iHeavy Duty, mushina
wemajuzi boy, give me more time.”
Vese vakaseka, vakacheuka expecting Sister Maria
Goretti to shout at them asi mupikiri akaramba akagara
kwaaive, akabata musoro wake.
Night study time yaipera at 8pm for the Junior stu-
dents, Form 1-3 and at 10pm for the Senior students
form 4-6. It was between that 2hour difference that
Takunda took a good bath with his exotic shower gels
and deodorants. Akatora notebook rake reDivinity, Bi-
ble netext book - The Bible Commentary ndokuisa
mukasatchel bag kake, akatora zvakare kaparcel
kaakange atumirwa naDriver wababa vake ndokuisa
maive nemabook. Akabva aenda ku apartment
kwaSister Maria Goretti, akasvika achigogodza
ndokupinda akakiya musuo.
“Chii Takunda? You are not allowed to be here at
this time of the night.” Sister did not trust herself any-
more, pavakamuona, conduct yange yaitika between
them earlier that day yakadzokorereka mumusoro
mavo.
“Sorry aunty but, am in so much pain gumbo richiri
kurwadza, but why I came is because, ndine Divinity
assignment iri due at 8am I need your help, check a few
notes I have written and help me please.” Akabva agara
paCouch ndokuisa mabook ake pakaCoffee table
kaivemo.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

“Tione what is that?” Sister vakabvunza vakamira.

“Paul’s Epistles Sister, the book of First Corinthians,
this is the question.”
Sister vakatora notebook raTakunda ndokuverenga,
vakaenda kuBedroom yaingove the next room since
this apartment was a bachelor’s flat type. Vakaenda
pabook shelf pavo ndokutora mabook maviri,
pavakacheuka vakabonderana naTakunda aive ku-
mashure kwavo, vakadonhesa mabook ndokuti;
“Wavingei ….. wa ….. wa …..” Takunda akabata
Sister kugotsi kwavo nerumwe ruoko, rumwe ruchiisa
a piece of chocolate pamuromo waSister vakabva van-
yarara vonanzvira. Yepiri vakaitorera pamuromo wake,
yetatu vange varara negotsi Habit iri muchiuno aka-
vatsikirira vakamubatirira zvekupenga, maoko emuko-
mana ari all over the forbidden places of her body, Sister
vachinanzvira chocolate kubva mumuromo memwana
wechikoro chaipo.
20 minutes later, Takunda ange ave kunhonga
mapepa emacondom uye chivhara-ukadzi chaSister
chaange avakumura during her moment of weakness,
and his moment of madness. Akatora fone yake yaange
aisa pakatable kaive mumba umu yakatarisa mubhedha
waSister. Yakange yakatozembera zvayo Bible ne-
Hymn book paside peRosary neCrucifix, he checked
his recorded video and smiled since everything was in
order.
Akaita kadzungu keguilty asi he brushed it aside
achiti no wonder why Mwari vakatuma Jesus Christ

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

and His precious Blood, vakange vazviona kuti pano

pasi panonzi Pano, anything can happen. Sister
vakange vachiri vakarara sevane stroke vari pathree
quarter bed pavo. Akatora zvange zvasara muparcel
yake ndokuisa pabed pavo ndokubuda oenda, grinning
with satisfaction and triumph.
Sister vakasara vomuka vachivhunduka zvikuru
kwazvo, vakatarisa ndokuona kapepa kaive neimwe
packet yemachocolate, vakavhura zvakare ndokuona
pant and bra size yavo chaiyo vakatarisa vakafarira.
Zvainhuwira scent yemukomana ange avasvitsa ku-
mukwidza wenhapitapi wavaisaziva kuti uriko, a part
of life that was forbidden or rather, hidden to her be-
cause of the vow of chastity she had taken…..

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

CHAPTER 6

T hat Friday afternoon, Takunda akaona Sister

vakamira naDorothy, akaendapo
akanyatsodzikama after taking his time
kunyatsovhara his shirt buttons, and tucking in his shirt
nekuti zvaingogara zvakarembera inappropriately.
Akabva aisawo rosary around his neck, like a Catholic
child he was expected to be, kuti barika rake iri risaise
attention on his scruffy trivialities.
“Sister, I want to donate some money kuvasikana
veNzanga to boost their fund raising for Lent. If Dor-
othy can accept it. I have seen vari kutengesa tengesa
twakawanda so I just wanna do my part.”
Dorothy akati; “Ko why don’t you donate kuvako-
mana kwauri, zvevasikana zvaita sei?”
“I am actually giving all Christian groups here, not
vasikana veNzanga chete.”
“Inini ndiri Vice Headgirl not leader wevasikana
veNzanga, leader wevasikana veNzanga ariko wani go
and give her.”
“I am doing this anonymously my sister Dorothy,
handidi kuti vanhu vazive, Sister Maria Goretti help me
explain please.” Takunda akadaro boiling in suppressed
anger nekuda kwerejection yaibva kuna Dorothy.
Sister Maria Goretti vakabva vati; “Yes Dorothy,
tora undopa vasikana you will present it during their
meeting on Sunday, and like he said usataure kuti yabva
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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

kupi.”
“Ndichauya nayo kuDining Hall. Thanks my little
sister.” Akabva afamba achibvapo, vakadzi vakaramba
vakanyarara vakamutarisa achienda, Dorothy ndokuti;
“This hooligan seems quieter this term nhai Sister.”
“Nhai Dorothy hauzive kuti you girls you mature
faster than boys, iwewe at 16 you are more mature than
him even at 20.”
Vakambonyarara Sister vachifunga ndokuti;
“Chienda undoridza bell maForm 1 vaende kundoita
cleaning kuHall mugare makachena for your Friday
Movies. I will join you soon.” Vakaparadzana Dorothy
ondoita zvaatumwa. Sister vakaenda to A’Level classes
ndokudaidza Takunda. Vakati; “Ko hausi kuda kuona
kuti parcel yawakandisiira yakandifita sei here?”
“Sure, I was going to ask, ndouya during Film time.
” Vakaparadzana like the student and staff they were
expected to be.
Manheru acho, Sister vakapedzisira vave kutoita
sedzashota modeling vakapfeka underwear yavakange
vatengerwa nemwana wasahwira wavo. Takunda
akanakidzwa navo achivatora photos nefone yake in all
positions. Apedza izvi, akavapamha mutambo
wemachocolate munhu waMwari akanzwa parere
moyo.
Pavange vapedza dzungu rezvido zvenyama akati;
“Sister MG siyanai nenyaya yaNancy nemudhara wake,
stop pushing for it.”

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

“Nekuti zvadii, unomureverera after amai vake va-

kati ndinonyepa? After all she needs help mwana uya
ari abused.”
Takunda akapfeka t-shirt yake achiti; “No, anozvida
zvakadaro it’s her choice, her life.”
“She is being abused, mwana mudiki and amai vake
is not concerned.”
Takunda akaseka roughly ndokuti; “Zvaari kuita
nezvatiri kuita muno what’s the difference? You are
supposed to protect me too, as a Hostel Matron, a
mother in Christ, furthermore you are my mother’s
friend, I am also a child, I am 18 yes but I am still a
minor. Do you want everyone to see your fotos and the
videos of how you are raping me in your ‘holy
grounds’ Sister?” Sister Maria Goretti vakashama
muromo.
“Right, let’s have a deal, if you pursue Nancy, then I
will expose you too. Kana akadzingwa chikoro nem-
iwo Habit mokumura, I will send the video to all Social
network sites and to the Media even kuna Pope zvi-
nosvika izvi. But if you leave Nancy alone, your dirty
little sex sin is safe with TK, holy virgin Sister Maria
Goretti.” Takunda akabva abuda achisiya Sister va-
kashama muromo, vapererwa. Kubvira musi uyu the
escapades stopped, vange votarisana zvekuzezana, Sis-
ter vange vanyarara, all shouting and reprimanding of
students stopped.
Term iyi yakapera paSvondo raitanga
Easter,Takunda was worried nekuti aisave nereport

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

rekundotaridza vabereki vake. Teacher aisimuitira ma-

kore ese akange aenda, apa akafunga kuzvinyorera
mukareport book kake kaigara kakapasiwa zvese, asi
kuzowana school stamp ndokwakamunetsa.
Asi as always, mari yake yaimushandira zvese
zvaaida. Maoffice ese emateacher aitsvairwa nevana
vechikoro, a daily duty that students did just after
breakfast. Akaenda kumusikana aitsvaira in the Deputy
Headmaster’s office ndokuti;
“My sister there is something I need to check, I sub-
mitted my report here but mange mune hospital card
manje I need it urgently, can I quickly check on his
desk?”
Musikana aitsvaira umu akatarisa Takunda ndokud-
zungudza, “Mirira vauye or come back after assembly
vanenge vave muno.”
Takunda akaramba akamira pamusiwo achiti;
“Ndine appointment kwaDoctor now, handisi
kutoenda paAssembly my sister. You are …ani zviya?
The most beautiful girl in Form 3, next term paMiss St
Matthias you will be crowned I tell you. And it’s orga-
nized by our class I will be one of the judges so ka1.”
“My name is Linnet, haumbondiziva iwe inhema
dzako ….” Linnet akadaro.
“Yes yes Linnet we always talk about you kuBoys
Hostel kuti you are Miss St Matthias, even the current
Miss Zim salutes you.” Takunda akadaro seductively.
Linnet akanyemwerera achinyara nyara ndokufura-

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

tira Takunda, akatanga kupeta peta the Flags neku-

rongedza files and books zvaive mubook shelf yemute-
vedzeri wemukuru wechikoro, enjoying every sugar
coated word that came from him. Meanwhile Takunda
ange ave kutopedzisa stamping the necessary 3 pages
in his report book. Takunda akaisa fake report
mupocket yeblazer rake. Akabudisa mari mupocket
make ndokuti, “Don’t tell anyone kuti I have been here
handiti, ndichazoona Deputy Head kana vauya. ”
“Mange muchida chii zviya, you can just check
padesk pavo mukoma.” Linnet akadaro akasekerera.
Takunda akazhinyawo ndokuti;
“No no no its fine, pretty girl, see you around.”
Akabva apa ndokuenda kuHostel, aizochinja hand-
writings and pens to suit what his parents wanted to
see.
Chikoro chakavharwa first term pasina akaz-
obvunzazve nyaya yaNancy. Sister Maria Goretti ndo-
vakamudaidza vakati;
“Mateacher ese anoda kuti udzingwe pano nenyaya
yasekuru vako vasinganzwisisike, asi ndakakureverera
kuti unyore Form 4 upedze. I promised everyone that
I will counsel and guide you. Help me by telling sekuru
vako vasauye pano please.” That was it, musikana
akandofarira sahwira wake Takunda akange agona ku-
wana support yaSister Maria Goretti, God-knows-
how. Takunda akaendawo kuholiday nereport rai-
tarisirwa nevabereki vake. Rechokwadi rakange

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

rakanyorwa kuti ave serious nechikoro haana ku-

ribudisa zvachose asi aive naro.
Vari paholiday kudaro, nemumwe musi iri Saturday
afternoon, TK akatora BMW yamai vake ndokuenda
kuGlen View kumba kwana Patrick, vakomana
vakambotenderera vachiita nyaya asi TK akange asina
kuendera kuGlenView kundoona Patrick. Sahwira
akaramba kundosvika pamba pana Dorothy, akati
aizeza amai vaDorothy vaisasekerera munhu anouya
kumwana wavo. Takunda akati rega ndinoona kuti
vachanditema nedemo here.
Akasvikogogodza, Dorothy ndiye akavhura
musuwo, musikana akavhunduka zvekuti akatom-
bovhara musuo ndokuzobuda otarisana naTakunda;
“Unodei pano? Waratidzwa nani pano?” Dorothy
akabvunza achifamba kubva paverandah pavo
vachiswedera kure nemusuwo kuti amai vasanzwe.
“Ah shamwari is this how you treat visitors pamba
penyu?”
“Taura kani, wauya kuzodiiko, amai vangu havade
visitors pano, especially people like you.” Dorothy aka-
daro achida kuti Takunda achienda. Asati apindura,
musuo wakavhurwa amai ndokuti;
“Iwe Chipochashe ndianiko wausingapinde naye
mumba?” amai vakamira vakatarisa vana, Dorothy
akafamba achidzokera mumba achisiya Takunda aka-
mira akatarisana naamai vake.
“Ndiwe ani? Unodei pano?” mai Dorothy
vakabvunza.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

“Makadii mamma” Takunda akadaro achibvisa cap

yake. “Ndinonzi Takunda Makonese, tinodzidza tese
kuSt Matthias naDorothy”. Amai havana kupindura
vakadaidzira kuti Dorothy adzoke pavaive, musikana
akadzoka ndokumira nechekure namai vake. Aiziva
kuti ruoko rwavo rwaisazeza kusimuka rwuchikwatura
mbama at any given moment. “Unotizei nhai Chipo?
Uchisiya munhu wekuchikoro kwako akuvinga uyu.”
Amai vakadaro accusingly.
“Aiwa amai ari Form 6 uyu, ndotoshaya kuti anodei
pano, handitaure naye ini.” Dorothy akadaro.
“Wazvinzwa? Ati haade kutaura newe chibva pano.”
Amai Dorothy vakadaro vabata musuwo kuti
vadzokere mumba mavo. Asi Takunda akatofamba
achivatevera,
“Ndangouya kuzokukwazisai mese ini mamma, and
ndanzwa kuti kuGlen View High kune some holiday
lessons and discussion groups, so ndozvandange ndi-
chida kubvunza kuti Dorothy haasi kuenda here?”
Mai vaDorothy vakashamisika, “Nhaiwe, iwe uri
Form 6, Chipochashe ari Form 4, saka chaunoda kuti
mundoverenga mese chiiko nhai?”
“Ndipeiwo mvura yekunwa mamma.” Takunda
akadaro achiswedera kwavaive. Mai Dorothy vakaseka
vachizvirova maoko.
“And vana vamazuvanoka, zvakaoma, handina
kumbofunga kuti ndingatoita nguva ndichitaura newe.
Chipochashe ipa mukomana uyu mvura yekunwa
aende.” Dorothy akapinda mumba ndokuuya nemvura

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

yekunwa opa Takunda.

Mai vaDorothy vakati, “Wati unonzi ani? Handidi
zvangu zvevanhu vanotenderera pamba pano zvis-
inganzwisisike wanzwa, tamba nevezera rako, Chipo
ane vasikana veForm 4 vaanotamba navo. Handidi ku-
kuona pano futi wanzwa here? Twukomana
twunongofamba twusina zvekuita, woti kana usina
zvekuita wozoitira pano pamai Chipochashe?”
“Sorry mamma, ndangouyawo zvangu kuzokuonai
imimi naDorothy uyu, hapana zvakawanda zvandange
ndichida, and am not a stranger to her. Nhai Dorothy
udza mamma kuti I am harmless.” Mai vaDorothy
vakasvotwa ndokuridza tsamwa vachipinda mumba.
Vakamira pamusuo ndokuti; “Ndikadzoka wakamira
ipapo ndiri kukudira mvura inopisa uwane zvekun-
doita pamubhedha wehospital, nonsense.”
Dorothy akasimudza ruoko kunge aida kusairira
Takunda ndokuti; “Chienda please uchandirovesa”
“Ndodzoka rini, handiende ngavauye vandirove.”
Takunda akadaro achidhonza chair yaive paduze
neverandah ndokugara.
Dorothy akafemedzeka ndokuti; “Ok ok, uya
neMonday vaenda kubasa, please leave, chienda kani.”
Takunda ndopaakazofamba oenda kumota yake
ndokubva pamba pana Dorothy. Amai nemwana
vakasara vombogarisana dare pamusoro pemwana we-
kwaMakonese. Dorothy akarambisisa kuna amai vake
kuti pane zvaivepo pakati pake naTakunda. Vak-

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agotanga rwiyo rwavo rwamazuva ese rwekuti ai-

tofanira kupasa chikoro asiyane nezvevarume
hazvibhadhare, iyewo achitarisa zvaive baba vake,
mashoko aamai vake aive echokwadi, uye aive ekute-
vedzera A to Z.
During the April school holidays, kuHighfields,
pamba paigara Nancy namaiguru vake, it was a well
furnished 3 bedroomed house, well extended with the
latest architectural materials. Nancy ndiye airara mu-
main bedroom maive nebathroom, amaiguru vake
vachirara mune imwe yacho, and the third one was
free, all three were well furnished. Changamire Ratey-
iwa paive pamba pake pechipiri kana asiri kumhuri
yake kuBelvedere.
Pamba apa, Uncle Changie aiwana akaisirwa
maslippers muFridge kana kuchipisa, kana ku-
chitonhora pressing iron yaitanga yambomhanya
muma winter sheets asati apindamo. Aibatwa
zvemhando yepamusoro soro zvaienderana nemari
yaaibvisa pana amai nemwana ava, paive paheaven on
earth, kaKingdom kake. Nancy sezvo aifara neschool
fees yake, uye ange ari mwana mudiki, ange asina any
complaints at all. She was not a nagging wife, chaai-
gona kusekerera and gives the well desired services to
the man of the house. This was a turn on to the old
man, and he made sure the teen wifey had enough
goodies.
Kuchikoro Nancy was an average student who
scored Bs and Cs, deep down within her, she also

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

wished to live an independent life, free from amaiguru

and Rateyiwa’s do’s and don’ts. She also wished to walk
around comfortably with boys and girls of her age, she
wished to wear the Nzanga yaMaria uniform of virgin
girls, it was a childhood that was brutally taken away
from her and would never return. But that was the only
life that she knew and she “enjoyed” it like that.
One afternoon, Nancy ange akagara panze ega
looking at the latest fashion magazines. Akanzwa ave
kudaidzirwa namai vepanext door, next door yacho
yaive 6 bedroomed house yavaMakonese paigara ma-
roja avo ari 6.
“Nancy pane vari kuda kukuona” mai Anesu vaka-
daidzira nepafence, Nancy akaenda pavaive ndokuona
mota yaifamba ichiuya at their gate achibva amirira
kuuya kwevisitor yake. Mumota makabuda mudzimai
wechikuru wezera ramaiguru vake, akavatambira
ndokuvapa pekugara paveranda paaive. Akabva ati;
“Makadii mamma.”
Amai vaye vakaramba vakamutarisa ndokudzun-
gudza ndokuzoti;
“Ndinofara mwana wangu. Yes uri mwana wangu.
Unondiziva?”
Nancy akambovatarisa ndokuti; “aiwa mamma
handikuzivei.”
“Ndinonzi Mrs Rateyiwa, mudzimai waChang-
amire Rateyiwa, amai vevana vake 4.” Amai vaye vaka-
daro vakamutarisa kumeso.

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Nancy akavhunduka ndokuti; “mauya pano kuzo-

dii? Does uncle Changie know that you are here?”
“Ndauya kuzotaura newe saamai, second born wedu
ndiye ane same age newe mwanangu. My sources tell
me you are an orphan, you don’t have a mother.”
“Nancy ndianiko uyu?” Amaiguru vange vamira
pamusuo.
“Ndinonzi mai Rateyiwa, Changamire Rateyiwa’s
lawfully wedded wife.” Amai vaye vakadaro.
“Ibvai pano, ndave kutofonera uncle Changie,” mai-
guru vakapinda mumba vondofona. Mai Rateyiwa ha-
vana kuita hanya nazvo, vakatosekerera vakatarisa
Nancy,
“As I was saying mwanangu, before I was rudely in-
terrupted, I am sure that is the imitation of womanhood
you label a mother handiti?”
Nancy akaramba akavatarisa achifunga kuti zvava-
taura about maiguru zvairevei.
“I said, I heard you are an orphan, and looking at
your situation, dai wakatosiiwa wega or at an orphan-
age zvaive nane, waigona kutoita zviri nane, pane kuita
zvauri kuitiswa nemaGuardians ako izvi.”
“I feel sorry for you. I tested positive last year, it’s
been one and half years now since I have been living
with HIV. Rateyiwa, of course, infected me. Do you
know your status? Akakuudza here uncle wako? I don’t
think so. I want to help you, to set you free from
kuitwa chikwambo namaiguru vako ava. But I am not
going to suggest anything, iwewe ndiwe uchauya

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

kwandiri and tell me zvaunoda kuti ndikuitire as a

child. Start by getting tested mwanangu.”
Mai Rateyiwa vakambonyarara vakatarisa Nancy
uyo ange angonyarara listening with ears of the heart.
“I know you want to be a child, asi watove amai,
these people are forcing you to skip a very crucial stage
of your life, Mwari vanogona kukudzorera if we work
together. I know unorwadziwa kana uchifunga kuti
upenyu hwako is tied down pamudhara ane mwana
muhombe pauri, unorwadziwa kana uchiziva kuti he
treats vana vake vari same age as you, sevana, and you
achikuita mukadzi.”
Nancy ange ongogutsurira achiyerera misodzi.
“Yes mwanangu I know what’s going on in you
small innocent mind, uchiita bonde semuripo weku-
rarama. Vanhu vakakutarisa kunze uko judging you
vachingoti kahure aka, they don’t know the turmoil
you are in. It’s painful. That pain and helplessnes
yaunayo ndinayowo, when I think why my husband
would put so much effort pakamwana kakaita sewe, re-
jecting me. Kana paanoita Svondo muri mese kuno my
heart will be breaking every night. So iwe neni we are
victims of this evil man’s brutality, and it’s only us who
can set ourselves free from him. I am the older woman,
so I will lead, and you will follow.”
Vakabva vasimuka ndokuti; “unouya ku Bridal Bou-
tique yangu iri muna Rezende kana wafunga. I am not
going to force you to do anything, ukasauya handiku-
tevereri, asi wanzwa zvandataura. Bye.”

~ 74 ~
 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Mai Rateyiwa vakapinda mumota yavo ndokuenda.

Nancy akagara pasi chaipo pafloor ndokutanga
kuchema. Maiguru vake ndopavakazobuda,
“Uri kuchemei? Warohwa here?”
“Dai manzwa zvavange vachitaura, ndozvese zvan-
dinogara ndichifunga.” Nancy akadaro in between
sobs.
“Ko aripiko Changie zvaati ari kuuya kare kare ku-
zotora imbwa yake pano nxaaaa, kushaya zvekuita
mukadzi mukuru kufamba achituka vana vadiki” amai-
guru vakadaro.
“Nooo maiguru havana kumbondituka ….” Nancy
akahwihwidza, ndokufamba achienda mubedroom
make. Changamire akabva azosvikawo. Akamboita
nguva achitaura namaiguru vaNancy ndokuzopinda
mumba maive naNancy.
“My beautiful little queen, my sweet pie, daddy is
here, c’me on sweet honey-pot give daddy a hug.” Rat-
eyiwa akadaro achigara pabed, Nancy achimuka achi-
pukuta kumeso kwake ndokugara pasi.
“c’me on baby-girl, give daddy some sugar lips” Rat-
eyiwa akadaro kissing Nancy. Akabva abudisa cocaine
and set it up, akadhonza iye kutanga ndokuti; “Calm
down, calm down, my pleasure-toy”, akatambidzawo
Nancy kuti adhonze yake, in no time she was high and
jovial vave kudzingirirana in their master bedroom, as
she was making all the moves that fed Rateyiwa’s un-
quenchable lust. Nancy kept on postponing kundoona
mai Rateyiwa, aizoenda zvake kana awana mukana, apa

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

akafunga kumboti mirei, it was not urgent anyway ….

So she thought.
Takunda was born on 21st April, so his birthday was
fast approaching, during the school holiday, turning 19
years that year. Akakumbira vabereki vake kuita Birth-
day party yaaizodaidza shamwari dzake dzekuchikoro,
vakamubvumira. Vakawana Venue at an outside
Lodge, vana vese vakange vakokwa vakaudzwa
pekumira pakati peguta apo vaizotorwa necombi yek-
waMakonese.
Yaive party yevana chete, hapana mukuru akange
adaidzwa. Baba namai Makonese vakangovhura mu-
tambo welcoming everyone uye kupa mwana wavo
motikari yaaiti yake chaiyo kwete dzavo dzaaiswero
mhanyisa, yaive Polo Vivo sedan, and the party began.
Vakange vatenga nyama and all types of soft drinks,
and they reluctantly believed kuti zvavatenga ivo
ndizvo zvega zvaizodyiwa nekunwiwa apa. Vakasiya
vana vaine vashandi vavo vaviri vaizoona kuti zvinhu
zvaifamba sei.
Nancy aivepo akachena chaizvo in bum shorts, a top
that had fabric covering her breasts only, and artistic
African beads down to her waistline. Aimhanya
neFord Ranger yaUncle Changie kubatsira Takunda
kuti mutambo unakidze. Uye aive nevamwe vasikana
vemuguta vaipota vachiendeswa naUncle Changie to
his other international guests vaimbouya muHarare.
Nancy ndiye aivapa orientation and training on how
to handle International guests.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Kwave kudoka vamwe vakatanga kuenda kudzimba

dzavo, kukasara vashoma vaibva kusina mitemo uye
vakange vakwanisa kunyepera vabereki vavo kuti
vabvumidzwe kutandara usiku hwakadaro.
Uncle Changie vakange varipo vachimira mira
muvana, Nancy achipa orientation to the new recruits,
achivadzidzisa kuti cocaine inodhonzwa sei uye inozo-
batsira sei pabasa. Panguva iyi iye ange angwara
ngwara ave kutaurisa achisetsa vese vaivepo zvekuti va-
sikana vakamuunganira vachiterera Queen Nancy we-
kwaChangie vachitaura. And because of the tingling
sensation the drug was causing in her legs and arms, she
was dancing non-stop while Changie watched, from a
distance, with satisfaction kamunhu kaakange azvi-
umbira aka.
Nancy akaisa again a dose of cocaine patable yaivepo
ndokudhonza for all to observe, watch and learn. She
stretched herself and laughed hysterically ave kutsvaga
kuti ndiani wotevedzera what the queen had just done.
Within two minutes, akanzwa all her muscles and
joints opera simba akatadza kumira, ndokutadza
kufema ndokudonhera pasi, muviri wese shaking un-
controllably. Everyone jeered vachiombera sezvo vaiti
ndeimwe dance yave kuitwa naqueen Nancy, iye
ainzwa seadzvinywa asi kuti ataure kuti it’s not funny
anymore akatadza. Paakamira shaking that was 3
minutes later, vese vaiombera nekumukuza vakatiwo
zii as they watched in horror, ropa richierera kubva
mumhino make. Ndopakatanga vasikana kuridza

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

mhere Uncle Changie and the Makonese employees

ndokuuya vachimhanya. Vakamuisa muFord Ranger
ndokumhanya naye kuHarare Hospital where she was
attended to as an emergency case.
Chiremba vakadaidza amaiguru vake naUncle
Changie vopa tsananguro kuti, ange aita overdose
yecocaine and yakatadzisa ropa neoxygen kusvika
kumwoyo nemumusoro kubrain, nzvimbo mbiri
dzinopa munhu upenyu.
“A cocaine overdose has a massive effect on the
heart. She had severe chest pressure as the coronary ar-
teries that feed blood to the heart closed. At this point,
the heart was starved of blood and oxygen. And this
caused her heart failure.
The blood vessels in the brain ruptured, that’s why
she was bleeding from the nose. You also said she ex-
perienced uncontrollable muscle movements that
caused shaking, jaw grinding and teeth chattering. Her
muscles became paralyzed to the point where she even
failed to scream for help.” Zvimwe vakanzwisisa,
zvimwe zvakavapfuurawo asi chiremba vange vaedza
kutsanangura in layman’s language.
Maiguru vaNancy vakabva vati; “Zvino ari sei hake,
tingamuonewo?”
Chiremba akapukuta kumeso kwake ndokuti; “I am
sorry, we lost her, she is dead, mwanasikana wenyu
akurirwa nemadrugs, may her young soul rest in
peace.”
Mwanasikana akandovigwa all expenses naivo

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

vakange vamudzidzisa, Changamire Rateyiwa was vis-

ibly shaken and in pain.
Mapurisa akaedza kubvunza asi vese vaive
pamutambo uyu vakangoti Nancy was the supplier of
drugs hameno kwaakange amawana, and she was not
there anymore to explain.
Changamire Rateyiwa akange akwanisa kuvhara
nyaya yake kumapurisa, asi haana kukwanisa kuivhara
mumoyo make, aiziva kuti akange aurayisa mwana
uyu. Rateyiwa akamboita nguva akagara kumba kwake
kwaive nemhuri yake, mudzimai nevana vavo 2 girls
and 2 boys, his second born was Nancy’s age, pese paai-
mutarisa aiona mwana wake achiitirwa zvaakange aita
naNancy, it tormented and haunted him.
Kana vana vese vaivepo nevakanzwa zvakaitika
vakambochinja maitiro vakasiyana nemadrugs,
zvakange zvichityisa zvakange zvaiitika in full view of
many of them. Team TK yakasiyana naUncle Changie
nezvese zvavaivapa, it was painful and regrettable to all
teenagers.
Amaiguru pavakadzokera kumba kwavo Highfields,
vakashanyirwa zvakare namai Rateyiwa ndokunzi;
“Wakatadza nei kuti mwana azondiona, manje imba
hauchina, uchaitorerwa. I want you to leave town, if
you don’t leave this house in 48hrs, ndichatumira
mapurisa and all Organisations vanoita zveChildren
and Women’s Rights, to thoroughly investigate you,
chidhoma chaNancy chichaita uzvisungirire.
“Start walking, take your trip to hell amai imi, or I

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

will send you to hell, manje ndikafamba nemi that jour-

ney, I will make sure munenge muchidemba kufa every
minute, so I am giving you a chance to go alone, at
your own pace.” Nekutya amaiguru vakarongedza
twavo vofunga Growth Point yekundogara kuti vaone
zvekuita neupenyu hwavo.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

CHAPTER 7

T he following Monday, Takunda akafumira

kumba kwana Patrick, vakafonera vamwe
shamwari dzavo asi vakakwanisa kuwana Max
naCharles chete, Moses Jeche naJohn Zuva vaive out
of town. Vakomana vange vachiri kurohwa nehana
pamusoro pekufa kwaNancy, vakamboita nguva vachi-
taura nezvazvo.
Takunda akabva azoti; “Hanzi namoms vangu
tiende tese ku Youth Friendly Clinic iri muna Fife Av-
enue, for reproductive health lessons. Handeika boys
timbondonzwa about sex and drugs.”
Vakomana vakasvika ndokuitwa one on one coun-
seling, ndokuitwa HIV testing. Vese vakawanikwa va-
sati vave neutachiona hwe HIV, vakanzi vazodzoka
zvakare after 3 months of responsible behaviour.
Vapedza vakagariswa pasi vese vave kuudzwa about sex
and drugs. Their counselor was a young man aiziva
language yavaida kunzwa, and the correct examples to
use. Vakazotaridzwa videos of STIs and Drugs aka-
vavhundutsa asi vakanyatsonzwisisa the effects of drugs
and reckless sleeping around. Vakazobva apa around 12
masikati, they were excited nekudzidza kwavange
vaita.
After this, ‘as agreed’ Takunda akaenda zvakare
kumba kwanaDorothy, akamuwana aripo neka-
hanzvadzi kake, amai vake vari kubasa kwavo. Amai
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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

vaDorothy vaishanda paLocal Clinic as a cleaner,

pavaitsvaira nekuita mamwe mabasa avaitumwa ne-
manurse. Vaienda nemascones kana masamoosa
avaitengesa nguva dzese kuwedzera mari yavo. Doro-
thy Chipochashe dangwe ravo aiteverwa naLuke
mukomana aive grade 7. VaMoyo murume wavo vain-
goti “tiri kubata bata pataundi” asi chabuda hapana,
ange asina mari yaaiunza pamba, shoma yaaiwana
ainwa doro nekuita zvisinei nemhuri yake. Amai Dor-
othy vakatanga vachataura vachipopota, vachigara
matare nehama dzake asi vakaneta nazvo kusvika vave
kumutarisa semurwere.
Dorothy achikura akave shamwari yavo, vamwe
vanhu vaitoti mukoma nemunin’ina, vange vaenzana,
uye vakafanana chaizvo. Vaiwirirana uye vaironga
mari yavo vese mai nemwana. Dorothy airwadziwa
nemawanirwo aiitwa mari yechikoro namai vake, saka
zvekupfeka zvaisave nebasa, uniform chaiyo, vakazo-
mutengera blazer second hand paakaitwa vice head-
girl. Bhutsu dzange dzapera divi, asi vese amai
nemwana wavo vaisave nehanya nazvo.
Apa chikoro chacho aigona, amai vake vachitarisa
report rake 80% kwaive kutadza, Third term Form 3
aive ne 100% Maths, ne100% Biology, zvimwe zvese
87% – 92% apa vakange vanyoreswa questions from
the O’Level final examination paper, yes she was that
brilliant. Pachikoro nekuda kwekugona kwake uye
discipline, vakomana vaisatomujairira hapana
aimudenha, zvaiita kunge requirements dzekutaura

~ 82 ~
 TRAIN UP A CHILD

naye teen-love was having an excellent school report.

Izvi zvakapa amai vake kuzorora, vaida mwana
wavo, vaivimba naye and vaiona kuti ramangwana rake
range rakajeka. Vaimurwira neupenyu hwavo, vaisada
munhu anovakanganisira Dorothy Chipochashe wavo.
Musi weMonday iyi, Takunda akasvika pamba pana
Dorothy ndokumuwana achibika masamoosa
nemascones aaizoenda nawo kundopa amai vake ku-
Clinic kuti vatengese kuvarwere nevese vaisvika
paClinic.
Dorothy akatadza kumudzinga, iye Takunda wacho
aitoti paaitonzi ibva pano ototanga imwe nyaya.
Vakapedzisira vobatsirana kubika, akamuperekedza
kundopa amai zvinhu zvavo nemota. Pane kuti an-
domusiya kumba kwavo, akabva ananga mutown,
vakaenda paWimpy ndokundogara vachinwa drinks.
Dorothy was feeling so uncomfortable, airamba
achitarisa zvaange akapfeka, nezvakange zvakapfekwa
nevasikana vezera rake vaipfuura apa otarisazve muko-
mana waange akagara naye, aibva anzwa kuda kudzo-
kera mumba mamai vake maive nemabook ake
nemascones aaigaroisa muOven kuti vararame.
“Ita steady iwe what’s your problem?” Takunda
akazodaro aona absent mindedness yacho yanyanya.
“Ko sei usiri kuenda kuGlen View High for extra les-
sons and discussions, ungaverenga wega?”
“Ah zvinodhura izvo, is it necessary first term kudai.
Taakutofunga fees for second term kwete zvema extras
izvo.”

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Takunda akabva ati; “Ko is Chipochashe your sec-

ond name ndakanzwa moms vako vachikudaidza
kudaro.”
“Hoo that, Dorothy is Greek word that means gift
of God.” Dorothy akadaro.
“Ok, but iwewe sei usingapfeke uniform yeNzanga
kuchikoro handina kumbokuona wakapfeka.”
Dorothy akaseka ndokuti; “Ah haichakwani iyo,
ndakaipedzisira second term form 2.” Takunda
akangonyarara, ange ave kusvotwa nekuti nyaya yese
yaaitaura yaingonanga pakushaikwa kwemari.
“Handei unondisiya kumba kwedu Taku, tak-
agarireiko pano?” Dorothy akazodaro.
“5 more minutes please, pane munhu watakamirira
pano, anosvika manje manje.” Takunda akadaro
achicheuka cheuka.
Dorothy akavhunduka, “Ndiani iyeye, handidi
zvekuonekwa nevanhu”
Takunda asati apindura, Dorothy akanzwa inzwi re-
chikadzi richiti;
“Wandimhanyisireiko iwe TK, kuOffice kuri very
busy, but for you my darling, I will do anything.”
Mukadzi uya akabva adhonza chair ndokugarawo.
Dorothy akapotsa asimuka, ange agara angotsikitsira
hana ichirova.
Aive mudzimai wechidiki ange akanaka, akapfeka
zvakanaka chaizvo.
“This is my friend and school mate Dorothy,” muk-
adzi uya akabva atandavadza ruoko rwake achikwazisa

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Dorothy, musikana akapotsa aregera kubata ruoko

rwemudzimai wechidiki uyu, akayeverwa neruoko
rwaive neFrench tips, gold rings pazvigunwe zvese
nemabracelets ema pearls.
“Dorothy ava nditete vangu, my one and only
auntie Carol, ndovane maNotebooks and pens zvanda-
kambokupa kuchikoro last term”
Dorothy akaita kutura befu ndokuti; “Makadii?”
akashaya kuti oti makadii ani, uye zvaizorevei. Vatete
Carol vakaramba vakamutarisa smiling vakati; “Ndi-
chakurongedzera all books and pens, all stationery
when schools open. Take my number and send me
your list Dorothy. I like you, you are very different
from all of TK’s friends. Ndakuonai I am very busy,
will take you out one weekend before you go back to
school. Bye Dorothy.” Tete vakasimuka ndokuenda.
“So unogara uchiunza vasikana kuna tete vako, van-
diti am different from all your friends why?” Dorothy
akabvunza vave mumota.
Takunda akangoseka ndokunyarara, akabva ato-
muti;
“Unoda kuenda kuGlen View High ka for the holi-
day lessons? I can pay for that.”
Dorothy akadzungudza, “No amai vanoti zvabva
kupi izvozvo hazviite.”
“Ko kuzvambarara pamubvunzo ndokutiiko? San-
ganai nemubvunzo Head Girl, unoda here yes or no.”
“Of course ndinoda, but zvinobatsira chii kuda
when I know kuti handizvikwanisi. Everyone almost

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

all my classmates and also vandaidzidza navo

kuPrimary school, vese variko.”
Takunda akandomisa mota paCatholic Center
achiti; “Ok. I will make that happen. ”
Dorothy akadzungudza futi; “Hazviite amai vanoti
chiiko, handizvide izvozvo please.”
“I will handle your mother, if I can handle vana Sr
Maria Goretti matororo ane mbiri kuRoma uko, ko
amai vako vanenge vanguwo vanganetsei?”
Dorothy haana zvaakaziva akabva ati; “Yes I noticed
Sister Maria vanokufarira but handiti they are friends
naamai vako here, manje vabereki vedu havatombozi-
vani.”
Takunda akavhura misuo kuti vabude mumota
“That one is sorted, prepare to go kuholiday lessons.
Your mother will love it. Handei tinoona kuti
muCatholic Centre vane chii nhasi.”
Vakabva vandopinda ndokufamba vachitenderera,
first room yaive nemaBooks, ese from the Bibles to all
anotaura about angels and renowned Catholic Saints,
and all Catholic accessories rosaries, medals etc nez-
vimwe zvese zvine chekuita neRoman Catholic
Church. Takunda akaenda munext room maive
nemadzimai maviri vaisona mauniform ese emuCatho-
lic Church.
“Tiri kudawo uniform yeNzanga yaMaria, the blue
and white one and its medals for my little sister here,
size …. Ani zviya Dorothy?”
Dorothy akabva angoti; “28”.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Mumwe wemadzimai akasimuka ndokupa Dorothy

uniform iya, vakamuratidza fitting room, akadzoka
achiratidza vese akatsikitsira, madzimai akamubatsira
kunyatsogadzirisa uniform yake ndokubva andobvisa
kuti vagozobhadhara.
Vakabva vaenda kufront store, Dorothy
akangosvika ndokuisa uniform yake pacounter omirira
Takunda uyo aitenderera achiona nekunhonga nhonga
zvinhu.
Akazouya agukuchira Bible, hymn book, several
books about Mary the Virgin Mother of Jesus, St Maria
Goretti, crucifix, key holder, medals, scapulars, rosaries,
dzekuisa muhuro, mumaoko on the wrist nemaring ro-
saries etc
Akaisa zvese ndokubva abhadhara vakabuda, Doro-
thy akatadza kana kutenda akangotarisa achitadza kana
kubata bepa racho.
Akazoti; “Wanditengera zvinhu zvandisina kumbo-
tengerwa nababa vangu”akabwaira bwaira misodzi
yoda kubuda. Takunda ignored zvese izvo ndokuti,
“And une katsoka kadiki, unopfeka size aniko ipapa?”
“Size 4, why?” Dorothy akadaro achivhura kaBook
keupenyu hwaMaria Goretti Musande, akabva ati; “Lis-
ten to this, St. Maria Goretti is unique in that she is the
youngest canonized saint in the Church. She died trag-
ically on July 6, 1902, at the age of eleven.
Born into poverty, her father moved the family
when Maria was just six years old from the east side of
Italy (near Ancona) to the west side (near Nettuno,

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

about 40 miles south of Rome) in hopes of escaping the

grinding poverty that was gripping the area.
Just three years later, when Maria was nine, her fa-
ther died tragically, she had to work to take care of the
family so she started to cook and clean for her two next
door neighbors–Giovanni Serenelli and his son, Ales-
sandro–who assisted her mother with the farm tasks.
It was also during this time that Alessandro began to
develop an impure liking for Maria. Th e big 20-year-
old would say rude and crude things to her, things that
were inappropriate and embarrassing. However, at a
certain point he began to make direct sexual advances
towards her, demanding her virginity and threatening
her with violence for non-compliance.
Finally, after many months of this, Alessandro forced
himself upon Maria in an attempt to rape her. Though
she prevented him from violating her, Alessandro bru-
tally stabbed her numerous times. Maria died the next
day in the midst of horrendous infection brought on by
her lacerations. Her last words were, “I forgive Ales-
sandro Serenelli … and I want him with me in heaven
forever.”
Dorothy akapedzisa kuverenga ndokuti kuna
Takunda; “Zvinoenderana naBoarding Mistress vedu,
Sister Maria Goretti handiti, she is a strong woman. I
think these nuns once they get a name the Saint pro-
tects and prays for them kuti vafanane.”
Takunda akakachidzwa nesetswa dzaakavhara
ndokuti; “Ya, unoziva iwe, Sister MG would rather die

~ 88 ~
 TRAIN UP A CHILD

than have sex for sure.” Cellphone yaDorothy yakabva

yarira, akavhunduka akambotarisa achitadza kudavira
akabva ati kuna Takunda, “Ndiamai vangu ” Takunda
akadzima radio, Dorothy ndokudaira phone yake.
“Ko iri paiko fone yausiri kudavira?” amai vakadaro.
“Sorry amai, matii?”
“Mumba mune flour here yemaScones nemaSa-
moosa amangwana? Baba vaye vakagadzira stove ne-
Fridge vatevera chikwereti chavo saka ndatovapa yese
yange yatengwa zvanhasi” amai vakatsanangura.
Dorothy akambotarisa Takunda achinyara nenyaya
yenhamo yekumba kwavo ndokuti; “Yapera flour even
mince dzacho ndabika zvese”
“Inga zvatooma, ok mwanagu, rega ndigoona kuti
ndodii tiwane flour yamangwana.”
After the phone call pakamboita uncomfortable si-
lence, Takunda akabva azondosiya Dorothy kumba
kwavo ndokuenda kwakewo.
Dorothy akasara achitenderera musoro nezvaakange
aitirwa naTakunda. Chakamushamisa Takunda wacho
was behaving very well, contrary to all the talk zvaainzi
anoita. She was expecting a rude and vulgar boy, asi
vange vaswera vese as brother and sister. Akambotarisa
zvese zvange zvatengwa akafara chaizvo achisekerera.
Akaisa muplastic bag ndokuisa pasi pebed rake kuti
amai vasatomboona zvachose.
Vhiki yese yakatevera, Dorothy aigara akatarisa
phone yake achiti achafonerwa kana kuona message
zvayo yaibva kuna Takunda asi hakuna zvakadaro

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

zvakaitika. Musi weChishanu manheru vapedza kudya,

baba vemba vaigara vasipo semazuva ese, fone yaDor-
othy yakarira akaita kusvetuka achidaira; “Une
mascones here utiunzirewo pabasa pedu mangwana
na10am tinoita half day Saturday” inzwi rakadaro.
“Aiwa handina, maybe next week ndinokuudzai,”
Dorothy akadaro ndokukata phone ndokuita
yekukanda paCoffee table .
“Ndianiko nhaiwe Chipochashe, ungaratidza
kusvotwa kudaro asi pane call yawange uchitarisira?”
amai vakabvunza.
Dorothy akavhunduka ndokubwaira bwaira
“Ndimai vaye vekuHardware store vanoda mascones
vashandi vese, vange vachida kuisa order, ndan-
gosvotwa nekuti hapachina flour, business rarasika”
Amai vakamboramba vakatarisa mwana wavo
ndokuzoti; “Tisiri kutaura zvedu zvanhasi, Svondo rese
wange wonyanya kuda phone yako chaizvo, kunge
une zvauri kutarisira. Ndianiko anofanira kukufonera?”
Dorothy akaramba akanyarara, amai
ndokuenderera, “Varume havapere mwanangu, im-
boita zvemabook ako, vanenge vachingoveko wave
kuUniversity, wanyatsokura wave kugona reasoning.
Nekuti ummm sandi kunyepa nekufurira kunoita
mhuka inonzi murume, shit. Ukangoti bwai 2 minutes
waenda.”
Dorothy akaseka akatarisa amai vake, ivo
vakaenderera vachiti;
“Unotoseka, kunyepa nekutsvetera kwacho ungati

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

vanotobatsirwa naMwari chaiye akavasika. Nekuti

nhema dzacho dzinotapira munzeve, anokuudza zvese
zvaunoda kunzwa, zvisina akambokuudza pasi pano,
zvekuti unomuitira chese chaanoda, saka mwanangu
kugara wasiyana nazvo uchiri mudiki kudai ndokuzvi-
pedza.”
“Ichokwadi amai, handidiwo zvinonditambisira
nguva yangu yekuverenga. Kuchikoro kutove vice
head girl kunondipa a lot of other duties and responsi-
bilities zvisina vamwe, so kuwedzera mukomana
zvingandiwandira” Dorothy akadaro.
Amai vakanyemwerera ndokumubata ruoko
nechemuzasi mehapwa yake; “Uri kuona mabatiro an-
dakuita aya, dai ari mukomana akubata soo watoita
dzungu, kana akagona kukubata ruoko rwacho mushe
mushe, ah unotapirirwa ukamupa mazamu wega iwe.
Ndomasikirwo atakaitwa iwayo, saka handisi kuve
amai vanokurambidza zvaunodawo as a teenager, asi
ndinotya kuti unogona kukurirwa nezvido zvenyama”.
“Nekuti ruoko rwemurume mwanangu, gives the
nicest, sweetest feeling, yandisingagone kutsanangura,
ukange wazvitanga, brain dzinombomira kushanda,
unoti chauya chauya. Especially uchikura kudai, your
body is on fire. Kana ukaitwa any trigger unozoti dai
zvachipedziswa. Be careful mwanangu.”
Mai vakambofema ndokuenderera, “And kunyanya
kujairirana nemukomana unopedzisira wavarairwa.
Iwe musikana unenge uchinakidzwa nekuve naye,
kutaura naye, uchiseka zvaanokuudza, nekukuyemura

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kwaanoita netwaanokupa, message chaiyo yakati ‘I

miss you’ inokupinza chando mwanangu. Asi iye
semurumewo, haaaa varume here, anenge achingo-
funga kuti okubvisa pant sei. Hona kukura kuri kuita
mazamu ako, ndozvavanenge vachingotarisa, kuti
okuita sei kuti abate mazamu ako. Varume vanonaki-
dzwa nemaweak points ako ese, and anomaziva
kupinda iwewe muridzi wemuviri wacho, kuti
umubvisire hembe. So imbokura mwanangu.”
Dorothy akamboseka achinyara nyara ndokuti, “Ah
amai nhai?”
Mai havana kunyarara vakaenderera, “Usaende in a
secluded place nemukomana, unozotadza kumu con-
troller, and kana muri pakahwanda inenge yave nyaya
yekucontroller iye, newe wacho. I am not talking
about rapists Chipochashe, I am talking about muko-
mana waunoda chaiye waunoziva, waunowirirana
naye. Unoona akangokutarisa achikuchiva chete,
mubhurugwa make munotanga kukura, ndozvavari
varume ava, ndomasikirwo avo. Saka ndiri kuti imbo-
kura mwanangu, mukadzi mukuru ndiye ega anogona
kudzikamisa zviri mubhurugwa memurume kana
zvakurisa. Nokuti kana iye murume wacho anototadza
kuzvibatsira, anenge oda iwewe mukadzi, iwewe
ukarega zvichikura muri vaviri ah ndotoita ambuya
ndisati ndachembera kudai.”
Dorothy akanyemwerera achiterera amai vake
ndokuti; “Ah amai maita kuti ndibva ndatya varume,
it’s as if you are talking about animals, kwete munhu.”

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Vese vakaseka amai ndokuti; “Unoti ndiri kuwanza?

Panguva iyoyo anenge ave mhuka chaiyo, haumugone
kusvika apedza shungu dzake.”
Vakambonyarara ndokuti, “Uya mukomana we-
kuuya pano neBMW yesilver akambozodzoka? Muri
kutaura mese?”
Hana yaDorothy yakasvetukira mukanwa akazeza
kutaura mashoko nekuti amai vaizonzwa kubvunda
kwaive muinzwi rake nekunyepa, akangodzungudza.
“Saka hameno zvaitaurwa naBaba Tanya, hanzi wa-
kaonekwa mumota yewhite yakanzi Polo Vivo, ini
hezvo hatina hama ine mota yakanyorwa kudaro, and
ndinoziva ungadai wakandiudza. Ndakatombofunga
kuti ndeuya wekuchikoro kwenyu, asi handiti ane
BMW ndoizivawo. Hameno wavakafananidza newe
vanhu vemakuhwa ivava.” Dorothy akafemedzeka
achiona kuti ange anyanya kunyararisa, amai vake
vaizove suspicious.
Phone yake yakarira zvakare ndoyakamununura
ndokubva adavira,
“Hausi kuuya here kuGlen View High, ndave
kungoendawo this last week yeholiday sha,” inzwi
rakadaro.
“Handisi kuuya ini Mildred shamwari, will see muna
August tave kugadzirira exams” Dorothy akadaro
achipedzisa kutaura paphone.
Amai vakabva vati, “Inga mashamwari ako ese vari
kuenda kuholiday lessons, ndiwe wega wasara.”

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“Asi ndinongozovakurira wani, kuchikoro mateach-

ers edu anondiitira zvakanaka, holiday lesson is a luxury
amai, not necessary kwandiri” Dorothy akadaro
zvakadzikamisa amai vake. Vakabva vaparadzana von-
dorara.
Pazuva rakatevera musi weMugovera, vakafuma
vese vachitsvaira tsvaira, amai vakambobuda ndokud-
zoka vane 2kg yeflour vakati Dorothy akurumidze
kuita mascones andopa vakange vafona nezuro wacho.
Akabva angoita ne2kg yese, pasina nguva ange aton-
dotengesa mascones ake ese kuHardware store
ndokudzoka, amai ndokundodzorera muridzi wemari
yavange vakwereta kutengesa 2kg yeflour. Chainetsa
profit yese yakabva yaendawo kune zvimwe zvaidiwa
mumba umu.
Vakagara kudaro vakaona mota yakasvika pamba
pavo vese vaisaiziva, pakazobuda muridzi wayo, Doro-
thy akavhunduka achiona atarisana navatete
vaTakunda Makonese, tete Carol. Akashaya kuti
ovamhorosa achiti anovazivirepi, achiri kufunga
vakabva vamutangira tete vaye, “Amai ini ndiri sisi
veshamwari yaDorothy ….” Tete vakadaro, Dorothy
ndokuvapedzisira, “Ehe sisi vaMildred uya amai
akafona nezuro manheru.”
“Hoo ah tora imwe chair vagare. Vari kupasa here
vasikana vedu ava.” Amai vaDorothy vakadaro
vakadekara zvavo.
“Vanogona ava akoma, manje ndauya ndatumwa
naMildred, she is concerned kuti Dorothy haasi

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kuendawo kumaHoliday Lessons, apa ndovanoverenga

vese kuSt Matthias, so ndauya kuzokumbira kuti Dor-
othy aendewo.”
“Ah nhai munin’ina unoti ndingarambe here kuti
vana vandoverenga, iwewe handimbokuvanziri, mari
yandinayo pano iFees chete, yemaGroceries and other
things ndoyandichatotsvaga paSvondo ratiri kutanga
irori. Saka zvemaholiday lessons tichaona muna August
kana tazvikwanisa.”
Tete Carol vakabva vati; “Ndiri kukunzwai akoma,
sorry henyu kana ndave kupindira munyaya dzemhuri
yenyu, asi munin’ina wangu akati taurisei nezvenyu,
munongozivawo as friends vanoudzana twakawanda.”
Vese Dorothy naamai vake vakanyatsotereresa zvav-
akange vanyeyiwa kwana sisi vaMildred; “ndicha-
bhadharira Dorothy for the holiday lessons pa one
week iyoyi. Mildred akati Dorothy is very good at bak-
ing so ndakafunga kumutengera twekuita boost busi-
ness rake. And also ndinoshanda kuCompany inoita
Stationery neschool uniforms so kunomboita promo-
tions for staff. This year ndange ndisina wekutengera
so Mildred suggested nditorere Dorothy.”
“Ah tozvibhadhara nei nhai munin’ina ” mai vakash-
amisika.
“Aiwa akoma it’s just a gift, vana vanotamba vese,
and Mildred anoti Dorothy anomubatsira chaizvo ku-
chikoro, kana Mildred achipasa ndezveupenyu hwese,
zvatichakupai pano zvinopera nekusakara asi qualifica-
tion yavari kubatsirana is for life.”

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Mai vaDorothy vakamboramba vakanyarara

ndokuti; “Hoo, inga mune moyo wakanaka nhai
amainini, ko iye Mildred madii kuuya naye tanyatso-
tenda mese, ishamwari yakanaka anofunga mumwe
wake pese pese, nekuzivawo zvinoshaya mumwe
wake.”
“Hoo ah, ange ane discussion nhasi, vamwe vake va-
ramba kuchinja time kuti tiuye tese. Anyway
vachaonana neMonday.” Tete Carol vakadaro.
Tete Carol naDorothy vakatarisana, Dorothy achi-
dzungudza kuramba mapasuro avo, asi tete
vakanyemwerera vakasada kutevedzera zvaaivaudza.
Tete Carol vakabva vati; “Chiuya Dorothy tibudise
zvinhu mumota.”
Vakafamba vese voenda kumota amai vachisara
vakamira paveranda.
“Tete Carol handikwanise kutambira zvinhu
zvamuri kunyepera amai vangu zvakadai, sorry henyu.”
Dorothy akadaro achinge achachema.
“Haiwa kwana iwe, tikavaudza chokwadi vanoram-
baka, usafunge nezvaTakunda, chifunga kuti ndini
ndakupa as a sister. But frankly, you have an impact on
my brother’s son. Kana neni I am impressed, he is ma-
turing nekuve newe as a friend so we are saying thank
you.”
“Asi amai vangu mavanyepera tete Carol, handina
chandakamboita chenhema kwavari please. ” Dorothy
akademba.
“Ok, ok, I will see how I can make it right. But for

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

today tora izvi then toramba tine story yedu. I will find
a suitable time yekuvaudza chokwadi. Don’t feel so
guilty, ko imhosva here kuti you are beautiful and you
attracted someone who can spoil you, tibvire apa.”
Vakaseka vachimurova maoko. Vakabva vaburitsa
zvavange vauya nazvo zvese ndokundoisa paveranda.
Vakawana amai vambopinda mumba, Dorothy
akamhanya ndokundotora kaplastic kaive pasi pebed
ndokuuya achiisa pane zvimwe. Tete Carol vakatarisa
vachiseka vachishaya kuti chii.
Paive ne10kg flour, 10kg sugar, 3 crates eggs, 2kg
margarine, 500g baking powder, 5L mukaka, 3kg
mince meat. Uyezve 2 sets new uniforms dzemapre-
fects ekuSt Matthias neBlazer racho well embroidered
school logo and kuti “Vice Head-Girl” papocket, 5
pairs pentihose ie pulling socks, 2 pairs dzeschool shoes,
one flat pair and one high heels, for Sundays and
schools’ special occasions, uye all stationery, notebooks,
counter books, pens and pencils.. Vakaramba
vachivhura kusvika pauniform yeNzanga yaMaria.
Vakabva vazotambidzwa mari yekuti andobhadharawo
holiday lessons.
Amai vakatenda mukoma weshamwari yemwana
wavo nemoyo wese.
“Inga Chipochashe wave kundoita vice head girl
chaiye, Mwari makanaka. Munozivana chaizvo naMil-
dred, kubva aziva all sizes kudai mwanangu.” Vese
vakaseka vachiri kuona mapasuro.
Manheru emusi uyu Dorothy akabuda ondotenga

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chingwa, akatora mukana uyu kufonerawo Takunda;

“Hie my little sister, did you like your parcel?
Zvakwana zvese here?”
Dorothy akati; “Yes yes, thank you, I liked every-
thing, but not in the way yamazviita nayo. Handidi
zvekunyepera amai vangu. You are now manipulating
my whole family and I don’t like it at all.”
“Ok I am very sorry my sister, it will not happen
again.” Takunda akadaro akadzikama chaizvo zvekuti
Dorothy akamboshaya zvekutaura.
“Anyway thanks, you are very generous. I don’t
want to sound ungrateful but zviri kundirovesa nehana,
what do you want in return? And amai pavachaziva
ndichadii? Why am I not happy about all this? I feel so
guilty about it all, kana ndakatarisa amai vangu nez-
vawaita natete vako, handizvide ini.”
“That’s what friends are for Dorothy. Am busy now,
pane combi yandiri kugadzira namudhara, undiisire
call me request kana wave free.” Takunda akabva akata
phone musikana achiri kuda kutaura naye. Vhiki
raitevera ndoraive rekupedzisira rezororo. Musi
weMonday yakatevera, 5 May, vana vakadzokera ku-
chikoro for the winter term.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

CHAPTER 8

K utanga kweterm iyi, Dorothy ange ave kuon-

ekwa kuchena with her new school uniforms,
and she looked elegant and exemplary like the
vice headgirl that she was.
One Sunday during breakfast, akapfuura
nemuA’Level dining hall, achiteverana naSister Maria
Goretti, muDining Hall mese vana vange vakanyarara,
chainzikwa ndiyo stiletto yaVice Head girl yaimupa
step achifamba between tables of A’Level students.
Paakasvika kumusuwo ave kubuda, vese, kunyanya
vakomana vakati “ummmm” ndokuseka vamwe vachi-
ridza miridzo, vachiita mhere mhere. Iyewo ange
onyara sezvo she had drawn all attention, akatozo-
cheuka ave panze voenda kuO’ Level dining hall na-
Sister Maria Goretti vachiita basa ravo.
Takunda akayeverwa zvake nasisi ava achiona the
change yaange aisa pana Dorothy. Patrick akabva ati;
“Team yakabaiwa TK, ambuya vakandokudira mvura
ine makoko esadzaka musi uya, sei tisina kuwana feed-
back?”
Takunda akangoseka ndokunyarara, vese vakamu-
tarisa vachishamisika,
Moses Jeche ndokuti; “Wakabva warambwa
zvekushaya remuromo here boy?” Vakomana vakaseka
TK vese.
“Shut up MJ, handiti what you want maresults here,
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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

you will soon have them.”

John akaramba akatarisa Takunda ndokuti; “Or
……. No TK no, pakaipa”
Takunda akati; “Chii chacho, Jay Zee uri kuti no
chii?”
John akabva ati; “We all know haushaye chekutaura,
babe rapfuura apa chiuno chichitenderera boy, sele ap-
pertising boy, gogo ichirohwa from entrance to exit,
TK kana kuridza muridzo, TK kunyarara? Kuti
mwiroo TK wandinoziva? Nooo boy, tipewo maseri-
ous boy, what’s going on?”
Takunda akaramba akanyarara vamwe vake vese
vari 4 ndokumutarisa vachida mhinduro, akaita
kuvhundukira ndokuti; “adiiko musikana wamananga
kudaro, hamuna dzimwe nyaya here? Don’t you have
respect for women anymore? PaMbare here pano?”
Vese vakati “Aaah!!!” vachishamisika ndokuseka
zvakaita kuti vaGondo vauye pavari to reprimand
them. VaGondo vachingobva, John akati; “The King
of the jungle is in love boys.” Vakaseka futi vakatarisa
TK, John akaenderera achiti; “hazvichaitaka kutaura
about amai vemumba boy.”
Moses akati; “Heavy Duty zveshuwa, TK zvako
zvaita, ndini best man boy.”
“Shut up guys who is in love? Me? You are joking
right?” Takunda akadaro achishaya kuti onyaradza
mabhururu ake sei.
Charles akabva ati; “Ndakagara ndati hangu amai-
guru Dorothy, pabet handipo, nekuti now this is a real

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

deal.”
Vakomana vakaseka Takunda iye anyarara
vachimuita party asina mhinduro.
MuMass yemusi uyu, mateacher ese akange anzi
vauye kuzopinda nevana vechikoro, vaikwanisa vese
vakauya. Vakaita Misa yekurangarira Nancy. Nziyo
dzese dzavakaimba dzaive dzerufu, maclassmates ake
vakachema misodzi, it was sad. Father Chuma navaG-
watidzo vakada kuti vana vese vaite let go kurasikirwa
nemumwe wavo uye kutaura taura kupere.
Baba Paul Chuma vakaparidza vachiti;

YOUR BODY IS THE TEMPLE OF

THE HOLY SPIRIT
"Do you not know that your body is a temple
of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you
have received from God? You are not your
own; you were bought at a price. Therefore
honor God with your body," 1 Cor. 6:19-20.
 This is a body conscious world. Your body is
the temple of the Holy Spirit. This reminds us
of the temple in the Old Testament. What
great care was given to its design.
 What immense wealth was placed into its con-
struction. "Then King David said to the whole
assembly: My son Solomon, the one whom

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

God has chosen. The task is great, 2With all

my resources I have provided for the temple of
my God--gold for the gold work, silver for the
silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron
and wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the
settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, and
all kinds of fine stone and marble--all of these
in large quantities. (1 Chronicle. 29:1-5)
 The people were to know that God dwelt
there. That is why it was furnished with such
greatness because it was to be the house of
God.
 That is how precious, valuable and expensive
God values your body. Do not misuse it.
 Your body is the temple of God.
1. Be careful where it goes.
2. Be careful what it does.
3. Be careful what it pon-
ders.
4. Be careful how it reacts.
 The Holy Spirit lives within you. "And if the
Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is
living in you, he who raised Christ from the
dead will also give life to your mortal bodies
through his Spirit, who lives in you," (Ro-
mans 8:11).
 The result: The Holy Spirit is with you
whereever you go and whatever you do.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

 With the Spirit indwelling you, every word,

every thought, and every deed is in His view.
 The Holy Spirit knows you. He knows your
strengths and your weaknesses.
 He knows your sinful acts and your holy
deeds.
 He knows you better than you do.
 The purpose of the Holy Spirit is to build you
up in the body of Christ to the glory of God.
a. He regenerates (John 3:3-5).
1. He indwells (Rom. 8:11).
2. He anoints (1 John 2:27).
3. He baptizes (Acts 2:17-41).
4. He empowers (Micah 3:8).
5. He sanctifies (Rom. 15:16).
6. He comforts (John 14:16-26).
7. He gives joy (Rom. 14:17).
8. He gives discernment (1 Cor. 2:10-16).
9. He bears fruit (Gal. 5:22-23).
10. He gives gifts 1 Cor. 12:3-11).

DON’T DIE BEFORE YOUR TIME.

Surrender your body to the Lord. Glorify God in you

daily life. 2 Chronicles 16:12: King Asa died before his

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

time. The Bible gave the answer in a very short sen-

tence: “In his disease he sought not to the Lord,” but to
the physicians and therefore he died.

Anyone that puts his total hope on things of this world,

that is, the drugs, sexual immorality, drunkenness, love
of money, prayerlessness, disobedience, indiscipline, all
the things contrary to what your parents and teachers
expect from.
The Bible says something very interesting in Eccle-
siastes 8:13: “But it shall not be well with the wicked,
neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a
shadow; because he feareth not before God.”
The wicked will not be able to prolong his days be-
cause he does not fear God. Proverbs 10:27 also says,
“The fear of the Lord prolongeth days. But the years of
the wicked shall be shortened.”
Jesus knows that men could die before their time.
The fact that Jesus raised people from the dead and gave
others powers to do so shows that many people die un-
timely. Lets ask Jesus for protection against evil forces
of this world.

Vakaita a moment of silence vachimunamatira

nekuzvinamatira against premature death. Vana vese
vakaita kunge Nancy akange avigwa musi uyu, vam-
wewo ndopavakange vatanga kuziva. Muchechi vange
vakaisa foto yake yange yagadzirwa by the School Ad-
min in memory of their student.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Pakapera mwedzi uyu, it was time for visiting day,

vabereki vakawanda vakauya kuzoona vana as usual.
Takunda akange akamirira kundoona amai vaDorothy,
she kind of tolerated him nekumuona kechipiri ari
muuniform. Iyewo haana kuita nguva aripo, akango-
vakwazisa ndokubvapo asina kuvapa mukana we-
kutaura nekubvunza zvakawanda.
Baba namai Makonese vakauyawo kuzoona mwana
wavo uye kuona vapikiri paMission apa. Pavange
vachangosvika Takunda achiuyawo pavari, Senior
teacher naSister Maria Goretti vaifamba vachibva ku-
Boys’ Hostel, vakambomira vese vokwazisana.
Nyaya yaNancy yakabva yapinda mudariro, vese
vaidemba zvakange zvaitika kumwana uyu, baba
vaTakunda ndokubva vati;
“That’s why ndichiona kuti Takunda wangu uyu
has everything, so that abusers have no chance whatso-
ever pamwana wangu. I just wonder who are those evil
people who were giving such a young child drugs.”
Mudzidzisi akadzungudza achiti; “Zvakaoma, rais-
ing a child is a full package baba Makonese, sometimes
we blame poverty, yes to a certain extend, but mwana
futi akawana everything without close guidance and
monitoring he ends up misusing and abusing zvati-
nomupa, harming himself and others. Vana vedu ava
vanochengetwa naMwari.”
“But if a child can get everything zvaanoda from his
own parents, chii chaangaite or chingamuwana kunze

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uko. Haana chekufunga kunze kwema books ake and

family yake. Manje kunyima mwana zvaanoda nooo,
not for my son.” vaMakonese vakatsanangura.
Sister Maria Goretti vakatarisana naSenior teacher
ndokumbonyarara vachifunga, Senior teacher vakabva
vati; “Believe it or not, there is always a secret side
remwana wako rausingafe wakaziva, that is why ma-
zuvano tave kukurudzira vabereki kuti be friends with
your children, musatyiwe nevana venyu, but vasakuitai
semaface avo, so that you share information in a re-
spectable and dignified manner. Dai dzimwe nyaya
dzinoitwa nevana dzaibuda pachena some parents
would die of heart attack.” Mudzidzisi akatsanangura.
Sister Maria Goretti vakadzvokorana naTakunda
ndokutsikitsira. VaMakonese vakaseka chaizvo
ndokuti; “You are very right sir, imagine Nancy’s par-
ents kufirwa nemwana because of drugs, holy mother
Mary, zvakaoma wena. Takunda has access to all good
entertainment, he won’t get time yema drugs and all
nonsensical things zvinobata vana vanotambura
muGhetto umu.” VaMakonese vaitaura vakafara
chaizvo, in his slow calculated tone yemunhu aive ne-
confidence nezvaaive nezvaaiita.
Sister Maria Goretti vakaita sevacharidza tsamwa
nezvakange zvataurwa nababa Makonese. Vakada kupa
mudhara uyu mucheka wembama wekumumutsa
kuhope dzavakange vakarara pamusoro pemwana
wavo. Senior teacher vakati, “Pakanaka baba, maita

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taonana, pane zvandiri kumbobatsira Sister, but re-

member what I said, there is always something hidden
about vana vedu chatisingazive, vana vanochengetwa
naMwari. Point being, “Train up a child in the way he
should go, and when he is old he will not depart from
it. So that chero paanoita stupid choices anofanira
kuziva kuti asi baba vakambondiudza izvi, when he
makes a mistake anofanira kuziva kuti asi ndozvairehwa
naamai izvi. Imimiwo muchitiwo confidently, I told
you so.” Vakabva vafamba vachibva apa.
Mai Makonese vakabva vati kuna Takunda wavo;
“Tete Carol said you have a lovely friend pachikoro
pano ndianiko iyeye?”
Takunda frowned akatarisa amai vake; “Auntie
Carol eish, she is not serious vakakuudzirai chii, ini
handina muromo here?”
“No no sonny, handiti wanzwa teacher vako vachiti
vana you have secrets, tell us your secret, do you have
a girlfriend now?” VaMakonese vakadaro vachitsigira
mudzimai wavo.
Amai ndokuseka vachiti; “Tete Carol vakati ari
pano, handeika tindomuona.”
“No no no mamma, you will freak her out, ndi-
chauya naye kumba when the time is right.” Takunda
akadaro.
Mai nababa vakatarisana ndokurovana maoko. Baba
Makonese vakabva vati; “Ok ok sonny, do your private
life naCarol it’s fine, we won’t meddle, we will wait for
you. Just don’t be caught in disciplinary issues.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Handidaidzirwe zveurombe as if unobva kumba kusina

zviriko. I won’t have my image tarnished because you
are caught on the wrong side of the law, paMission
sonny. Keep the rules, always.”
“Yes daddy.” Takunda akadaro achipindura baba
vake.
“Ko vari kupi mafriends ako vawakaenda navo kuY-
outh Clinic vana Payarira, and Max ari kuO’ Level
handiti, tauya tese naamai vake, baba vake havako
vakaenda kuZambia kubasa. Ndavatengera juice,
uzovapa, be good boys.” Amai Makonese vakadaro.
“Coooool mom, chiendai imi, am not a 5year old
you guys.” Takunda akadaro achisimuka padrivers’ seat
paange akagara.
Baba namai Makonese vakatarisana amai ndokuti;
“Ko nhasi hausi kumbotorera daddy mota uchiita race
yako wega yekupenga iya muSoccer ground, wanetaka
nekupfumburira vasikana dust” mai Makonese vakabva
vaseka. Takunda haana kudavira, akabva abuda mu-
mota achiverenga mari yaange asiirwa.
Baba vakabva vazoti; “Ok ok sonny, topfuura
tichindoona Father Paul. Usare mushe.”
Takunda akandogara muHostel neshamwari dzake,
Moses akabva ati;
“Ko why didn’t we cruze today nemota TK asi
Mudhara Mako vakunyima mota?”
Takunda akaramba akanyarara, Moses ndoku-
tarisana nevamwe, Patrick akabva ati; “handiti ambuya
vange vari pano? Ndaona king of the jungle akatyoka

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

boys achitaura navo.”

Vakomana vakasimuka vese ndokumira mberi kwa-
Takunda, Charles ndokuti; “PSquare anonyepa handi-
tika TK, wandokwazisa amai vaDorothy, secretly?
Kana kutiudza? Inga kwaUncle Changie taienda tese
wani boy ”
Takunda akaridza tsamwa ndokuti; “Don’t be ridic-
ulous ungafananidze amai, netsotsi iya inonzi Changie
here?”
Suddenly Takunda akasekerera achisimuka ndokuti;
“Dorothy means gift of God… right…. so I can say gift
of TK, right? Chipo chaTK, madam CTK. Kwete
kuswera muchingoimba kuti Dorothy Dorothy kunge
muchanzwikwa naMG akandikanganisa ndikamuita
zvandakambomuita rimwe gore zvandisingachada
hangu.” Akaseka achigara pasi.
Vakomana vakachema nekuseka, God knows
vaiseka half the story. Moses ndokuti; “Hausati wadiwa
asi wave kutaura zvemazita, like Brangellina? Come on
boy, this girl achatitorera muface wedu sekutamba.”
“Ndaa kuenda kundomuona, mondiperekedza in
case anondoramba kubuda ndisamire ndega, anombo-
dawo kudhonzwa neBulldozer kana zvakakwidzaka.”
Takunda akadaro achisimuka.
“Iye madame CTK…. Chipo chaTK”Vakomana
vakambogara pasi vachiseka Takunda akavamirira.
Vakabva vazoenda vese kuFootball ground, ndorai-
patsanura Girls’ and Boys’ Hostel, vakandomudaidza
achibva abuda, pavakaona ave kuuya, vamwe 4

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

vakafamba vachibvapo.
“Vaenda here mai Chipochashe?” Takunda akadaro
after greetings.
“Yes vaenda, ko wazovamhoresera chii? You re-
minded her kuti tiri tese pano, zvave kuita as if tinogara
tichingove tese. You make my mother so uncomforta-
ble.”
“Even my mother vange vachida ku-
kuona.”Takunda akadaro as a matter of fact. Dorothy
akavhunduka ndokuti; “No no no, the way you do
things kumba kwenyu hatizvizive isu, mune too much
chirungu, amai vangu havazvide izvi.” Takunda
akaseka ndokunyarara, aishaya nyaya dzekutaura naye
without exposing his rowdy behaviour yaaiziva kuti
haitombodiwa nemusikana uyu. Akabva ati; “I just
wanted to see if you are ok, I am going back to the
hostel.”
“”Ok thanks”. Dorothy akadaro achinyemwerera
akatarisa Takunda.
“Can I get a hug….” Takunda akadaro, Dorothy
asati apindura Linnet musikana weForm 3, nemasham-
wari ake maviri vakasvika pavaive ndokubata Takunda,
“TK, hie, I have been looking for you, hamubatike and
kumaCorridor enyu eA’ Level hatibvumirwe. You
promised me.” Dorothy akabva afamba mbichana
achibva apa, aida kutanga anzwa kuti Takunda
aizopindura achiti chii. Takunda akati;
“Hey…. What was it about zviya?”
“Miss St Matthias tittle ah, how could you forget?”

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

“Oh oh am sorry, that’s for July, we are still in June

my sister, we will sell tickets mid-month, so just be pa-
tient.”
“Ok, we were waiting to see you as the Fast and Fu-
rious when we saw BMW yekumba kwenyu. Our Paul
Walker.” Vasikana vakaseka vachirovana maoko.
Takunda akazocheuka ndokuwana Dorothy ave
kutopinda kugedhe remaHostels evasikana akapotsa
asaidzira kaLinnet aka kure kange kamukanganisa
kumbobaiwa nechipfuva chemusikana airovesa hana
yake.
Akafamba odzokera kuhostel kwake, akandosvika
ndokutaura dzimwe nyaya, hapanawo akamubvunza
nezvaDorothy

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

CHAPTER 9

P aSvondo rakatevera, Takunda haana kutsvaga

Dorothy, asi ange ave kunetseka, zvaaida zvange
zvave kumunonokera. Aishaya mukana wa-
vangawane nguva yakareba vari vega kumuudza
zvaaida. Musi weChishanu cheSvondo iroro masikati
vana vese vaiita cleaning yekumaHostels avo, their
rooms, panze nemukati and also laundry. Vakawanda
vakazomirira kuti 1800hrs supper time dzichaye vamira
mira paDining Hall. Takunda akandomira naMax mu-
nin’ina wake wepachikoro vachitaura zvekumba
kwavo.
Pasina nguva Linnet akabva asvikawo, musikana
akatanga kutaurisa about beauty pageants with so much
excitement. Airatidza kuti akange akaita research
chaizvo. Dorothy akazouyawo omira apa 20 minutes
before time achimirira kutanga iye kuzopinda kuti
avhure misuwo nekuridza sirene.
Takunda akangomukwazisa akasiyana naye ndoku-
ramba vachienderera nenyaya naLinnet, he found it
interesting kuudzwa nezvanaMiss World and all
zvaiitika nezvaibvunzwa pamaBeauty Contests.
Max naDorothy vakapedzisira vafamba vari vaviri
vachibva apa vachisiya vaviri ava vari vega. Pakarira si-
rene vana vese vakapinda, Takunda akaona pamusuo
weO’Level dining hall pakamira Linnet, Max naDoro-
thy, vakaita nguva Dorothy pane zvaaitaura ndokubva
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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

vazopinda vese.
After supper, vana vakandogara mumaHostels avo
waiting to go to to watch their weekend Movie from
the School Hall. Max akasvika muroom maTK
maaigara naMoses vari vaviri, ndokutaura naye
achimuudza nyaya yange yakati rebei, Takunda aion-
ekwa kushama muromo nekubata musoro. Pakapedza
Max nhoroondo yake, Takunda akakwira pabed pake
screaming and jumping around, akandomira muPas-
sage achidaidzira “Team TK, come come come, boys.”
Pasina nguva vange vave vese vari 5.
“Max mupfana, tell the boys what you just told me.
What is my name, you don’t call me king of the jungle
for nothing boys.”
Max akabva ati; “Dorothy, the vice head girl atuka
Linnet, achiti aregere zvekungotevera TK pese pese,
amuti the next time paanomuona akamira with any
A’Level boy anomuendesa kupunishment.”
Vakomana vakaita all necessary sounds familiar to
their group vachirovana zvese maoko, makumbo and
shoulders.
Takunda akabva ati; “That’s not all, Max pedzisa….”
“She also asked kuti TK anenge achimboitei Satur-
day afternoons, nekuti she is always around the football
grounds.” Max akatsanangura, Team TK yakaterera
with great enthusiasm and anticipation.
Moses akadaidzira achimhanya mhanya panzvimbo
imwe chete; “Makudo mumunda!!!”

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Vamwe vese vakapindura vachiti; “Bveni mu-

munda!!!”
Moses akadaidzirazve; “Mutiro mumunda!!”
Vese vakadaidzira; “Zigudo mumunda!!!”
“Zvaringana boy!” Moses akazodaro achirova-raova
Takunda kumusana.
Takunda ange ave kuvaviwa muviri wese
nekufarisa, he was too excited to contain it; “I told you
she will beg me …..hunt me down…. search for me…
didn’t I boys?”
“Ndokunyengwa kwachoka boy …..” Charles aka-
daro.
Takunda akakwenya kwenya mhino yake, “I miss
Nancy boys, nefull package yake, I wish ndamboti
dhonzei coke mbichana, nhasi madame CTK vaiimba
manhanga kutapira.”
Patrick akabva ati; “No no, those days are gone boy.
I salute you wakazviita without any aid, no influence
of anything, you won the bet muface wangu wakaipa
iwewe.” Vakarovana with their shoulders.
John akabva adaidzira “Who is the king of the jun-
gle??”
Vamwe vese ndokuti; “TK is the king of the jun-
gle!!!”
Takunda akatora monach rake ndokutora kaplastic
bag kekwaEdgars kaivemo ndokuisa pabed pake. Mo-
ses akatora achida kuona akabvutirwa naTakunda;
“Time for phase 2, phase 1 well done and dusted, medal
kumadziro, trophy on my table boy.”

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

“Waa kudii futi iwewe?” Patrick akabvunza show-

ing concern.
“I am an obedient child, boy. Ndonomuona neSat-
urday yes and also handichataura nanaLinet or any
other girl. Sezvandaudzwa naHead girl. chete, her wish
is my command. What else did you expect? What mad-
ame CTK wants, she will get, it’s that simple boy.”
Patrick akaramba ari serious, ndokuti; “Chii icho
chiri muplastic bag iro boy? Don’t give CTK anything
funny.”
“Ah boy, do you really think I will give her drugs,
wandiwanzira. I demand any apology and a withdrawal
of such horrendous thinking about me boy.” Takunda
akadaro ari serious.
“Saka mune chii chausiri kutiratidza?” Moses aka-
daro.
Takunda akabudisa a box of chocolates ndokuvarat-
idza ndokuti; “And some private stuff for my gorgeous
lady, do you really think I will show you kuti waistline
yake isize chii, or dairy yake isize how much? Now you
are ok, no cocaine no condoms, in this bag, are you
happy?”
John akati; “Fine boy asi macondom dai wangotora
hako, no offence, vamwe tiri vana mafirakureva.”
Vakomana vakaseka Takunda achinzwa kubudirira
kwese.
On Saturday afternoon, vana vese vaigara kumahos-
tel kwavo, Takunda akaenda naMax vakandogara

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

pamimvuri yaive yakatenderera ground rebhora re-

pachikoro apa, paive nemajacaranda trees kutenderera
ground rese uye pakavakirirwa twumabench and tables
twematombo necement. Vakabva vazodaidza Dorothy,
akauya akapfeka old skirt yake yechikoro neT-shirt
yeSt Matthias High School sezvavaibvumidzwa.
Takunda aive akapfeka jean trousers rewhite range
rakanaka chose asi raisabvumidzwa pachikoro net-shirt
yered yechikoro. Ange ane ice-cold juices ake aigara
mufridge maBoading Master vaGondo. Zvizhinji
zvaive mufridge yavo, nefridge yacho zvese, zvaive
zvaTakunda. Vaifara kumuchengetera nekuti
vaidyawo pamadiro, mukomana aigona to fill it up
when necessary chete. Nedzimwe nguva madriver
echikoro vaiuya netwakawanda twaibva kuvabereki
vake sezvaunzirwa vaGondo izvo zviri zvaTK.
Vakagara pasi Max ndokuita 5minutes ndokuvasiya
vega. Dorothy akabvunza pamusoro patete Carol,
Takunda ndokuti;
“That one is my friend, takakura tese, taigara tese
kumba kwedu, some people think tiri sister and
brother, just look at my parents’ age dai vakaita mwana
time yave he would be auntie Carol’s age, and also time
yese yavaive kuUZ vaigara nanamudhara.”
“Vanogara kupi?” Dorothy akada kunzwisisa.
“KumaFlats kumaAvenues, she is married, vane
mwana ane 1 year.”
“Oh she looks like a single girl, she is very nice. But
pakuzokubatsira madhiri ako apo, munowirirana

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

zvakazonyanyawo.” Dorothy akadaro achidzungudza.

Takunda akabata Dorothy ruoko ndokuti; “Ndaii-
tawo sei, amai vako vanodya moto havaimbobvuma
kuti utambire what I wanted to give you.”
Dorothy akavarairwa chaizvo nekubatwa ruoko
akati; “But iwewe hauna reputation yakanaka pano.
Zvandainzwa pamusoro pako nezvawakazondiratidza
paholiday, it’s totally different.”
Takunda akarova rova Dorothy mukati meruoko
ndokuti; “People exaggerate, since wakauya pano
wakamboona ndichitamba nevasikana here inini?
Nancy was my only friend, I knew her from home, we
were neighbours kuHighfields kune imba yamudhara
and kutowana nzvimbo pano amai vake vakatotsva-
girwa namudhara nekuti amai vaNancy is not Catho-
lic, or havatombipinde church zvachose.”
“How about Team TK munenge muchiita chii?”
Dorothy akabvunza.
Takunda akaseka, “Yave interview here nhai, am
going to be honest with you, I just hope you will not
judge me ukazondivenga” Takunda akadaro ndoku-
tarisa Dorothy mumaziso.
“Once in a while ndaimbotorawo simple, mild
drugs when I got them, you know pachiboys, but I was
never addicted. And kumbonwawo beer kana ndam-
boriwanawo, but am not doing those things anymore.
You also know kuti kumba kwedu I spent time
nemaHwindi pamarank ka ini, or muroad kana paita

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

break down, my dad is an expert mechanic so ndinom-

bobata bata engines navo. So life yemaHwindi….. you
know that. Baba vangu is too concerned nekuti ndisa-
vanyadzise pano, he has been serving the Catholic
Church ever since hameno, so I won’t spoil his reputa-
tion.”
Dorothy akaramba akanyarara akatarisa Takunda,
musikana akafemedzeka sepane zvaaida kutaura asi
haana zvaakataura, Takunda akabva ati;
“Say it, waa kufunga kuti you don’t mix nechi-
dhakwa chaimbotora drugs? Vice head girl kuwirirana
naHwindi? No. It’s fine.” Takunda akadaro ndokubva
aswedera kure naDorothy, ndokutsikitsira akabata mu-
soro wake, achinzwisa tsitsi.
Dorothy akabva ati; “No Takunda, am actually im-
pressed, why would you tell me all that? I never
thought ungabvume kuti ndozvawaiita. Why do you
trust me so much?”
“You are a good girl Dorothy, I am attracted to you
and handingade kuti vanhu zvavanonditaura zvikukan-
ganise, so its better tive friends uchiziva chokwadi kuti
if anyone says anything achikuwanzira about me, un-
enge uchiziva the true story. Like I said everything I
have done zvinowedzererwa, I know I am noisy ne-
boys rangu, but tinenge tichingofara, nothing more,
nothing less.” Takunda akadaro ari serious.
Dorothy ange afara anyatsotambanuka; “But you
know kuti vasikana vese vanokuda pano, uri kuona
even vasikana vemuClass menyu Upper Sixth the way

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

they are looking at me now, vachipfuura nepano.”

“Don’t mind them, havandide ava, iwewe ndiwe
unoda chidhakwa chaimbotora drugs, dai usingandide
watotiza pandakuudza” Takunda akadaro achidzikisa
cap sun hat yechikoro yaange akapfeka achizvivhara
maziso.
Dorothy akaseka chaizvo vachirovana maoko na-
Takunda iye achingonyemwerera, akaenderera achiti;
“Vamwe vese vanoda mota dzamudhara wangu ne-
tumwe twemari kuti ndivape, so you see it’s just you
and me Chipochashe.” Takunda akadaro, Dorothy
akanyarara achifunga zvakange zvataurwa naamai vake
pamusoro pevarume:
“Nekuti nhema dzacho dzinotapira munzeve,
anokuudza zvese zvaunoda kunzwa, zvisina
akambokuudza pasi pano, zvekuti unomuitira chese
chaanoda”.
Kuti Takunda ndozvaari kuita here? Asi pana
Takunda haana zvaari kunyepa wani, ari kutowanza
chokwadi chaange asingatarisire. Amai is old fashioned
vanoziva zvana baba zvakudhara zvekunyepa, nowa-
days vakomana havachanyepe, anokuudza sezvazviri,
take it or leave it? Or Takunda haasi kunyepa nekuti
haadi to have a friendship founded on lies.
“So une vamwe tete here?” Dorothy akazobvunza
achida kutiza nyaya dzekutaura nezvavo vari vaviri.
“No , auntie Carol is the only girl in my dad’s family,
vamwe vese are boys. 2 in SA, 2 in Australia and 2 in
Botswana, I have rotated visiting them over the years

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

and got fed up, vanorwadza kugara navo, I prefer my

parents’ house pandinoita zvandinoda. ” Takunda aka-
daro, ndokuenderera achiti;
“Siyana nezvevanhu avo hatinei navo. So nhai sisi
Chipochashe, who is the lucky guy?”
“Lucky guy adii?” Dorothy akadaro asina
kunzwisisa.
“Your boyfriend ka nhai Dorothy.”
“Ah no one, I don’t need a boyfriend now, ndoitei
naye.” Dorothy akadaro asingade kutarisana na-
Takunda.
“It’s fine. But ungade munhu akaita sei to be your
first boyfriend?” Takunda akabvunza again.
Dorothy akaita serious ndokuti; “why are you ask-
ing all that, ndave kuenda, handidi zveboyfriend unoda
kunditsvagira here?”
“Sorry shamwari, inyayawo. Usatsamwe, ok, maybe
I overstayed my welcome here. Thanks anyway, I had
a wonderful afternoon Dorothy, I will visit you more,
even in your class, you won’t mind handiti?”
Dorothy akaramba akanyarara. Takunda aka-
mutambidza plastic bag rekwa Edgars ndokuti; “Some-
thing for you.I am always thinking about you Doro-
thy.” Musikana haana kutambira akaramba akatarisa
kunge aifunga kuti mune chiiko mupepa iro.
“You better get used to this, because I won’t stop
buying you things.” Takunda akasiya kapasuro kaye
patable ndokusimuka, Dorothy akakurumidza kutora
ndokubva asimukawo.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

“Can I get a hug please…..” Takunda akaita zvek-

uedza.
Dorothy akamupa hug yacho neruoko rumwe chete
rumwe rwakabata kapasuro kake. Vakabva vapa-
radzana.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

CHAPTER 10

M usi weSunday, that week vana vainonoka ku-

muka, Dorothy aigara ega muroom make
sezvo aive Vice Head girl, room yake
yaiteverana neApartment yaSister Maria Goretti.
Akange arara akatsamira underwear yaange atengerwa
nemukomana wekwaMakonese. Paive ne 2 pairs of
pants and bras and corsets of expensive materials
zvaaiona in fashion Magazines, achingoti hameno
vakadzi vakakomborerwa zvavo vanopfeka zvakadai.
Paaisizviona asingatarisire kupfeka zvakadai,
aizvinyaradza nekuti ko underwear ine basa rei ino-
goonekwa naniko. Asi musi uyu akafara nekugutsi-
kana akatarisa tunhu twake. Maive futi neperfume,
roll-on, nelipgloss yacho, all Avon products. Hana yai-
rova because of two reasons, she was defying what her
mother had always advised her, she was getting too
close to a boy. Again, the feelings were unstoppable,
paaifunga the Takunda who had opened up to her, ain-
gonyemwerera ega, dzungu rega rega rekufara.
She went on to expertly press and iron her church
uniform yevasikana veNzanga yaMaria ndokuiisa
pabed pake, she also put a pair of pantihose and her
Sunday stiletto school shoes. Akasiya zvese pabed pake
ndokuenda ondogeza.
Vasikana vese veForm 3 and 4 vaigeza in showers
and tubs in their big bathroom vachidaidzirana nekuita
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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

nyaya vachiseka vakashama in their ‘privacy’. Dorothy

was always the quiet one, aingoseka listening to girls’
stories and not say anything.
But on this Sunday the vice head girl was singing in
the shower rwiyo rwaibva pana 1 Corinthians 13;
Kana ndisina rudo
Ndingagone kutaura, mitauro yavanhu
Kana yavatumwa vaMwari,
Asi kana ndisina rudo
Kutaura kwangu runongove ruzha chete.
Rudo harudadi, rudo harutsamwi,
Rudo haruzvitutumadzi,
Uye rudo, uye rudo, uye rudoooo…..

Vasikana vese vakazogeza vave kumudavira rwiyo

rwaakatanga achiimba ega, vamwe vave kuridza ma-
buckets avo sengoma, miromo ichiitwa sehosho,
vamwe nemhururu nemiridzo. Akabuda mubathroom
akafara akamonera drying towel rake, paakasvika
muroom make akavhunduka achiona Sister Maria
Goretti vakagara pabed pake vakatarisa zvaaida kupfeka
zvaakange asiya awaridza.
Chakamushamisa vakange vakabata corset yake
vakaisa pamhino pavo vachinge vaiinhuhwidza.
Akangotiwo deodorant yakange yaiswa apa na-
Takunda yange iri strong and sweet, yange yazadza
room yake yese saka Sister vakainzwawo.
“Inga this term makadzoka mave kuchena nhai asi-
kana.”

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Dorothy akaramba akanyarara akatarisa pasi, Sister

vakati “Ko corset yako nyowani iyi sei kunhuwira per-
fume yechirume kudai, actually room yako yese ndiyo
perfume yacho, kunge mabuda murume kudai?”
“Ah Sister handizive kuti maperfume echirume an-
odii ini, I only use shower to shower roll on and pow-
der.”
Sister vakapotsa vataura kwavakamboifema perfume
iyi asi vakazvibata semunhu mukuru.
“Ndauya kuzokuudza kuti ndiri kuenda kuHarare
nhasi, I was supposed to go on Wednesday but tachin-
jirwa dates, tiri kuenda kuMother House Convent for
our Prayer Retreat for a week. I will join vana vari
kuenda kuChess tournament, toenda nebus rechikoro
just after lunch”. Sister vakadaro.
“So iwewe panodzoka the Junior girls manheru at
8pm unofanira kuzoita study uri muApartment mangu,
so that any young girl who needs help anowana from
you.” Sister vakaraira.
Sister vaitaura maziso ari pahembe dzemwana uyu,
perfume yainhuwira muroom umu yakavatenderedza
musoro, vachifunga pavakainzwa and the circum-
stances surrounding the scent, matakadya kare avo.
Hana yemupikiri yakarova vave kufunga kuti kana ad-
zoka vaida kumbozobvunza kana Takunda aive
nemamwe machokoreti.

Vaifungawo kuti sei Dorothy ange aita same per-

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fume on underwear again just like her, it was so inap-

propriate kuti vabvunze zvakadaro kumwana uyu, so
she decided kumbosiya zvakadaro.
“Ok Sister ndichadaro.” Dorothy akadaro.
“So you take care of the junior girls and the Head
Girl anenge ari kwavo kumusoro kuma seniour girls
uko.”
“Yes Sister,” Dorothy akadaro ave kuda kuti
vachibuda vaimutadzisa kupfeka zvinhu zvake,
nekumbokanda kamwe kachocolate mukanwa, ko
ndiye akange ati vaite Sister here vasapiwe zvakadai ne-
varume, ngavachienda kani.
Sister vakazobuda ndokuenda. Dorothy akabatawo
corset yake ndokuiisa pamhino asati apfeka, zvedi aive
TK all over, kuti Sister MG vangazive perfume yaTK?
Ah but how? Vangave vakasvika pakumufembedza
zvekutoiziva pese pese kuti zvaita sei, akaseka neshura
raitenderera mupfungwa dzake.

Misa yemusi weSvondo uyu yaitungamirirwa neva-

sikana veNzanga yaMaria, vakange vakachena neuni-
form yavo vachitungamira in song and dance during
the Mass and reading of the word.

Vana vaienda kuQuiz, Table tennis and Chess tour-

naments kuHarare, vakatanga kuenda kuDining hall
vamwe vasati kuti vagoita rwendo rwavo. Vamwe vese
vakazotevera ndokumbomira panze vakatarisa vamwe
vavo vachipinda mubhazi rechikoro. Vese vaive 25,

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then their teachers and Sister Maria Gorretti

vaivemowo kuti vachienda.
Driver akamutsa bhazi rikafamba zvishoma ndokud-
zima, akaramba achiedza kumutsa asi zvakazoratidza
kuti bhazi ratofa hapana kwavaitoenda. VaGwatikudza,
naDeputy Headmaster vakabva vazosvika naMechanic
aishanda kuWorkshop yeMission. Murume mukuru
akabata bata hwumakanika hwese hwaaiziva kusvika
asiyawo zvakadaro.

Mukuru wechikoro nemutevedzeri wake vange

vofona fona kutsvaga kuti vana voenda nei, apa vana
vese vechikoro vange vamira vakatarisa vachinakidzwa
nezvaiitika. Vakange vambopinda mubus vakange
vabuda vamirirawo zvaizoitwa, nekuudzwa kuti
voenda here or zvatadza.

Takunda akange akamira nevakomana vake akabva

angofamba ndokundotaura navaGwatikudza, vaka-
murega achipinda mubus ndokuedza kumutsa kaviri ri-
kanyarara. Akabuda ndokuvhura kumberi kwange
kwambobatwa batwa naMechanic, akatarisa tarisa
zvaaiziva ndokudaidzira kuti driver amutse asi hapana
chakaitika. Akabata bata zvakare, zvino vana vese
vange vachimutarisa vachida kuona kuti mumwe wavo
aizodii.
Paakabata kechitatu, bus rakabva ramuka, akaramba
achidaidzirana naDriver kuti adzime engine achimutsa
again kusvika vese vagutsikana. Akazoonekwa amira

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

naMechanic votsanangurirana zvange zvakakangan-

isika, he later on assured vaGwatikudza kuti raienda
nekudzoka kuHarare asi vaifanira zvavo kuzotenga
zvakange zvichida kugadziriswa.
Vana vange voita mhere mhere sekumuziva
kwavaimuita kuti aizodaidzirana nevakomana vake;
“Who is the maaaan?!!!” Team TK would shout back;
“TK is the maaaan!!” asi maitiro aya akange ave was.
Surprisingly akafamba chinyararire achienda kuhostel
akarembedza maoko ange akazara magrease.

Masikati emusi uyu, mwoyo waida kundoona Dor-

othy asi akazeza nekuda kwekuparadzana kwavange
vaita, akaona kuti ange atsamwisa musikana.
Monday yacho, during study yemanheru yaitanga
na1830hrs – 2030hrs, akatanga aenda nekuForm 4A, he
chose pasina nguva yekutaura zvakawanda naDorothy,
aida kungomuonawo face. Dorothy akange atove seri-
ous achiita homework yake before time chaiyo pa-
kasvika Takunda.
“Hie, long time, am I disturbing….?” Takunda aka-
daro achigara pachair yaive padivi paDorothy sezvo
desk mate wake akange asati auya.
“Hie Takunda, long time ipi yacho, ndakakuonaka
nezuro saving the school bus, ah ko ndozvaunoita? I
thought unenge uchingotambidza vamwe tool box ka
ini.” Dorothy akadaro achiseka.
Vese vakamboseka. Takunda ndokumbonyepera
modesty ndokuzoti; “I told you inga wani kuti ndiri

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hwindi.” Vakaseka zvakare, sirene yekutanga kwestudy

yakabva yarira. Takunda akasimuka achiti; “Ndi-
chauya during the 20minutes break before the ex-
tended study.”
“I won’t be here, Sister havapo this week saka ndi-
noenda kuApartment kwavo for the junior girls, so I
see you tomorrow.”
“Eish, inga ma1 angu, I really wanted to spend some
time with you.”
Dorothy akaramba akanyarara, Takunda akabuda
oenda kuA’ Level block. Akandogara pasi
ndokusekerera, Sister havapo saka Dorothy anenge ari
ega kumba kwaSister. Apartment yaSister Maria
Goretti aiiziva uye aiziva even the back door kwaive
nekamukoto kaibva kuLaundry Room kwaisanyanya
kushandiswa, uye hapana aimuona from that side.

Pakachaya 2100hrs, paMission pange panyarara,

junior students in bed, senior students still in their class-
rooms studying. Takunda akandomira padoor raipinda
muApartment maSister, asi nekuti Mission yese yaiziva
kuti havapo, haana kukwanisa kuenda nefront door as
innocently as he usually does, pasina anomubvunza
saka akaenda nerekuseri kuLaundry room kwaisaon-
ekwa nevanhu.
Akambomira akaterera ndokuzogogodza, Dorothy
froze ari mukati achifunga kuti akanganisa kunzwa,
knock yakadzokorora akanzwa kudaidzwa, “Dorothy”.
Musikana akaziva inzwi iri, akamhanya ndokuvhura

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musuo quickly nekutya kuonekwa neschool security

guards.
“Taku, no no, wauya kuzodii at this time? We are in
trouble wazviitirei?” Dorothy akabvunza hana ichirova
nenyowani yaange atambirwa nemuchinda we-
kwaMakonese.
“Calm down, in trouble naniko? Ita steady.”
Takunda akadaro achigara paCouch raSister. Pamusuo
paipinda nevana vechikoro pakabva pagogodzwa,
Takunda akamhanya opinda mubedroom maSister.
Dorothy achindovhura musuo, vasikana vaviri veForm
1 vakabva vapinda; “Sisi Dorothy, tokumbirawo bulb,”
Dorothy akatadza kana kupindura, akangotora bulb
ndokupa vana ava vachibva vaenda. Akabva akiya
musuo ndokuzvikanda pa Couch raSister Maria
Goretti. Takunda akabva auya ogarawo paaive.
“What is this Takunda iwe, you are dangerous, don’t
let me regret why I am friends with you.” Dorothy aka-
daro hana ichirova.
“Unotya chiiko, I am always here inga wani kana
Sister varipo.” Takunda akadaro achizembera paCouch,
making himself comfortable.
“Yes kana Sister varipo, now this is illegal,
zvinodzingisa chikoro izvi.”
“Ok, ok, ndiri kubuda now, give me 2 minutes
ndimbozorora.”
Dorothy akaramba akanyarara amirira kuti muko-
mana uyu achibuda mumba maSister. Takunda
akasimuka ndokunwa mvura ndokugarazve pasi.

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“The way you are relaxed, kunge ndiwe unotogara

muno, you know everything about this apartment.”
Dorothy akadaro asi Takunda haana kupindura.
Mukomana akatomuti;
“It’s just that I missed you chete, I can risk every-
thing to be with you Chipochashe, I don’t care what
everyone will do to me, I just wanted kuve newe.”
Takunda akadaro.
Dorothy akaridza tsamwa ndokuti; “Manje inini I
care, I care about what Sister will say, I care about what
the Headmaster will say, and worse still, my mother
will kill me vakaziva izvi.”
Takunda ange ave kuitawo hasha nekuti ange asina
kufambira kuzoita nyaya, asi akazvidzora, zvekunyen-
gerera vanhu izvi aisazviziva zvachose, akabva ati; “You
worry too much about vanhu vasipo, vasingamboziva
kuti what’s happening in this room, grow up, be a
woman.”
Dorothy akatowedzera kutsamwa; “Ohoo that’s the
problem, I am not a woman, I am just a small girl
Takunda. Chienda before it’s too late.”
Takunda haana kupindura akaramba kuti abude va-
sina kuwirirana, akambopa musikana nguva yekud-
zikama. Dorothy akange oshayawo zvekuita, hana
yange isina kudzikama nekutya kuti vakangobatwa ne-
vakuru vechikoro, chikoro chaibva chapera.
“Am sorry Chipochashe, I was just anxious, kuda
zvangu kuona kana lingerie yandakakupa yakakufita.”
Takunda akadaro, apa bag rematricks ake range rave

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

muzasi zasi, ange opera, it was recording contents low,

please recharge immediately, apa chabuda hapana.
Dorothy akasimuka ndokuti; “My goodness,
unoona kuti bra nepant zvakandifita here or ndi-
nokuudza kuti zvakandifita. If that was the reason ya-
wakanditengera underwear kuti ugoona ndakashama
ndakapfeka izvo zvega, tora zvinhu zvako, handi-
chazvida. Sei wakafumuka kudaro?”
“Geeeees, unopenga here iwe, seems like am saying
all the wrong things tonight.” Takunda akadaro ave
kupererwa.
“Not only saying, but doing too, dai tambotaurirana
zveduka kuti uchauya, manje maitiro ako aya anenge
embavha, sends shivers within me.” Dorothy akadaro
akamira kure naTakunda.
Takunda akadzungudza vakamboita nguva
vakanyarara. Akabva azosimuka ndokuti; “Ok good-
night. Am sorry about everything. Am getting more
confused nekuti all I think is you. I love you Dorothy.”
Takunda akadaro ave kufamba achienda kumusuo kuti
abude. Dorothy akatevera ave kuda kukiya musuo
wacho.
Takunda akatarisa Dorothy ndokuti; “Can I at least
give you a goodnight hug .”
Dorothy akaswedera kwaive naTakunda and gave
him a hug, Takunda akaramba akamubata ndokumupa
a quick kiss on her lips. Akabva abuda asina kucheuka
asati atukirwa kiss yaange aba zvakare, musikana
akasara achinanzvira tsvodo, mukomana achiridza

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

tsamwa all the way back to his room, ange afambira

mahara hahaha ….

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

CHAPTER 11

T akunda akasvika vamwe vachiri kuStudy ku-

maclassrooms avo, akabata bata ndokuedza
kuita assignment yake yeGeography,
paakakwanisa kupedza first part akabva arara. Akazo-
peputswa neTeam TK vaida kuziva kwaaive 2hours
dzese.
“Ko why kungo disappear iwe TK, takutsvaga tika-
kushaya the whole time, kurara warwara here?”Charles
akadaro.
“Headache mbichana ndeipi guys?” Takunda aka-
daro achigara pasi ave kuisa school shoes dzake shoe
polish.
“Tikatika maenda to be with CTK,” John akabvunza
achida kuziva.
“Yes I was with her, no further stupid questions
about her, handitika. If I am the king, she is the queen.
If she says jump, all of you, you ask how high while
your legs are already suspended in the air. By order.”
Vakomana vese vakambonyarara vachitarisana, Pat-
rick ndokuti; “So can we say Jay Zee was right, you are
in love TK?”
Takunda akaridza tsamwa ndokuti; “Is it a bad
thing?”
Vakomana vakaseka vese Moses ndokuti; “Uno-
tiudza musheka boy, tozotaura zvataitaura pana Nancy
ukatsamwa. Colgate haisiyo chete inochengetedza
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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

mazino, around TK kutaura zvakanaka about CTK

kunochengetedza mazino ako boys.” Vakomana vese
vakaseka, John ndokuti; “Ka1 boy. Order taken.”
Ndokufamba achibuda, vamwe vese ndokuteverawo
vobuda vachienda kumarooms avo.
Vasara vega Moses akati kuna Takunda; “Are you
serious? Wave kuda relationship?”
“I am just learning kuti some things you just find
yourself watovemo boy, she must never know it was a
bet. She has me around her little finger, boy, ndomuda
too bad, though zvese zvandinoda kuita naye is just
complicated. Whatever I ask of her it’s complicated.
Nothing is easy around that girl shamwari.” Takunda
akademba.
Moses akaseka chaizvo ndokuti; “Wakazowanepi
patience dzekumirira musikana TK iwe?”
TK akaridza tsamwa ndokudzungudza; “Search me
boy, search me. But handina basa nazvo, am 19 and she
is only 16 so it makes sense, her fears are actually attrac-
tive, problem takajaira speed dzana Nancy so zvoti-
netsa. But ndanyura boy, I feel so useless and stupid
kuteverera a chick zvakadaro, nonsense.”
“Handiti you won the bet kudhara here whatever
happens now is outside the bet, enjoy youthful love,
they say it’s the best.” Moses akadaro.
“Thanks muface wangu, I needed to hear that. Tell
the boys no more funny comments and questions, I feel
like a vulnerable fool, but I can’t help it.” Vese vakaseka
ndokurara.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Takunda akange adaro zvake asi akange asisina

chokwadi kuti vaizowirirana naDorothy here.
Akambofunga kusiyana nazvo asi mwoyo wakaramba
uchida, and he also believed kuti musikana aimuda. It’s
just that they were from different worlds, so he decided
to be patient and stick around. Akazeza kana kun-
domuona muclassroom, aitonyenyeredza kana aiwana
achifanira kufambira around Form 4A classroom.
Musi weChina manheru vasati vatanga study, Max
akauya muUpper Sixth Arts classroom ave kudaidza
Takunda, paakabuda akawana Dorothy akamumirira
panze, vakafamba vese vachienda kuO’Level block as it
was still before study time.
“I missed you so much. I thought you would never
want to see me again.” Takunda akadaro with relief in
his voice.
“I thought you were angry, can you explain your
silence?” Dorothy akadaro.
“I love you Chipochashe, but am realizing I may be
pushing you away, so ndakati zviri nane to have sweet
memories than bitter reality waramba kutaura neni
zvachose.” Takunda akadaro.
Dorothy akamboshaya zvekutaura ndokuzoti; “Yes
you are pressurizing me too much, but I missed you
too. It’s just that handidi kuita anything against the
school rules.”
Takunda akabata ruoko rwaDorothy ndokuti;
“That’s why I kept my distance, ungatozondivenga and
I can’t take that, you are the first girl I have ever loved

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Chipochashe, honestly, and I want it to remain that

way.”
Dorothy akada kuchema neconfession iyi from the
king of the jungle. Akambofunga ndokuzoti; “Sister
vanodzoka Saturday afternoon …..”
Takunda smiled ndokuti; “Ok, 2100hrs, tonight,
leave the back door open.”
“But, ndiri kutya ini, promise me one thing.” Dor-
othy akadaro hana ichirova.
“Anything for you, I love you Chipochashe.”
“You will behave, you won’t force me to do any-
thing that I don’t want to do.” Dorothy akadaro.
“Of course I promise you, I am not an animal nhai,
I just want to see you in a private place, without prying
eyes.” Takunda explained.
Vakabva vaparadzana nekurira kwakaita sirene.
Dorothy akaenda hana ichirova nekuda kweappoint-
ment yaakange aita. Suddenly she remembered, amai
vakange vati, message chaiyo yaipinza chando, now the
hug and kiss zvakamudhonzera kundotsvaga Takunda
after his two days of silence. She kept on hoping and
trusting kuti it was innocent friendship.
At 2100hrs, Takunda ange ave naDorothy mumba
Sister Maria Goretti.
“I am still worried though, tikabatwa toita sei?” Dor-
othy akadaro achigara pachair yaivemo. Takunda ak-
agara paCouch ndokuti; “Unless ari Mr Gwatikudza
apinda muno right now, of which we know it’s so un-
likely, the admin team comes for supervision during

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

working hours. Those who are likely to come are; ivo

Sister MG, or vaGondo or the Security guards, of
which security guards report to vaGondo and those
people are a non-issue to me, ndovanotonditiza
vakandiona muno.”
Takunda akaseka zvake achirara paCouch, Dorothy
was a bit relaxed asi aingotya, Takunda akabva amuti;
“Come sit here, udzikame, what’s your problem?”
Takunda akadaro ndokusimuka to lock both doors,
akazobata ruoko rwaDorothy vachibva vagara pasi.
“Relax, sweetie, ita so….” Takunda akadaro achira-
risa Dorothy pamakumbo ake, achitamba neface
yemusikana.
“I love you Dorothy…. Very much, why are you
making things difficult between us?” Takunda
akabvunza.
Dorothy akatarisa Takunda mumaziso ndokuti; “I
… I love you too …. But it’s very difficult to trust you
….”
“I am serious, ok … tell me what you want me to
do, to prove that I love you” Takunda akadaro kissing
Dorothy on the forehead. Musikana akamuka ndoku-
gara akatarisa Takunda; “We are together already, its
scary but exciting, and you have done too much for
me. But I am not with you because of zvawakanditen-
gera, nekuti I am not sure kuti wakatenga nekundida
here or simply nekuti mari yacho iripo isina budget or
any other commitments.”

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Takunda akaramba akanyarara ofunga kuti zvato-

tangazve zvekuparidzirwa nemusikana uyu, Dorothy
akaenderera; “It’s the time you spent with me
zvakandiswededza paduze newe, I enjoy your stories
and your change in character.” Dorothy akaseka
chaizvo achibata Takunda ruoko; “You were noisy
iwewe ah, so immature, but suddenly watove murume
mukuru, someone I can look up to and respect. ”
Takunda akasekawo achiti; “Ndiri kutevedzera
iwewe, you have great influence on whatever I am do-
ing now.”
“Tete vako vakadarowo, I am flattered.”
Takunda ange ave kunakidzwa naDorothy, she was
relaxed, happy and in love, he pushed her down softly
kuti arare paCouch akatarisa mudenga, akamuteverera
achibata mazamu while kissing her on the lips.
Paakaona musikana achitererera zvaaiita, akabva
aswedera padyo padyo ave kunakirwa nemutambo
waainzwisisa. Dorothy akazomusairira ave kubviswa
bra.
“Stop stop, chienda Taku, zvakwana.” Dorothy aka-
daro achisimuka staggering achitadza kuvhura maziso,
Takunda akagadzira gadzirawo track-bottom yake
which was then on attempted removal.
“Didn’t you like it? Was I rough? Is it not nice?”
Takunda akadaro achitevera musikana.
“No no….. yes yes” Dorothy akadaro, Takunda aka-
tarisa divi kuti Dorothy asaona kuseka kwaange ave
kumuita.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Takunda akamubata maoko ese ndokuti; “Don’t you

feel so close to me? This wil bring us even closer, relax,
relax ….”
“I said it’s enough, enough. Chienda. We are to-
gether already,” Dorothy akadaro achipeta maoko ake
kunge aitizisa chipfuva chake.
“Its ok my darling, loosen up, its fine, its fine. Ndave
kuenda.”
Dorothy akagutsurira akatsikitsira, Takunda
akamudhonza and hugged her, musikana akararirira
pachipfuva, vakamboita nguva vakadaro Takunda
ndokubuda. Akaenda kuhostel achimhanya achiridza
muridzo.
Dorothy quickly locked up Sister’s room ndokuenda
kuroom kwake. Akazvikanda pabed pake ndokuvhara
maziso with a smile, replaying, and re-feeling Takunda
all over her body, so mai Chipochashe was right after
all; “Nekuti ruoko rwemurume mwanangu, gives the
nicest, sweetest feeling, yandisingagone kutsanangura,
ukange wazvitanga, brain dzinombomira kushanda,
unoti chauya chauya”.
Akasekerera achitenda amai vake nedzidziso yavo,
fore-warned is fore-armed, akange achiziva peku-
gumira. Nekuti chokwadi aitoshaya kuti saka dai aire-
gera kumisa Takunda wacho aizorega zvadiiko?
Mukomana aienderera all over her zvekurarirapo
chaizvo, zvaizopera zvadii ivo vakapfeka hembe
dzechikoro. Akanzwa kunyanya kuda Takunda nekuti

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

he seemed controllable, paangomuti stop it abva asi-

yana naye. He was such a gentleman.
Musikana akafara zvekuti akakanganwa kuti amai
vange vati zvakare; “Usaende in a secluded place
……unozotadza kumu controller …. newe
wacho…..”
Akatora hembe dzake dzainhuwira perfume
yaTakunda ndokuisa mupillow case yake ndokurara.
Manheru emusi weFriday, Takunda akadzoka
zvakare muApartment maSister Maria Goretti, Doro-
thy akavhunduka chaizvo nekuti vakange vasina kum-
boonana kana kutaurirana kuti the night visits would
be their daily routine.
“I didn’t think you would come again Taku, tichaz-
obatwa if you come here everyday.”
“Sister MG vanouya mangwana, so this is my last
visit, mazuva ese tinenge tave in the school grounds.”
Takunda akadaro achibvisa maslippers ake.
Dorothy akashama muromo achida kutaura,
Takunda ndokumuisa chigunwe pamuromo
achimudhonzera mumaoko ake;
“I just can’t stop thinking about you Chipochashe,
wakandipfuhwira iwewe, mvura iya yandakanwa
kumba kwenyu yaive mvura chaiyo here?”
Kuzodaro Dorothy akati afa zvake nekuseka;
akaswedera kuna Takunda achiti; “Iweweka, flattery
will take you anywhere you wanna be.”
“Am not flattering you, hausi kuona kuti ndatove

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

benzi pano apa, always wishing to be around you.” aka-

daro kissing her, akararisa musikana paCouch again
ndokutamba vachifadza nyama.
15 minutes later, the did was done, Dorothy ange
agara pafloor akawaridza skirt yake, nemisodzi muma-
ziso, akazvifukidza net-shirt, achishaya kuti bra nepant
zvaendepi.
Takunda achipfekawo track bottom net-shirt yake
slowly akamutarisa. Akagara paCouch ndokuti; “Why
are you regretting this, because I don’t.”
Dorothy akaeredza misodzi ndokuti; “Wandikurira
simba but you promised you won’t force me. I regret
losing my virginity at 16, in a hostel here Taku iwe.”
“Get over yourself, hauchandida here? Sei uchindiita
kunge rapist kudaro?” Takunda akadaro impatiently.
“Kwauri it’s one of those things, I did not want this.”
musikana akadaro misodzi yave kuyerera.
Takunda akasimuka ndokuti; “You are my girlfriend
right, and we will do it even more. Goodnight.”
Takunda akabva abuda oenda kuhostel kwake. Doro-
thy akasara cleaning up the mess, ndokumhanya
kushower ondozvikwesha, akageza agezazve trying to
erase the memories of the life changing regrettable in-
cident that had just happened to her.

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CHAPTER 12

T he following week, Sister Maria Goretti

vakange vadzoka, she found everything in or-
der, Dorothy was a reliable and responsible stu-
dent leader.
Asi Dorothy and Takunda vakange vonyanya kuon-
ekwa vese pachikoro, every afternoon, or break time,
Dorothy akange asingachanyari kuenda kuna Takunda
whenever possible. Takunda aionekwa ari muForm
4A, uye kuperekedza Vice Head girl kuridza sirene and
other minor duties dzaaiita.
Nekufamba kwenguva, kana Team TK vaionekwa
once in a while vachiseka naVice Headgirl during
sports and weekends. Nemumwe musi pamaSports,
Dorothy aive akamira naTakunda naMoses, Takunda
akamuti; “Let’s say woziva some things zvandakaita be-
fore our relationship how far do you forgive?”
“Zvakaita sei izvozvo?” Dorothy akada kuziva asati
apindura.
“Say I dated you to prove a point to the boys, like a
bet?” Moses naTakunda vakatarisana.
“Ah why would you do that? So if you won the bet
what happens?”
“Then after winning the bet, the boy finds out kuti
ave kutoda musikana, then they carry on zvakadaro.”
Takunda explained.
“But vakatanga on lies, ini ndinokuramba ndikaziva
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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

zvakadaro, some things zvamunomboita vakomanaka,

life is just a game to you, sei muchidaro?” Takunda
naMoses vakaramba vakanyarara vakatarisana. Dorothy
akavatarisa vese ndokuti; “Asi ndozvamakandiita Team
TK?”
Moses akakurumidza kuti; “No no, tingadaro here
isusu, kamupfana Max ndiye akaita idzodzo, not isusu.”
Takunda akagutsurira achitarisa vaimhanya muground.
Dorothy akabva ati kunaTakunda; “Wauya nema
ice-blocks mashoma nhasi, you know I can’t do with-
out them.”
Takunda akabudisa keys from his pocket ndokutam-
bidza Moses achiti; “Endawoka undotora ice-blocks
from apartment yaGondo, wototora nekaCooler box
kangu ka1kg uise tisanetswa futi.” Vese vakaseka Moses
ndokuenda.
Takunda ndokuti; “Paholiday unouya kumba
kweduka, for over night, or two nights, I told my mum
about you, vari kufara too bad.”
“Speed yako yema introductions ndeyeiko?” Doro-
thy akadaro.
“Am just tired of being labeled zvinhu zvandis-
ingaite ini sha, munhu akangonditarisa so, anongoona
ndiri ziboorangoma risina dhiri. Like I said you are my
first girlfriend, but munhu akanditarisa anoona ndine
vasikana hobho.” Takunda akamboseka ndokuti; “Even
iwewe wange wotofunga kuti I am after kaLinnet
kaye. I think the problem is I just got exposure earlier,
and a bit of resources, and freedom, that’s why I am

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who I am.”
Dorothy akaseka akatarisa Takunda ndokuti; “Inini
waitondityisa, never in my wildest dreams panda-
kambofunga kuti we will be this close zvekuto ….. you
know.”
Takunda akaseka achibata Dorothy ruoko ndokuti;
“I love you Chipochashe, I know you don’t trust me,
but I am going to prove myself over and over again.”
Dorothy asati apindura Moses naMax vakabva
vasvika nema ice-blocks, vese vakadya kunge aive
masweets, Dorothy ndokutora ese ange asara ave
kunyima vamwe.
Dorothy akabva ati kuna Max, “Ko kuzoita bet
pamusikana ndokudii?”
Max akatarisa vana mukoma ndokuti; “Ko
mamuudza, ah ndakavaudza vese ava kuti mukoma TK
is in love ivo vachifunga kuti it’s a bet, waityisaka
iwewe, now mukoma wangu ave …….”
Moses akasaidzira Max achiti; “Mupfana iwe chibva
pano”, Takunda akagara ndokubata musoro. Moses
akaenderera achiti; “Kanyaya kasina maturo ako kevana
ava nhai. Towedzera here ice-blocks kuti cooler box
rigare rakazara?”
Dorothy aisave benzi, akaziva kuti 1+1=2, chero
zvikanzi $1 +$1 or 1 naira + 1 naira kana even 1 toilet
plus 1 toilet inoramba ichingove 2.
“Taku iwe explain this” akadaro achirova Takunda
nekaCooler box kake kumusana.
“Ndozvawange uchitaura nhai?” Akaridza tsamwa

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

ndokusimuka oenda kuHostel, vese Takunda naMoses

vakatevera vachimhanya vakandomusiya ave at the en-
trance yeGirls’ Hostel.
The Sunday afternoon, Takunda naDorothy va-
kataurirana about the bet, musikana akanyengererwa
kusvika asekerera, asi zvakamupa kuzeza mukomana
waaida.
The following Wednesday afternoon, Sister Maria
Gorreti vaitora stationery muOffice maSenior woman
Mrs Mago, vakaverengerana zvese zvaidiwa naSister
ndokubva vavapa. Office yemudzidzisi uyu yaive
muForm 4 block saka vakabva vangoenda munext class
vodaidza vasikana vaviri to help Sister carry her stuff to
the hostel.
Vakabva vadaidza Dorothy kuti auye kuOffice
kwavo, vakawana Sister vakavamirira ndokuti;
“Nhai Deputy Head Girl wedu, chiri sei chikoro, I
haven’t seen you in a while.”
“Am fine ma’am, thank you.” Dorothy akadaro
akatsikisira.
“Yes, I called you to ask nyaya yauri kutaurwa ne-
vamwe vana pano Dorothy.” Mrs Mago vakadaro,
Dorothy akavhunduka ndokutarisa Sister Maria Goretti
avo vakange vachidawo kunzwa.
“Are you dating the Makonese boy?” Dorothy
akaramba akatsikitsira akanyarara. Sister vakaita
zvekudaidzira kuti;
“Dorothy uri kudanana naTakunda Makonese?? Ri-
ini?”Mai Mago vakatarisa Sister vachishamisika

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

chaizvo, asi vaida kutaura naDorothy.

“Ndakamubvunzawo Takunda about you two, look
here,” Mai Mago vakatora Geography Test Book
raTakunda ndokuvhurira Dorothy naSister;
“Last term yese hona 35%, 20%, 42% ndaitoshaya
kuti aizopasa sei end of term tests. But look here latest
tests, 65% then 72%, even Sister you agree with me
kuti even noise yave shoma, taigara tine reports even of
bullying from younger boys. ”
Sister Maria Goretti vakati; “Zviri kuitikepiko izvi?
Iwe Dorothy hazvitombobvumirwa paSt Mathias
zvakadaro. Wakaregereri kundiudza kuti ari kuda nez-
vako?”
Mai Mago vakati, “Sister, don’t forget that last term
in the meeting, about student affairs, we agreed to let
them date zvatinoona. Vana vanoita zvakawanda with-
out guidance nekuti tinovarambidza. Headmaster va-
kati tirambidze maForm 6 kuenda kumaForm 1 and 2
chete, otherwise our Form 4 to 6 they are ok together.”
Mai Mago vakatarisa Dorothy ndokuti; “Mwa-
nangu, continue to be a good girl, don’t go to any dark
secluded places with Takunda, I believe he is changing
to be a good responsible boy. My worry is his experi-
ence, he has too much experience and exposure, iwewe
you are too innocent. So be careful usatevedzere zvese
zvaanoda. But I am happy about the impact you had on
him, anofanirawo kukuchinja for the better, sezvauri
kumuita iwewe.”
“Thank you ma’am.” Dorothy akadaro

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

akangotsikitsira.
Mai Mago vakaseka ndokuti; “And I asked him too,
he is very happy ….”
Sister Maria Goretti vakabva vati; “Makamubvunza
akati chii nhai Mrs Mago, akatiiko? Rakatiiko benzi
rekwaMakonese?”
“We don’t label our students, Sister, especially in the
presence of another student.” Mai Mago vange von-
yanya kushamisika nezvaitaurwa naSister Maria
Goretti. Vakademba kuti dai vaingovewo zvavo Bo-
ading Mistress munhuwo zvake, vasiri Sister,
vaivaudzirira as her boss musi uyu.
Sister vakabuda vofamba vachienda kumaHostels,
Dorothy akasara naMrs Mago vakabva vamuti; “Be a
good girl, don’t be emotionally attached to your friend,
see him as a childhood friend anokubatsira kukura and
stay focused. You still have a long way to go mese,
school, college, career before you become parents. So
from today I will be watching you, I will be asking for
your test papers. If you need anyone to talk to, I am
here, not only as your teacher, but as your mother too.
You are a good girl Dorothy. ”
“Thank you Mrs Mago, I really appreciate your con-
cern.”
“You can go back to class.” Mrs Mago vakadaro
vachigara pasi kuti vachiita basa ravo, Dorothy
akaramba akamira, mudzidzisikadzi akabva ati; “What
is it Dorothy, is there anything that you want to ask?”
Dorothy akamboshama muromo pasina chaibuda

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

ndokuzoti; “Nhai ma’am, ko what did Takunda say

when you asked him about us?”
Mrs Mago vakasekerera ndokuti; “Nothing much,
but he confirmed kuti you are in a relationship and oh
I had forgotten, makamboona tete vake during the hol-
idays?”
Dorothy akavhunduka ndokugutsurira, mai Mago
vakabva vati; “Interesting but be careful, boys will be
boys.”
Dorothy akabva abuda achienda kuClass kwake,
vese mai Mago naDorothy vakaramba vachifunga re-
action yaSister Maria Goretti, it was weird, she was not
reprimanding …. No, she was ….what? forbidding?
Shocked? Surprised. Her reaction was confusing.
Pavakaenda kumahostels after supper time, Sister
Maria Goretti vakasvika muroom maDorothy ndoku-
wana asimo. Vakavhura wardrobe yake ndokubudisa
all expensive lotions dzavakaonamo, vakawanawo a
bigger box of chocolates kupinda ravakange vapiwa
ivo, vakavhura toilet bag rake ndokubudisa underwear
yake. Dorothy akashamisika achibva kubathroom to
brush her teeth achiwana zvinhu zvake scattered on her
bed.
“So everything you were showing off this term
waitengerwa naMakonese?” Sister Maria Goretti
vakabvunza. Dorothy akaramba akanyarara.
“Handina kuziva kuti wakapusa zvakadaro, uno-
fanira kusiyana nebenzi riya risina kurairwa. Ndinodai-
dza amai vako mangwana chaiye.” Dorothy haana

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

kupindura zvakare, akaramba akaterera zvaitaurwa na-

Sister, pavakataura nezvaamai vake akabva ati;
“I am sorry Sister, Takunda is just a friend.”
Sister Maria Goretti vakaridza tsamwa ndokutanga
kunhonga zvinhu zvese zvavaifungira kuti ndiTakunda
akatenga vachipotserazve pabed paDorothy; “A friend
you say? A friend? Anokupa zvese izvi? Even vakadzi
vakuru havapiwe zvese izvi. Ndimi type dzechihure
dzinotora varume vevanhu.”
“No Sister!” Dorothy akashamisika nematukirwo
aange oitwa naSister Maria Goretti. Mupikiri akabuda
achisiya arovera musuo waDorothy. Mwana
akarongedza mabook ake ndokuenda kuClassroom for
night study. Akaramba achifunga zvakange zvataurwa
naSister akashamisika sei Sister vakatsamwa zvakadaro.
Mazuva ese aitanga apfuura nekuUpper Sixth Arts
ozoperekedzwa kuenda kwake asi musi uyu akananga
kuClassroom kwake. Takunda akamirira asi haana
waakaona, 10 minutes before time Takunda akabva
aenda kuForm 4A.
“Sister vati ndisataure newe,” Dorothy akadaro asina
mufaro.
Takunda akaseka achigara pasi ndokuti; “Hooo, start
from the beginning, ndosaka usingachada kana kun-
diona?”
Dorothy akatsanangura ndokupedzisa achiti; “Can
you imagine Taku, vanganditi ndiri hure? Ah why?
Ndiri kushaya zvavakatsamwa about you nekuti even
Mrs Mago was surprised.”

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Takunda akanzwisisa mastatements aSister ese, they

were very clear, asi zvakamupa hasha; “Vaa kutopenga
amai vaye, I will talk to her, don’t worry.”
“No, siya vakadaro, vanodaidza amai vangu or
kutiendesa kwaHeadmaster or anything.” Dorothy
akadaro.
“You are my girlfriend Chipochangu, and I will
protect you, handijairirwe nevanhu vanorarama
nemari yababa vangu.”
Dorothy akatarisa Takunda ndokudzungudza;
“some of the things zvamunoita you people
hazvinzwisisike, munozivana more at family levels so
ah hameno, I don’t want to be in the middle of all this,
amai vangu havazvikwanise.”
Takunda haana kunge akaterera zvaitaura Dorothy
akati; “Ndichandotaura naSister MG, and I promise
you, havazokunetsa ever again. You love me handiti?”
Dorothy akagutsurira. Takunda akasekerera ndokuti;
“And I love you more, later bye.”
After study, Dorothy akangosvika achizvivharira
muroom make, haana kuda kutaura taura nevamwe
kana kufamba famba aitozeza kusangana naSister.
Takunda akandochinja uniform ndokuenda kuA-
partment kwaSister Maria Goretti.
“The man I have been looking for.” Sister vakadaro
vachigara paCouch ravo. Takunda akaramba ari seri-
ous, akavati;
“Sister how are you? Ko leave my girl friend alone,
Dorothy does not deserve all this.”

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

“Oh oh, inga zvakatooma, so the little girl auya ku-

zokuudza kuti ndati akurambe, you pervert?” Sister
vakadaro.
“No name calling Sister, nekuti I have bigger and
more names for you. You and I know that Dorothy
haasi hure, kana pane chihure chakaitika it was be-
tween you and me. Chipochashe is my girlfriend, and
I love her, can you give us a chance, please Sister?”
Sister vakaita sevachafa negodo, vakafemedzeka
ndokuti; “Or what? Are you still threatening me with
fotos and videos sezvawakaita panaNancy?”
“I am glad you know that, whatever happened be-
tween us was because of that Nancy issue, its done, you
are my aunty, let’s keep it that way.”
“Ok ok, but, that will not stop you kundipa some
chocolates, handiti unogara unawo, then I will let your
little girlfriend be. After all, Dorothy is too young haa-
tambe newe zvaunoita neni.” Sister vakadaro
vachidhonzera Takunda kwavari, akaswederawo
kwavari achinakidzwa nemukadzi mukuru aitaridza
hasha dzenyama dzaaive nadzo kumwana waaifanira
kuchengeta.
Takunda asati ataura, musuo wakavhurwa
vakaregedzana nekukurumidza, dai pange pasina ka
one and half metre passage between door and pai-
tangira kaLounge kaSisiter vangadai vakaonekwa. Asi
pakazosvika Dorothy pavaive, vaviri ava vange vagara
pamachair, pakati pavo pane table.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

“I am sorry Sister to come so late, but ndatadza ku-

rara because of what you said…..” Musikana aka-
tarisana nemukomana wake asi aida kunzwisisana na-
Sister Maria Goretti.
Sister vakakurumidza kuti; “Its fine Dorothy, am
sorry if I was too harsh on you, I don’t want anything
that will disturb chikoro chako.”
“Sister it’s actually you who encouraged kuti nditore
zvinhu zvandaipiwa naTakunda, ndimi maitora
muchindipa, you were saying all good things about
him, till ndave kumuonawo saizvozvo.”
Dorothy akange ave kuda kuchema, akangovatarisa
vese ndokubuda, Takunda akabva ati; “Eish, that was
close….. no no Sister I can’t do this,” akafamba ndoku-
buda oenda kuHostel kwake achisiya Sister in shame
and embarrassment of rejection.
In July it was mid year exam time, vana vese were
busy studying and having discussion groups ku-
gadzirira maexams avo. Weekend afternoons Takunda
naDorothy vaionekwa studying together under the
grounds shades. Dorothy aifarira ice cold juice and ice
blocks zvaakange aravidzwa naTakunda from his
fridge.
Takunda akapedzisira ave kumuseka achigara
achimuunzira kaPortable cooler box kaive kane ice
blocks, Dorothy aisekawo achiti it kept her awake dur-
ing study time. Takunda tried again to have Dorothy
in a private place, asi musikana akaramba, the earlier
experience was scary and not nicer as she expected as

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

they portrayed it in the movies. After all mai

Chipochashe was right, only a grown up woman could
handle a man and his desires.
Paholiday, Dorothy akange akapasa semazuva ese,
Takunda ange ave neimproved report asi nekuti it was
not the same one, raionekwa and signed nevabereki
vake, akatadza kuenda naro, so he photocopied akasiya
booklet rese, he was also very happy kuvataridzawo re-
sults echokwadi.
Takunda aive neshungu dzekudiwa namai vaDoro-
thy, aitoda zvekusvika pamba pavo achitora Dorothy,
asi musikana aiziva amai vake, vakange vasingazvide
especially asati anyora O’Level kudai aive mudiki.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

CHAPTER 13

N emumwe musi weChishanu mangwanani,

amai vaDorothy vakatuma mwana wavo kun-
dotenga zvekubikisa mascones nemasamoosa
avo. Inguva yavange vakamirira vese Takunda naDor-
othy kuti vambobuda vese vambonzwa mhepo.
Vakaenda muSupermarket maTM, mukomana
ndokusunda trolley musikana achitora zvavaida
kutenga achiisa mutrolley yavo.
Takunda akasvika paive nemasanitary pads ndokuti;
“Ndotora apiko babes, pads, cotton wool or tampons?”
Dorothy akaseka achinyara nyara ndokuti; “Pads
….. but I still have them ……” Dorothy akatadza
kuenderera achifunga the last time she used sanitary
pads, it was beginning of June, before her intimacy
with Takunda.
“Pads ok, are 4 packets enough?” Takunda akadaro
mischievously ndokupusher trolley voenda kutill, he
paid for everything ndokubva vabuda.
Vave mumota voenda, Dorothy akabva ati; “I am ac-
tually thinking kuti since June I never had my periods,
I mean, since that day ….. ”
“Excuse me …. Nooo Chipochashe Nooo, that can
never be.” Takunda akadaro aching achabuda muroad.
Vese vakahuta vakatarisana, Takunda akabva atora
road yaivasvitsa paYouth Clinic muna Fife Avenue.
Vakange vanyarara mufaro wese wapera. Vakasvika
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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

ndokuenda vese muCounseling room.

“Tiri kudawo pregnancy test.” Takunda akadaro.
“Can I do the whole counseling to both of you or to
you alone?” Counselor vakadaro kuna Dorothy. Vese
mukomana nemusikana vakati; “It’s fine tiri tese”.
Takunda akabva abata Dorothy ruoko.
“Ok, why do you think you are pregnant? I just
want to have a background before the test.” Dorothy
akatsikitsira achinyara, Takunda ndokuti; “Obviously,
we had sex. And then she missed her periods since June,
it’s mid August now.”
Dorothy aingogutsurira akatsikitsira, Counselor
vakabva vati; “When was your last day of menses Dor-
othy?”
Dorothy akati; “June 4, but, I always skip my peri-
ods, handiende every month.”
Counselor vakasekerera ndokuti; “When was the
first time you started to have your periods? I mean the
first time in your life.”
Dorothy akati; “2 months after my 14th birthday.”
Counselor vakati; “Listen carefully Dorothy, I want
you to understand your body, it is normal for a girl
during her first two years of menstruating to have an
irregular menstrual cycle. Some women have irregular
periods for their entire lives, although most women
have a cycle that they can count out. The 28-day cycle
that is written about in books and followed by doctors
is an average, not the rule”.
Dorothy akabva ati; “Yes nekuti sometimes I would

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

skip the whole month, and sometimes ndoita after 32

days, it’s so complicated.”
Takunda ange avhura meso akatererawo, inga
vakadzi vane nyaya yowee. Asi Counselor vakada kuti
vana ava vanyatsonzwisisa.
“A teen's body is influenced by it's growth and
therefore can start and stop the menstrual cycle while
it's growing. The length of time in days and the
amount of blood of a girl's period is influenced by the
amount of hormones that her body is currently manu-
facturing. Therefore, it is normal for a teen who is
growing and has fluctuating hormones for the amount
of blood and the length of time her period lasts to be
different from one period to the next. Do you have any
questions?”
Takunda akabva ati; “Saka zvaasati anyatsove bho
maperiods acho anomboshaikwa like that, is it possible
to be pregnant? Hazviite handiti?”
“It’s very possible to be pregnant and have a healthy
full term baby, fortunately or maybe at this age, unfor-
tunately.”
Vese vakambonyarara, vana vechikoro hana dzichi-
rova nezvavaiudzwa apa. Counselor vakabva vazoti;
“and you Dorothy, besides cessation of your menstrual
cycle, do you have anything like leg cramps, kur-
wadziwa makumbo nemusana, kurara, dzungu, kuneta
neta, morning sickness, kurutsa makuseni,
kunhuhwirwa or kufarira imwe food yawaisanyanya
kuda before ….. June right?”

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Dorothy aingodzungudza zvese, Takunda ndiye

akazoti; “But waidya ice blocks stereki, I don’t know if
it’s related, it was a winter term kuchitonhora but you
always wanted ice-blocks.”
Dorothy akabva ati; “Pandaishaya ice-blocks
ndaidya chalk in class.” Takunda akatarisa shamwari
yake achishama muromo. Counselor akasimuka
ndokuti; “Ok, come here Dorothy for the test,”
vakabuda vese vachisiya Takunda achidhonza dhonza
zvigunwe nekungobata bata maoko ake nekutya. In 15
minutes time, vakabva vazodzoka vese, Counselor
naDorothy.
“Right, Dorothy, kudya kwawange uchiita ice-
blocks and chalk is normal nekuti une pregnancy in-
duced anaemia. You are 10 weeks pregnant. I will give
you iron tablets to stop that craving of iceblocks and
chalk. And you have to stop eating chalk haisi food, it
will give you complications later on, and ice-blocks
musi waunosununguka unozopindwa nechando
zvakanyanya. So unofanira kuzotanga ante-natal clinic
…. ” Vese Dorothy naTakunda vakasimuka sevave
kutiza Counselor vasati vapedza kutaura, Takunda
achiti; “Tichadzoka mumwe musi.”
Dorothy akadhonza makumbo, pasina kure
kwaaenda akaita dzungu ndokubondera Takunda,
ndokudonhera pasi. Counselor akadaidzira stretcher
bed, nurse ndokuuya vave kumuisa pabed chaipo. She
was treated for shock and discharged achinzi andozo-

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rora ari kumba. Vachibva apa vakananga kubasa kwa-

tete Carol, munzira mese Takunda aingodzungudza
achiti “No, no not me, not now, why now, not me.”
Dorothy chaive chiveve muviri wese, aifunga kuti
achapepuka kuhope dzemadzikirira idzi dzaairota. Ai-
baya baya dumbu rake achifunga kuti angasangane
nekamusoro kana nekakumbo kana kagunwe zvako
kuti awane proof yekuti pane zvaive mudumbu make,
asi upenyu hwakamuratidza kuti hatiite izvozvo.
Takunda akapaka mota ndokufonera vatete vake,
vese vari vaviri vakatadza kubuda mumota, vakazobuda
tete vamira pawindow raTakunda. Tete vakatora hama
dzavo ndokundozvivharira muOffice mavo.
“Marwa here, chiiko nhai Dorothy, mungabve
mauya kwatete makatsamwa kudaro?” tete Carol vaka-
daro asi hapana akapindura. Takunda ndiye akazoti; “ah
hameno zvataurwa naNurse counselor vekuYouth
Clinic uko.”
Tete Carol vakatadza kunzwisisa; “You are confus-
ing me, maenda kuClinic, and …..?”
“Lot’s of things were said about this girl… heee pe-
riods asipo or aripo hameno…. Heee nhumbu maybe,
some bullshit was said about her.” Takunda akadaro
achifamba famba muoffice mavatete vake. Dorothy
akashama muromo akatarisa Takunda. Tete Carol
vakasimuka pachair yavo pavaive ndokundogara pane
yaive padivi paDorothy ndokuti;
“Tell me sweetie hanziiko kwamabva?”

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“I am 10 weeks pregnant!” Dorothy akaita kudai-

dzira kunge aida kuti zvibude maari seari kurutsa.
Tete Carol vakarohwa nehana ndokutarisa mwana
wehanzvadzi yavo; “Gara pasi iwe Takunda. So you did
a pregnancy test naNurse at the Clinic meaning it’s
medically confirmed?” Dorothy akagutsurira.
“Eish eish …….Maria Hosi yekudengaaaa,
eishhhhh” Tete vakadaro nezeve zeve, vese
vakambonyarara.
“Ndonotaurira mukoma namaiguru …..” tete Carol
vakazodaro. Takunda akabva ati; “No no, handiti
Ncube your husband is a Pharmacist, he can help us to
do an abortion.” Dorothy akatsikitsira confusion
nekutya zvichinyanya.
“Aiwa you guys we are not going to do this alone.
Tave kufanira kuudza vabereki vese.” Tete Caroline
vakadaro vave kutyawo.
“We both have exams next term auntie Carol, if she
goes for an abortion now, we will be covered, handiti
inongoita like a normal period?” Takunda akaridza
tsamwa akatarisa Dorothy ndokuti; “Can you imagine,
she does not even know kuti anoenda or haaende kum-
wedzi kwacho, what kind of shit is this?”
“Waa kutaura zvisina maturo iwe Taku” tete
vakazodaro.
“How can I be a father at 19, with a girl asati otom-
boenda kumaperiods? How is that possible?” Takunda
akadaro nehasha and obvious worry.
“Tinyararire. Ok chiendai kumba, I will think of

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what to do.” Dorothy akabuda onanga kumota achi-

fambisa ari ega. Tete Carol vakadhonza mwana
wehanzvadzi yavo ndokuti nezeve zeve;
“I don’t like that rude tone yauri kuita, this girl is
stressed and in a worse situation than you. Unoda kuti
azviuraye here? We need to support her kwete rough
dzawave kutaura idzo. Wakarara naye handiti? And I
am sure she was a virgin, what else do you want?”
Takunda akadzungudza achinge achachema,
akashaya kana zvekutaura.
Vakabva vaenda vese ondosiya Dorothy kumba
kwavo, vese vakange vasisina mufaro zvachose. Doro-
thy akatanga kuita mascones ake nemasamoosa kuti an-
dopa amai vake, musi uyu zvese zvakatsva kuita
mazimbe chaiwo, kusvika asiyana nazvo zvekubika.
Pakadzoka amai vake, vakashamisika imba yese
ichinhuwa utsi, Dorothy akagara pasofa akagumbata
maoko pasina chaaiita.
“Ko warwara here Chipochashe? Kwakanaka here?”
mai vakadaro vachiri pamusuo.
Dorothy haana kusimudza musoro, akangoti; “I am
sorry amai ndakakunyeperai, ndakataura nhema dzaka-
wanda.”
Amai vakaisa handbag yavo neplastic bag raive nema
vegetables and tomatoes pakatable kaive mukitchen
mavo ndokundogara pasofa paive nedangwe ravo.
Vakabva vamuti; “Chiiko mwanangu,
unondivhundutsira nhai, chii chiri kukunetsa?”
“Mukadzi uya akauya pano, havasi sisi vaMildred.”

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Dorothy akadaro asingade kusanganisa maziso naamai

vake.
“Uyu wekukutengera uniforms and zvinhu zvebusi-
ness? Ndianiko?” amai vakabvunza.
“Nditete vaTakunda, mukomana uya weBMW.”
Dorothy akadaro achiruma chigunwe chake chidiki.
“WeForm 6 uyuzve wekuchikoro kwenyu?” amai
vakabvunza zvakare.
Dorothy akagutsurira akatarisa amai vake, avo
vakarembedza miromo vachipeta maoko.
Dorothy ndokutizve; “Zvakataurwa nababa
vaTanya kuti vakandiona muPolo Vivo ichokwadi,
ndomota yake, BMW ndeyababa vake, vakazomuten-
gera Polo, vane business remaCombi.”
Amai vakafemedzeka ndokuti; “Makatanga ku-
danana rini?”
Dorothy akahutisa miromo ndokuti; “aiwa amai,
paaiuya pano paye takange tisingadanane, takazotanga
last term kuchikoro, akaramba achinditeverera…..”
Mai Chipochashe vakabata shaya ndokuti; “Saka
chanetsa chii? Chii chazoita undiudze zvese izvi?”
Dorothy akada kutaura asi zvakamunetsa nekuti
iyewo ange asati abvuma kuti ane nhumbu. Akambo-
funga ndokuti; “Ndave kutadza kuramba ndichi-
tambira zvinhu zvake imi musingazive kuti ndiani
chaiye ari kundipa. Zvandauya nazvo zvese nhasi ndiye
atenga, mari yenyu iyi, handina kumboishandisa.”
“Yowee, nhai Chipochashe mwanangu? Zvon-

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dosara kufamba sebenzi, ndichirarama nesadza re-

chikomba chemwana mucheche akadai, nhai nhaiwe
mwana waSilas Moyo unondiitireiko?”
“Makarara mese?” amai vakabvunza zvakare. Doro-
thy akadzungudza asi musoro waisanyanya kudzun-
gudza, it was half shaking of the head, kana kuine
zvakadaro.
Mai vakasimuka pavange vakagara ndokufamba
vachienda mubedroom mavo vachivhura mabutton
eUniform yavo yepink vachiti;
“Umuudze agouya pano nditaure naye.” Dorothy
akangogutsurira.
Manheru emusi uyu Dorothy aifonera Takunda uye
kumutumira mamessage asi mukomana haana kupin-
dura. Akarara azara nekutya kurambwa uye BP
yakwira, akabatirwa nehope misodzi yatotesa pillow
yake.

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CHAPTER 14

M anheru emusi uyu pamba pababa namai Ma-

konese, amai vaTakunda vakangopinda
mumba ndokudaidzira kumusikana wavo
webasa; “tine vaenzi nhasi Tambu, Tete Carol nemhuri
yavo vari kuuya for dinner, kana wobika woita ne extra
zvinokwana munhu wese.”
Tambu akapindura achitora mapaperbag ange ap-
inda naamai vemba achiendesa kukitchen kuti achi-
tanga kubika. Mai Makonese vakatevera ndokun-
dobudisa zvese zvavaida kuti zvibikwe nekuraira zvav-
aida.
“Ko Takunda haasati auya?” amai vakabvunza.
“Haasati, ende nhasi abuda makuseni haana
kumbodzoka zvaanosiita” Tambudzai akadaro achiisa
tray yaive nenyama yehuku muoven.
“Ari kumbotamba nemota yake mwana wangu,
ange osuwa his new car ari kuchikoro,” amai vakadaro
casually.
Pasina nguva vaMakonese vakabva vapindawo,
vakakwazisana nemudzimai wavo nemushandi wavo
ndokundogara pasofa vakabata maNewspapers avo.
“Hanziiko naCarol, anenge ane nyaya nhasi, aku-
udzai kuti ari kuda chii?” VaMakonese vakabvunza
mudzimai wavo.
Mai Makonese vakaseka vachiti; “Tete Carol mwana
wepano ndingamubvunze kuti uri kudzoka kumba
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kwenyu kuzodii here, regai auye, maybe mukwasha

anetsa, musazoite hasha zvamurimi kana vana vaine
zvavanoda kugadziriswa.”
“Ah tonzwa vauya, ko mukomana aripi? Anofanira
kuita service paCombi iyo yandauya nayo nhasi, he
needs to perfect his mechanical skills, last time akaita
zvake but not to standard yandiri kuda.” VaMakonese
vakatanga kufonera Takunda asi haana kudaira fone.
Vakatanga kuverenga newspaper ravo, mudzimai wavo
ndokuenda kukitchen vondobika vakamirira vaenzi
vavo.
Pakachaya 1830hrs, Caroline Makonese nemurume
wake Thabani Ncube nemwana wavo aive one and a
half years old, vakabva vasvika. Vaisave vaenzi pamba
apa, vaiita sevanoenda kuvabereki vavo. After supper,
Caroline akabva ati; “Amaiguru, ndauya kuzokuudzai
nezvaTakunda”, vese baba namai vakamborega zvav-
aiita voterera, amai vakati; “Aripiko Taku? Haapo
panoka up to now.”
“Tauya naye, akapara mhosva saka ari kutya kupinda
muno tisati tataura nemi.” Thabani akadaro. Vese baba
namai hapana akapindura, hana dzange dzorova voda
kunzwa details.
Carol akabva ati; “Takunda akamitisa musikana ari
Form 4 kuchikoro kwavo, she is 2 months pregnant.”
Amai vakafemereka vachivhunduka ndokuti; “Simon
Petere Musandeeee, muchengeti wevakomana, honai
Takunda uya, ndoita seikoooo?”

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Baba vakatura befu vachizembera musofa, with re-

lief on his face, kunge vaiti; “Izvozvo chete!”
Vakatora newspaper raive patable ndokuvhura
pasina zvavaiverenga. Vakaturikidzanisa makumbo avo
vachikwidza bepa kuti rivhare kumeso kwavo, hiding
the grin and wide smile on his face.
“Ndiye musikana wamaitaura here nhai tete?” Amai
Makonese vakabvunza vachiri kupererwa, “Form 4?
Atokura? Is she not under 18 nhai veduwee?”
“Yes maiguru, anonzi Dorothy Moyo, anogara
kuHighfields, amai vake ndiCleaner kuClinic. She is a
very good girl, I feel so bad, I encouraged the relation-
ship but I just let them be, ndaifanira kutaura na-
Takunda kuti asadaro mwana iyeye.” Vatete Caroline
vakademba.
Mai Makonese vakati; “MaKatorike here? Vanona-
mata?”
“Chaizvo, ange ari musikana weNzanga, and ndiye
ange ari Deputy Head Girl kuSt Matthias.” Tete va-
katsanangura.
Mai nababa Makonese were both impressed vakati;
“Ohooo.” Vachigutsurira misoro.
VaMakonese vakabva vati; “Call that boy ataure
nyaya yake.”
Thabani akabuda ndokudzoka vave vese na-
Takunda. Mai Makonese vakabva vati kuna Takunda;
“Saka wave kunzi baba vaani?”
Takunda akazvikanda pasofa ndokutsikisira. VaMa-
konese vakamuti; “Tete vako vari kuti your girlfriend

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

is pregnant.” Takunda akaramba akanyarara.

“Pinduraika nhai mhukahuru, we don’t have all
night” amai vakadaro kumwana wavo.
“Yes dad.” Takunda akazodaro.
“Are we talking about the same girl wawaiti
uchauya naye this holiday?” Baba vakada kuziva.
“Yes dad.” Takunda akapindura achigomera.
“Saka uri kuda kuita sei?” baba vakabvunza zvakare,
for progress’ sake.
“We both have exams next term daddy, and I don’t
want to be a father, it was a terrible mistake.” Takunda
akadaro akangotsikitsira.
“Unomuda here? Do you love the girl?” VaMa-
konese vakabvunza vakadzikama chaizvo kunge
vaisanzwa kusafara kwaTakunda.
“Daddy nhai? Mave kutaura love? Love? Love ine
basa rei pakadai? Love only is not enough in this situa-
tion.” Takunda akadaro.
“I am asking you again. Do you love that girl? Yes
or No” VaMakonese vakadaro.
“Yes dad, she is my first girlfriend and I took away
her virginity.”
“Good, sorted then. Imi mai Taku, call vana
bamunini venyu, vari kuBotswana and vari SA, find
out one or two who are available, if necessary arrange
their air tickets, vauye tondoroora, kana ari mwana
wechikoro anopedzisa achigara pano. My grand child
must have the best my money can buy, he will not be
a bastard.” VaMakonese vakadaro vachiraira mudzimai

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

wavo.
Vakabva vati kuna Caroline. “Iwe musikana, woita
tete chaivo. Make arrangements timuone, wati anonzi
ani muroora? Talk to her mother and aunties, I mean
all necessary family members as soon as possible. I don’t
want her stressed.”
VaMakonese vakabva vati kuna Takunda, “And you
mupfana, wochengeta mukadzi, haasisiri girlfriend,
you will behave like a father and a husband. So
tichagara nemi mese in this house till mapedza chikoro
and college zvese. If necessary your mother will arrange
extra house-help for your family. Womborega noise
dzako watokura wave baba. Any questions?”
Hapana akabvunza, asi Thabani ndiye akange
achinyanya kushamisika nematongerwo akange
atoitwa nyaya iyi pamusha apa. Vatete nemhuri yavo
vakabva vabuda voenda kumba kwavo.
Vachingobuda Takunda akabva ati kuvabereki vake;
“But dad, I don’t want to get married, I am not ready
to be a father.” Amai vakabata mwana wavo ruoko
vachidemba naye.
Baba vakabva vati; “You are already a father
Takunda, who do you want to kill kuti usave baba?
Watove baba so.” Mumba makambonyararwa, vaMa-
konese ndokuzoti; “so what was the last thing you dis-
cussed nemukadzi wako?”
“Nothing daddy, patakabva kuClinic for pregnancy
test, we were both freaked out, hatina kumbotaura tese
takamirira kuti auntie Carol vazotaura nemi” Takunda

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

akadaro.
“Mazuva mangani now?” amai vakabvunza.
“4 days now mom, I don’t even think amai vake vave
kuziva.” Takunda akadaro.
“Noo Takunda, that is very cruel, so uri kuti ari
kudiiwo ega ega musikana iyeye, young, pregnant,
confused, uncertain, rejected, stressed, no son, we are
not a cruel family.” Mai Makonese vakadaro.
VaMakonese vakabva vati; “Chiterera mupfana
iwewe, you are going to marry that girl, like I said.
Zvese zvauri kuti haudi blah blah shall never be re-
peated, iye mukadzi wako and her family must never
know kuti wamboita dzungu so. I forgive you,
wakavhundukawo, since it was not planned.”
“No dad, I will not get married.” Takunda akaita
nharo zvakare.
VaMakonese vakasimuka ndokuti; “This is not a dis-
cussion, I am giving you an order. Kana usingade, you
will move out of my home, leave everything, the bank
card, car, all the luxury gadgets, and your room nezvese
zvirimo. Then that girl and my grand child will take
over everything that I have given you in this house.
Make your choice. Tell me in the morning nekuti by
0900hrs ndiri kubuda kundounganidza mari yeku-
roora, with or without you, silly boy.” Baba vakabuda
vachisiya amai nemwana vari vega.
Amai vakabva vati kumwana wavo; “your father
mean well Takunda mwanangu. Inga wati unomuda
wani, what’s your problem? Allow us to support you

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

kusvika makura mese.”

Takunda akapfugama mberi kwamai vake ndoku-
rara pamakumbo avo, ndokuchema misodzi; “I am very
scared mum, I ruined Chipochashe’s life, will she ever
get what I took away from her? Mom, Chipochashe is
very intelligent, now she is going to be a mother, just
like that?? Why can’t she just abort and we all forget
about everything. I will be careful next time.”
Amai vakaita nguva vakanyarara vakabata mwana
wavo, vakanzwisisa zvaimunetsa. Vakabva vamuti;
“This is what your father is going to sort out mwa-
nangu, your wife is going to be exactly what she is des-
tined to be. We will help you correct all your youthful
wrongs. Cheer up my son, we love you, and we won’t
watch you suffer or make someone else suffer. You love
her and you will be with her.” Takunda akagutsurira
ndokugara pasi chaipo on the carpeted floor.
VaMakonese vakadzoka vakapfeka mapyjamas avo
ndokuti; “Ko imi mai huyaika, ndorara ndega kuti
ndadiiko.”
Vakatarisa Takunda ndokuti; “kana wakaita 4 days
usingataure nemusikana wako, during this terrible
time, ummm, mufonere now Takunda. Just tell her I,
your father, know everything and unomuda. Then
mangwana wondomuona motaurirana. Buy lots of
fruits, juice, all goodies and spoil my grandchild.”
Vakadaro ndokuramba vakamira vakatarisa
Takunda, “Ndakamirira kuti ufone ndakaterera, ndoda
kundorara, isa speaker pafone yako.”

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Takunda akatora fone yake ndokufona, yakarira

kamwe chete ichibva yatodairwa, Dorothy akangoti;
“Ko why have you been quiet?”
“I am sorry Chipochangu, I was shocked, but I love
you. Ndouya kuzokuona mangwana.” Takunda aka-
daro akatarisana nababa vake vachigutsurira.
Paakapedza kutaura, baba vakatevera kumashure
kwemudzimai wavo vondorara, Takunda achiendawo
kwake.
Pavakangovhara door remubedroom mavo, vaMa-
konese vakabva vati; “Amai mwana, ironically, this is
the happiest day of my life. Takunda is going to have a
baby, so there is going to have another child from Alois
Makonese’s house!” Mai Makonese vakashamisika
vachitarisa murume mukuru achena musoro achifarira
teenage pregnancy.
“Monica shamwari you don’t know how worried I
was everyday ndichiona Takunda achikura, ndichi-
funga kuti angaite same problem yandakaita. And isu
takura, dai taifa aizozvigadzirisa sei ari ega mwana
wangu? He may not be lucky to get an understanding
wife like I did. Thank you Jesus, sweet Virgin Mary
thank you, my prayer is answered, ndakura asi Mwari
vandibvumidza kuona muzukuru wangu. Nyasha
dzaAbraham dzandiwandira ini. Soon I will have three
children in this house.”
Mai Makonese vakapomereka kufara kwemurume
wavo, vakaita nguva vakanyarara pfungwa dzavo go-
ing back 20 years, vasati vave naTakunda. Vakabva

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vati; “Tinovachengeta nekamuroora kedu baba, I re-

member nhamo yangu nambuya vaTakunda. I will be
the best vamwene to my young muroora. And magona
baba, tinogara navo mumba muno kusvika vatanga
kuenda kubasa, muzukuru achiendawo grade one.”
Vabereki vakarara vakasekerera vachigutsikana neu-
rongwa hwavo.

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CHAPTER 15

P azuva rakatevera, Takunda akaenda kumba

kwana Dorothy, havana kugara pamba.
Vakabva vandogara paRestaurant yaive muna
Fife Avenue, Takunda updating musikana wake
zvange zvataurwa nevabereki vake.
“Wange uchifungawo zvemarriage nhai? Because I
am so scared.” Dorothy akadaro.
“Come on Chipochashe, this is the best we can do
in this situation. I may not have answers to everything,
but what I know is I love you, and I want to see you
realizing your dreams. This pregnancy is not a curse.
Let’s stick together kusvika zvapfuura.” Dorothy ange
abaiwa nekutura mafemo, zvaive nane pane zvaai-
fungira.
Vakakwanisa kuzosekereranawo, vave kufunga kuti
ko amai vaDorothy vachaudzwa sei, nani uye
vachazvitora sei. Dorothy aizvinyaradza nekuti aizotiza
amai vake nekundogara kwana Takunda vosara
vachipenga vega, vaizoonana shungu dzapera. Aka-
tanga kuona a new life ave muroora wekwana
Takunda. Zvakamupa tariro nekumudzikamisa.
Fone yaTakunda yakabva yarira, Takunda akapin-
dura achiti; “Auntie Carol, matii?”
Vatete vakabva vangoti; “Uri kupi? Endawoka
kumba kwangu undotora mwana wangu nababysitter
tisangane mutown in 30 minutes please.”
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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

“Ok auntie, ndiri pana Fife so ndiri paduze

nepamaFlats enyu, I will drop them off manje manje.”
Dorothy akabva ati; “Ndosara pano, ndotenga ice-
cream while I wait for you, handisi kuda kuenda
newe.”
Takunda akanyemwerera achisimuka paange ak-
agara ndokuenda. Dorothy akasara akagara, akavhun-
duka pakarira cellphone yaTakunda, iri pachair paange
asimuka. Paakaona kuti nditete Carol akadavira
vakamboseka achibva avaudza kuti Takunda ange ave
kutosvika kwavaive.
Dorothy got curious ndokutanga kuvhura vhura
achiona mafoto nemavideo aive mufone umu.
Akanakidzwa achiona some videos and fotos ake aai-
torwa asingazive aive akazara mufone umu.
Atoneta ave kuda kutosiyana necellphone iyi, ndo-
paakaona fotos of Sister Maria Goretti vakapfeka un-
derwear chete; vakamira, vakagara, vakakotama,
vakavhura makumbo, pamwe shockingly vakasudu-
rutsa pant.
Akaendazve kumavideo ndokusangana nazvo, Sr
Maria Goretti vakarara negotsi Takunda akavatsikirira,
pumping her as if there is no tomorrow, vakamusunga
nemakumbo avo nemuchiuno umu, vese vakashama.
It dawned on her immediately, the nun’s reaction
pavakaziva kuti ndiye musikana waTakunda. Ndosaka
vakamutuka kuti ihure rinotora varume vevamwe,
ndozvavaireva? Vaidananawo naTakunda? Akatarisa
dates of the fotos and videos akaona nguva yazvakaitika

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akangoshaya zvikonzero nezvinangwa.

Who was this Takunda guy after all? An evil hooli-
gan who dares take a nun to bed? Zvevane maCombi
kumba kwavo was this a ritual? Sleeping with virgins
to make money in the spirit? Musikana akadedera
nekutya. She kept on playing the video and going
through the fotos.
Akadzokorora achizarirwa zooming all fotos kuti
aone face, yes it was no mistake, vaive Sr Maria Goretti
zvechokwadi, the Catholic nun. The Mighty Virgin
Maria Goretti, vakachata naJesus Christ of Nazareth
and made a vow of chastity.
Akazovhunduka ave kunzwa kuti; “uri kuona chii?”
“Your secrets, who are you nhaiwe?” Dorothy
akabvunza maziso akatsvuka. Takunda akahutisa
miromo achishaya zvekutaura in obvious humiliation
and embarassment.
“You are actually worse than I thought. I don’t
know you Takunda.” Dorothy akadaro hana ichirova.
“We are getting married Chipochashe, I owe you an
explanation on this one.” Takunda akadaro ndokutau-
rira Dorothy chokwadi chese chakaitika kusvika zvese
zvaange aona mufone make zvavemo.
Dorothy akadzungudza ndokuti; “Maybe you were
right about abortion, let’s go for it.”
“No! My father will disown me. No no no. We are
past that. We will be together and have our baby, eve-
ryone kumba kwedu is preparing for you, waiting for
you Chipochangu. Don’t tell anyone about these fotos

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please. That is a past I wish I could delete.” Takunda

akademba.
Dorothy akapererwa, she kept imagining Takunda
in the nun’s arms, honestly was the world coming to an
end? Sr Maria Goretti? Dorothy’s trust and innocence
were crushed beyond repair.
Kumba kwana Dorothy, paSvondo iri, amai vake
vakange vane zvakawanda zvavaisaziva, mwana
ainyepera kufara kuti amai vasave nechavanofungira.
Akaramba achizeza kuvaudza chokwadi.
KwaMakonese tete Carol vange voita zvav-
akaudzwa chaizvo. Vakataura naamainini vake mai
Molly vaidzidzisa kuGutu High school vakataurirana
musi wekuuya. Vatete vake hanzvadzi yababa vake
vaigara kwaSeke ndovakaenda naye kumba kwababa
namai Makonese kundoona pamusha and all introduc-
tions.
Vanhu vakuru vese vakafara vachitsigira vana, Dor-
othy hana yairova nekuti ange asati audza amai vake.
Musi wavakabva kwana Takunda, tete vake ndo-
pavakazotaura naamai vake.
“Kwakanaka here nhai tete mangosvika pakati
peSvondo kudai?” mai Chipochashe vakadaro vachi-
shamisika kuona hanzvadzi yemurume wavo.
Kwakanaka chaizvo muroora, ndauya kuzokuonai
mese nabhudhi nenyaya yaChipo. Dorothy akange as-
ara panze asingade kutarisana naamai vake pamusoro
penyaya iyi. Vese vakandogara mumba, tete ndokuti;
“Mukomana waChipo, Takunda Makonese ave

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kuda kuroora.”
Mai vaChipo vakafa zvavo nekuseka ndokusimuka
vachiti; “Masvika mukadyeiko nhai tete,” vakabva va-
daidzira vachiti; “Chipochashe, uya uitire tete tea,
handiti mune mascones.”
Vatete vakamboshaya kuti votii vachiona serious de-
nial yaive nemuroora wavo. “Garai pasi kani mai Chipo
ndiri serious, ane nhumbu ine mwedzi mitatu izvozvi.”
Mai Chipo vakaudyura meso kuita mboni sechidza-
donhera pasi.
Baba vaChipochashe vakati; “Chipo ange atokura
zvekutoita pamuviri riiniko?”
Mai vaChipochashe vakaramba vakati fototo sevhiri
rapera mweya vachiedza kugara zvakanaka musofa
ravo mavange vadzokera kugara pakataurika zven-
humbu. Kwaive kutsvaga position inogarika zvakanaka
musofa raingove negomba pakati ravaiziva kuti it will
never be comfortable. Hameno kuti comfort ya-
vairamba vachitsvaga apa vaiti ichaita munana we-
kubva kupi. Isofa ravaigara kana mumba muine vaenzi
kuvharira vaenzi kuti vasagarapo.
“Ane mimba ndiani? Yakabvepiko?” mai
Chipochashe vakazodaro pave paya. Mumba
makambonyararwa, mai vachifunga kuti zvaitaurika
apa zvinorevei. Vakadaidzira zvakare; “Chipochashe,
pinda muno kani.”
Chipo haana kupindura, akangofamba ndokusvika
achigara nechekumusuo. “Iiih nhai dangwe rangu,
ndiudzewoka kuti tete vako vari kukunyepera.”

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Nemisodzi pamatama Dorothy akati; “Ndine

nhumbu yaTaku amai.” Amai vakadzungudza musoro
vachitsikitsira, dikita richizara kumeso.
Baba vakabva vati; “Mave kuita sepane mariro nhai
mai Chipo, iwe Chipo chienda kukitchen undobika.
Tete mange muchiti akatiiko mukomana wacho?”
Tete vakabva vati; “Mhuri yese kani, vese vanoda
Chipo zvakanyanya. Ndaperekedza Chipo kumba
kwacho uko kuMarimba Park, haa mwana apinda
mushuga. Ndokunonzi kuita rimwe gumbo murice,
rimwe mumacaroni, musoro mufanta, zvinotaurwa
nevechidiki kumusha uku. Vane zvinhu zvavo vanhu
ivavo, baba namai vacho ganda unotongoona kuti
ndere leather kani bhudhi. Vari kuzoroora vacho,
mumwe Doctor mumwe Engineer Botswana uko
haaaaa. Vashandi musha wese, Chipo anon-
donyatsogara zvakanaka, navamwene vechirungu”.
Tete vakatsanangura.
Vakaenderera vachiti; “Mukwasha ndiye achiri
mudiki zvake, asi anotove nemota yake, manje manje
Chipo anenge otofambawo akagara ave neyakewo
mota, motoisa gedhe hombe pano rinopinda mota
bhudhi imi, angazosiya mota kunze uko pese paanouya
here, hazvizoiti. Mai Chipo muroora ndokuberekazve,
wozodei?” Vakaseka vega havana kuona kuti muroora
wavo aisaterera zvavaitaura.
Baba vange vobuda masiriri nekunakirwa nefeed-
back yehanzvadzi yavo, vaMoyo vakabva vati; “Saka
dhemeji ndotozamudzira ndakatsinzinya, ndakagara

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ndazviziva ini kuti Chipochashe ane njere, honai

awana murume achandiitawo munhu.”
Mai vaChipochashe vakasimuka ndokuenda
mubedroom mavo, havana kubuda usiku hwese na-
mangwana acho kana kubasa havana kuenda. Kana
kudya hapana chavakadya. Chipochashe akaenda kuna
amai vake achida kutaura navo asi vakangomutarisa
vakachema misodzi zvekutadza kutaura.
Masikati emusi weChishanu uyu, maninini mai
Molly vakabva vasvikawo kumarooro emwana.
Kusvika kwavo kwakaita kuti vatete vachingwara
ngwara vobatsirana kugadzirira vaenzi. Mai Chipo
vakaramba vakanyarara vakapfeka morning gown,
vakasungira dhuku ravo mumaziso zuva rese. Takunda
navatete vake vakasvika vachizobatsira kuunza magro-
cery aizodyiwa pazuva rekuroora kwavo, asi mai
vaChipo vakaramba kubuda mumagumbeze mavaive
vakarara.
Dorothy ange ave pakati nepakati, aifara nesupport
nazvese zvairongwa nemhuri yanaTakunda uye tete
vake naamainini vake. Asi kusaita zvese izvi namai vake
kwaimutyisa. Amainini vake navatete vake vaka-
musimbisa vachiti chero pawhite wedding chaipo
pemukadzi ane 30 years amai vake vanongochema.
Ndozviri vana amai izvozvo.
Manheru eChishanu, mai Chipo ndopavakazokwa-
nisa kudaidza mwana wavo ndokugara vari vaviri
kuseri kweimba.
“Chipochashe mwanangu, ndakakanganisa papi?

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Chii chandisina kukuraira chawakaita nekusaziva?”

amai vakabvunza.
“I am sorry amai, you are the best mother, ndakaku-
tadzirai.” Chipo akashingirira kudaro.
“Ngatimboregai kudemba, titaure nezvevanhu vako
vari kuuya mangwana ava. Promise me you will be
honest with me mwanangu, ndiwe dangwe rangu,
nekundirwadzisa kwawaita, ndinokuregerera, and ndi-
nokuda zvakanyanya mwanangu.”
Mai nemwana vakabatana maoko ndokuti; “Muko-
mana wako uyu unonyatsomuziva here? Makadanana
3 months chete handiti?” Dorothy akafunga zvaireva
mubvunzo uyu, akafunga kuziva kwaaiita Takunda
akafunga twunyaya twekuseka twavaiita vese, nez-
vaaitengerwa naye, those were the only positives
zvaainyatsoziva. Picture yakakura yakauya mupfungwa
dzake yaive yekuti Takunda airara naSister Maria
Goretti, uye Takunda boss weTeam Tk, the Big 5,
ndozvaaiziva.
Amai vakabva vati; “Ngatitii, kana mangwana apa
vave kuroora pakauya mumwe musikana achiti ane
nhumbu yemukomana wako uyu, unoramba uchida
kuve naye? Kana kuti toti zvakare mapurisa akati
mukomana wako is a criminal unokwanisa kumure-
verera kuti vari kumunyepera? Ndiri kupa mienzaniso
chete, kuti unzwisise kuti marriage is for better for
worse, and for a lifetime. Pindura mwanangu.”
Chipo akadzungudza ndokuti; “Ah handizive zvese
izvozvo ini, muri kubvunza zvisingapindurike imi.”

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Amai vakati; “Ndiri kuda kuona kana uchiziva

kwauri kuenda. Saka kana usina chokwadi kudai, hype
yese yekuti uri kuroorwa ndeyeiko mwanangu?”
“Vabereki vake ndovari kuronga zvese, inga vana
tete …..” Dorothy akaedza kutsanangura
“Exactly, vabereki vake, kwete iye. That was never
God’s plan for marriage Chipochashe. Shoko raMwari
rinoti mukadzi nemurume vanosiya baba namai kuti
vave nyama imwe chete vari vaviri. Iwe uri kutoenda
kuna baba namai vake, hausi kuenda kumurume iwe,
hauna murume kani Chipochashe. Uri kungotama
pamba pavabereki vako uchienda kundogara
kuvabereki vemumwe mwana. Wandishoreiko mwana
wangu?” Dorothy ange achivhiringika zvino, mashoko
amai vake ange amukurisira akashaya zvekutaura. Asi
experience had taught her kuti mother is always right.
“Ko kuenda kuUniversity hauchada?” amai vaka-
mubvunza.
“Vakati vanondiendesa.” Dorothy akadaro zvakare.
“Saka marriage nekuenda kuCollege kwako zviri
kubatanidzirweiko? Zvinhu zviviri zvakasiyana kani.
Saka condition yekukuendesa kwavo kuUnivesity nde-
yekuve mukadzi wemwana wavo here?” amai
vakabvunza neinzwi raihuta.
Dorothy ange asina mhinduro zvakare, Amai
vakabva vati; “ngatimbosiyai kuti une nhumbu, let’s say
hapana nhumbu. Imboita choice apa mwanangu, pane
two trainings, yeA’ level wondoita your best subjects
awaigona aye uchiita ma100%, woenda kuUniversity,

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

woita career woman, wozoita muchato wako na-

Takunda kana nemumwewo wauchasangana naye
wakura, haufungewo kudaro?”
Vakambonyarara vachida kuti picture yezvavaitaura
ipinde mumusoro maDorothy. “Imwe Training
Chipochashe mwanangu, ndokuendesa kuchembere
dzekuChitungwiza uko, wondoita chinamwari,
vokudzidzisa bonde nekubata murume zvemhando
yepamusoro soro zvekutambira iye mukomana
weBMW uyu.”
“Chikoro chaunoda kuita maybe zvinoita sezvamuri
kuronga, kana kuti vanokupa rugare too much wokan-
ganwa zvese zvechikoro, wozopepuka wave nevana
vatatu. Mese iwe nemurume wako mave fed up with
each other, mave kuda kumbotamba stage yamaka-
darikira iyi. So wave nefirst born at 16, second at 19,
third at 22. Panozoroorwa vamwe vako vapedza Col-
lege iwe unenge wave ne10 years muMarriage. This
marriage then becomes the biggest or only thing cha-
waita muupenyu hwako. Woti murume, mwana
mabhuku, zvese uchiita at 16 years, unozvikwanisa? Ini
handizvione kubudirira kwazvo ini. Mwana wangu,
ndizvo zvawasarudza here?”
Dorothy akatanga kuchema; “Aiwa amai, saka
ndoita sei? Ndodii nenhumbu yacho?”
“Regera vauye, kana vabereki vaTakunda varivo vari
kuronga, vachanzwawo kuti vabereki vako vano-
rongei. Nhumbu iyi ichazvarwa todzokera back kune
zvataironga isati yavepo. Vana Makonese vane simba

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pamusoro pemuzukuru wavo wawakatakura, kwete

pamusoro pako iwe mwana wangu. Ivo vari kuda ku-
roora kugadzirisa kukanganisa kwemwana wavo,
vachanzwawo kuti ini kukanganisa kwemwana wangu
ndinokugadzirisa sei. ” Amai vakadaro ndokusimuka
vopinda mumba. Dorothy akasara asingachaziva che-
kufunga zvachose, akarara ave kufunga kuti amai ndo-
vanoziva zvese, aizoita sezvavaitaura.
Musi weMugovera, dare rekwaMakonese vakauya
kuzoroora muroora wavo wechidiki. Vanin’ina vaviri
vekuBotswana ndovakauya vese kundoroora mudzimai
waTakunda wavo.
Baba vaDorothy vakange vakafara chaizvo vabaiwa
nekuita budget nemari yaizoroorwa dangwe ravo.
Amai vaDorothy vakakumbira kuti vanhu vese
vaungane mumba, kwete zvekuita tradition yekuti
vakwasha vambosara panze. Vese vakagara ndokuterera
kuti ambuya vaikosha pazuva iri vaida kuti chii.
“Pamusoroi vedare, ndine urombo kukanganisa hu-
rongwa hwenyu, asi ngatitaurei sevabereki pamusoro
pezvakaitwa nevana vedu, kwete zvemarriage yavo.
Vana vakanganisa chaizvo, ndozvatinoda kuti
tigadzirise upenyu hwuenderere mberi.”
Baba vaChipochshe vakazevezera mudzimai wavo
vachiti; “Handiti ndozvavavinga here, muri kunonotsa
zvinhu mai Chipo.”
Munyai wekwaMakonese akabva ati; “Kuuya kudai
kubvuma mhosva, saka tauya kuzotora mudzimai
wedu.”

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Mai Chipochashe vakange vanyaradza vanhu vese

vekwavo, vakati ndini muromo wemwana wangu,
ndakarera ndega, ndinoziva zvakamunakira; “Kuroora
mwana ane 16 years munoona iri solution yeku-
gadzirisa chii?”
Mai Makonese vakati; “Saka munoda kuti mwana
aende through the shame and embarrassment yekupiwa
nhumbu agosiiwa? Akaroorwa zvese zvinobva zvamira
zvakanaka.”
VaMakonese vakatsigira mudzimai wavo vachiti;
“Mungade to raise a bastard asi muchiziva zvenyu kuti
vabereki vemwana ndivanani and vachimuda?”
“Shame and embarrassment yaani apa? Yenyu imimi
vabereki handiti? Kana mwana atadza kudzikama
kusvika apedza chikoro zvinoita vana vevamwe,
movhara kutadza kuraira kwenyu, nekutadza
kuteererwa kwenyu nekupinza mwana in a worse sit-
uation than mistake yaakatoita?”
Vatete vakati kumuroora wavo; “Mave kutuka
vanhu mai Chipochashe”
Asi mai Chipochashe vakange vane zvakawanda
zvekutaura pamusi uyu; “Nhumbu yakazove reason ye-
muchato riiniko? Kuvabvunza ipapa vana vacho hap-
ana ari kuda this marriage, hapana ari kunzwisisa kuti
marriage yacho chii and inomuchinjisa chii paupenyu
hwake. So inini ndinoti Chipo hapana kwaanoenda.
Kana imi semhuri muchida kuti mwana wenyu aroore
nhasi, mutsvagirei mumwe mukadzi, kwete kumbun-
yikidza kamwana kangu ikaka kuti aite mukadzi. Ko

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

chinonzi child marriage chiiko nhaimi vanhu?”

Mumba makambonyararwa, vaMakonese ndokuti;
“Tiri kuda kupa vana support chete ambuya,
vanoenderera nechikoro chavo asi tagadzirisa zvinhu
zvese pakati pemhuri dzedu, traditionally.”
“Bhadharai damage, to claim muzukuru wenyu
ndochivanhu chega chandinganzwisise. Kana iri imwe
support, yes we support vana vedu vaende kuchikoro,
mumwe nemumwe ari kumba kwavo, tosangana
pamuzukuru chete. Zvekuti Chipochashe auye kumba
kwenyu semuroora ndozvadii? Kana vachidanana regai
vakure, iye Takunda achakuudzai kuti ave kuda ku-
roora nenguva yake, kwete kumbunyikidza vana into
a false marriage kuti muvhare maziso enyika. No.”
VaMakonese vange vonzwa hasha nezvaitaurwa
naamai ava, kwavowo kwaMoyo baba navatete vange
voona kutapudzika kwemari yaizosiiwa musi uyu ya-
vange vatopedza kuronga nezvayo.
Mai Makonese vakabva vati; “tange tichida kuti
muzukuru wedu agarewo zvakanaka, Chipo anon-
goenda kuchikoro, haasi kuzoita muroora anogara
pamba, we can even hire a housemaid for her……”
Mai vaChipo vakadzungudza musoro ndokuti;
“Now I understand why mwana wangu akapinda
mudambudziko rakadai iri. Ndimbokubvunzaiwo, dai
mange musina mari yekuita zvese izvi tingadai tiri
mudare rino here? Kugara zvakanaka kwamuri kutaura
ndekupi kwaasingaite pano pavabereki vake? Chipo
ange ari A+ student achibva pano, muno murukisheni,

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

and graduation yake tichaiitira pano.

Ndozvaainyeperwa nemwana wenyu, mapromise
emari akamutevedzera zvese zvese nhasi honai, mwana
wangu ave mwana ane mwana.”
Babamunini Makonese vakabva vati; “Takunzwai
amai. Zvino mange mati tiite sei, zvakanakira vana
vedu nemuzukuru wedu.”
“Support muzukuru wenyu chete, ini ndogara
nemwana wangu. Achine zvakawanda zveupenyu
zvaanofanira kudzidza kubva kwandiri ini amai vake.
Mukaenda naye kunenge kwatove kumuzvarira
kwamuri. Tozotaurazve after graduation yavo vese,
kana vachida kuroorana.”
VekwaMakonese vakambobuda panze vese von-
dotaurirana hurongwa hutsva hwakange hwavepo.
Mhuri yekwaMoyo vakasarawo vega mumba, baba
vaChipochashe ndokuti; “Imi mai Chipo ndochii
ichochi, chokwadi mungarambe kuti mwana
aroorwe?”
“Inga ndakakuudzai wani baba vaChipo, ndi-
dzorerei mari yese yandakaisa pana Chipo kubvira ari
grade 1 kusvika nhasi, nemagrocery nazvese zvaaienda
nazvo kuchikoro, kana pasina izvozvo ndakati
munonyarara nhasi, shamai muromo ndikunyadzisei
ipapa.”
Vatete vakabva vatsigirawo hanzvadzi yavo;
“Munongodaro muroora, imhuri ngani dzinobvuma
mhosva yevana nekutoda kuroora?”
“Hapana andipindura inga wani pandati ko dai

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

vange vasina mari yacho tingadai tichitaura nezvei

nhasi? Zvino kana imi vanhu vakuru muchipusiswa
kuita stupid decisions nekuti paita mari yemusi uyoyo,
mati Chipochashe mwana mudiki aizodii?”
Vakagurisirwa nekudzoka kwemhuri yaMakonese,
avo vakasvika babamunini ndokuti; “ Tange tak-
agadzirira kuroora zvechokwadi asi tanzwa zvataurwa
naambuya. Muzukuru wedu tichachengeta, kutanga
neMedical Aid kuti andosunungukira paAvenues
Clinic pana Chiremba wemhuri yedu. Tichange
tichikupaiwo mari mwedzi wega wega yekuwedzera
zvese zvingadiwe naamai nemwana. Tiri kubvuma
kukanganisa kwemwana wedu, saka chero school fees
yaamai vemuzukuru wedu nazvese zvinodiwa na-
Chipochashe tichabvisa pavanodzokera kuchikoro,
kuti andove very comfortable asaite any stress
vachinyora examinations.”
“Tichiti zvakare, dai taitawo ukama hwakanaka
tichirera muzukuru wedu tese, kana azvarwa, ambuya
vake amai Makonese varipo kumuchengeta neku-
garawo naye. Kana paine zvamungade, makasunun-
guka kuuya kwatiri nguva ipi zvayo.”
Vanhu vese vakaombera, amainini navatete vaDor-
othy ndokuridza mhururu. Amai vaDorothy ndivo
vakasunga sunga dhuku ravo vachifemereka vari seri-
ous, vakabva vasimuka vachizevezera munin’ina wavo
kuti; “Ipai vanhu ava sadza vadye vaende.”
Varume vese vakabuda mumba vondogara panze,
madzimai achisara, amai vaTakunda vakaedza kutaura

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

namai vaDorothy asi vakavatadza kusvika vasiyana

navo. Tete Carol havana kuda kuswedera pamudzimai
wavange vanyepera uyu, Dorothy akange
akazvivharira mubedroom make haana kana kubu-
damo. Mushure mekudya, vekwaMakonese vakaenda
kwavo.
Amai vaDorothy vakabva vamuti; “handiti wanzwa
zvavataura? Asi kuchikoro hauende, uchanyora
O’Level next year munaJune. Iyezvino imboita mai uri
pano. Imbotamba hwumhamha kusvika hwakubitiri-
dza uri pano. Deputy Head Girl anondonyora O’Level
examinations nemimba paMission kuti zvaita sei?”
VekwaMakonese vakasvika kumba kwavo
vachingotaurawo nezvakange zvaitika, uye hwu-
rongwa hwavaive nahwo pamusoro pemhuri
yaTakunda wavo.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

CHAPTER 16

K utanga kwakaita 3rd term yaive examination

term paSt Matthias, maticha nevana vese
vaigadzirira kupedziswa kwegore iri zvaka-
naka. Takunda ange anyanya kunyarara, aisada kutaura
nezvaDorothy even kuTeam TK, pavhiki yekutanga
aingonyeperawo kunge Dorothy akange anonoka
kuuya kuchikoro asi aizouya nekufamba kwenguva.
On a Wednesday, during the second week of open-
ing, after assembly, headmaster vaGwatikudza vakadai-
dza mateacher ese nemaprefects mu Staff room.
Vakabva vati; “Prefects, go to classrooms, and make
sure all students maintain discipline till the teachers join
you. We must have a prefect in each class. Then our
headgirls and headboys, you will be all round maintain-
ing order, I don’t want any movement till we finish
what we have to do.” Vana vese vakabva vaenda
kwavakange vataurirwa kuti vaende.
Vasara nematicha ega, vaGwatikudza vakabva vati;
“Over the years I have realized kuti I cannot even trust
my own staff. So nhasi tiri kuenda to our students’ hos-
tel to do ‘operation no gadget’, we are going to have a
thorough search in the Hostels and take all unnecessary
electric gadgets. Tozozvidzosa kana vapedza examina-
tions. Dai ndakakuudzai imimi, my own staff members,
kudzimba dzenyu ndokunovigwa nevana all prohibited
gadgets. So now let’s all go and search, tinoenda mu
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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

one building tese as a team and move everywhere to-

gether. Driver will be there neSchool truck, zvese zva-
tawana tichiisa imomo. Handei.”
Vadzidzisi vese vakaita mhere mhere vachiteverana
nemukuru wavo kuenda kumaHostels kwevana. Va-
Gondo naSister Maria Goretti vakangozoona vadzidzisi
vave kupinda mumaHostel.
Pakapinda vadzidzisi muroom maigara Takunda,
vakatuta zvese zvaaive nazvo kuita sevabva muchitoro.
Deputy Headmaster vakavhura monarch raive ne-
hembe dzake ndokutarisa tarisa, vakaona 2 school re-
ports, vakavhura ndokutarisa tarisa vakabata utsotsi
hwaiitika apa. Vakabva vamatora ese kuti mukomana
wekwaMakonese azotsanangura.
Vapedza izvi maticha ese vakaenda kundodzidzisa
voenderera mberi netimetable yemusi uyu. Mukuru
wechikoro akadaidza admin team yake kusanganisira
naBoarding Master naBoarding Mistress, paive
nenyaya yavaida kuudza vamwe uye Deputy Head-
master vaive nenyayawo.
VaGwatikudza vakatanga vachiti; “I just received
shocking news, our vice head girl Dorothy Moyo will
not come to school, she is pregnant, and the boy re-
sponsible is also our student Takunda Makonese.
Vakaita zvavo some traditional agreements as families.
Asi pamutemo wechikoro vese havachafaniri kuve
pano, asi musikana akagara aregera nekuti zvaizonetsa
kuvanza.”
Mai Mago vakaita sevachachema pavakanzwa izvi.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Sister Maria Goretti vakabwaira bwaira ndokupukuta

kumeso vakatsikitsira.
Deputy headmaster vakabva vabudisa mareport
aTakunda ndokupa vamwe vavo kuti vaone; “I have
been wondering over the years kuti sei baba namai Ma-
konese vasingauye kuzondiona nekuti every term ndi-
nonyora mureport rake kuti vatione. I never really fol-
lowed it up, now ndazoona kuti vaisatombowana that
kind of communication. Now this proves kuti mwana
uyu is capable of anything, he is a fraud.”
Vadzidzisi vakachinjana mareport aTakunda com-
paring zvaainyora achindotaridza vabereki vake nez-
vavaifanira kuona every term. Vakabvumirana vese
kuti vadaidze baba namai Makonese vazoonesana mait-
iro emwana wavo. Secretary waHeadmaster akapa baba
namai Makonese 10:00 hrs yemusi weChishanu.
Sr Maria Goretti vakabuda mumusangano uyu
pasina chavataura, pfungwa dzange dzavawandira.
Vave muDining Hall manheru, sister vakati kuna
Takunda avaone asati aenda kustudy yemanheru emusi
uyu.
Takunda akandopinda muApartment maSister Ma-
ria Goretti akawana vakagara vakabata Rosary yavo
vachiratidza kuti vaita nguva misodzi ichibuda. Muko-
mana akambozeza kutaura navo ndokuzoti; “Man-
didaidzirei Sister”
“Kubvira kupikira uSister kwandakaita, the greatest
temptation yandakawana yakabva kwauri mwana iwe.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Nekuda kwako ndakave munyangadzi pamberi paM-

wari.”
“Blame game haiite Sister, I did not rape you, and
you were not even a virgin, saka musaite sekuti nda-
kakuitirai chishamiso.” Takunda aida kukurumidza ku-
buda mumba maSister umu, mange mave kumuitira
semune some evil forces dzinokanganisa upenyu
hwevanhu.
“Usataure zvausingazive, ndakaita Sister ndisiri vir-
gin, actually, my experience ndozvakatondiunza
kuConvent. I was raped nasekuru vaindichengeta, so
the only place that could heal me and protect me from
my fears, was the Convent. Only to meet you and give
myself to you.”
Takunda akaseka ndokuti; “Sister zvekuti you were
raped inyaya yenyu, fact is you had sex before me, I did
not rape you.”
Sister Maria Goretti vakangodzungudza, kudzikama
kwavakange vakaita kwakashamisa Takunda, vaka-
muti, “rape is not sex Takunda mwanangu, rape is a
violent crime, hazvina kutombofanana. Sex is what I
had with you.”
“Mandidaidzira chii, ndave kuda kuenda Sister.”
Takunda akadaro.
“I want to confess what happened between us, to
make peace between me and my God, whatever the
consequences.” Sister vakadaro.
“Ah!!!” Takunda akadaro.
“My vow is for chastity and poverty, saka handina

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

basa nepfuma yepasi pano, my ultimate goal is to enter

Heaven whatever it takes, no matter the punishment.”
Sister Maria Goretti vakambonyarara sevainamata
ndokuzoti; “Nekuda kwekutadza kwenyama yangu,
Nancy akafa, she is dead and buried. Nhasi Dorothy is
a teen-mother. Dai pasina that evil act between you and
me, I could have saved those girls. So what is your next
move using the fotos and that video from the bottom-
less pit of hell? Vana vangani vachaparadzwa because of
that recording? Misodzi yavo vese kuparara kwemweya
wangu, I won’t let that happen. I am still in the pres-
ence of God, and I am still operating under His grace.
I will not fall from grace.”
Sister vakazopedza kutaura Takunda agara pasi ava-
tarisa achipererwa, akashingirira ndokuti; “So who do
you want to confess to?”
“In the confession box tonight to begin with. I con-
fess to sleeping with you, to having a hand in the death
of Nancy, Mwari vakandipa Nancy kuti
ndimuchengete but I watched her die nekuda kweku-
tadza kwangu. Mwari vakandipa Dorothy kuti
ndimuchengete asi ndakatadza nekuda kwesimba ran-
dakakupa over my life. I plead the Blood of Jesus
pazvivi zvakakura kudaro muupenyu hwangu.”
Sister vakapukuta misodzi yange yongoerera
vachitadza kuimisa.
“After that, I heard vabereki vako vari kuuya
nedzimwewo nyaya kwaHeadmaster uko. Ndi-
chavaudza zvese iwe ugovaratidza mafoto nemavideo

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

acho. That will set me free. They will decide what to

do with me on behalf of vabereki vaNancy nevaDoro-
thy.”
Sister vakasimuka vondogeza kumeso kwavo,
vakadzoka Takunda akangogara ndokumuti; “Chienda
zvako ndapedza newe, ndave kuenda kuChurch, I have
to put my life in order, satani asati andiparadza.”
“”Sister hazviite zvamuri kuda kuita, kana madaro
ndave kupa all the teachers the video, even my parents
ndovaudza kuti ndimi makakonzeresa zvese. You are
very stupid and selfish. Chembere inoita chipfambi
yakahwanda muHabit, kuteverera mwana mudiki so
makange musinganyare?”
Sister Maria Goretti vakashamisika ndokumuti;
“You are so unrepentant mwana iwe. Now you listen,
I curse you Takunda Makonese, uchafira pakati
pemakumbo echembere inenge inini. Chembere dzisiri
maSister dzichakuonesa nhamo. At least maSister we
have boundaries, chembere dzinenge inini kunze uko
have no boundaries. They will destroy you, uchadya
mubin waparadzwa nepakati pemakumbo echembere
dzakaita seni. Only Jesus will rescue you, ukasawana
Jesu, bonde nechembere will be your portion for the
rest of your life. Get out of my house.”
Hana yaTakunda yakarova kunge yaigamuchira
mashoko ese ekutukwa akange ataurwa naSister Maria
Goretti. Akabuda ave kumhanya sezvo nguva yeStudy
yemanheru yange yakwana.
Musi weChishanu baba namai Makonese vakange

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

vakamirirwa paSt Mathias asi nguva dzavaitarisirwa

dzakasvika dzikapfuura vasina kusvika. Masikati
chaiwo nguva dzotosvika kuma 1600hrs, vaGwa-
tikudza vakadaidza Takunda ndokumuti; “Enda un-
dorongedza uende kumba kwenyu kuHarare, hanzi
baba vako havasi kunzwa zvakanaka”. Takunda
akandorongedza ndokuperekedzwa ku1km peg
kwaive nemain road kwaipfuura nepublic transport
naDriver wechikoro.
Munzira yese aiedza kufonera amai vake nababa
vake asi vese were not reachable. Phone yatete Carol
ndoyairira isingadavirwe, kana mamessage ake havana
kupindura.
Paakasvika kumba kwavo kuMarimba Park, akaona
sekuru vake naambuya vake varipo, nehama dzese
dzaaiziva vekuWedza vaivepo. Masofa aive panze,
madriver ese emaCombi vaive vakagara vakabata
misoro. BMW yaisavepo.
Mumba makazara madzimai eRoma vaiimba vachiti;
Jesu vatungamirireiwo
Kuna Baba vedu kudenga
Nzira yoko haaizivi
Asina Imi haakusviki
Anoona uso hwaBaba
Hwunopenya nekuvaima
Iye agotichingurawo
Isu musi watinodaidzwa
Neizwi nyoro raBaba vedu.
Angave masikati hapana anoziva

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Imi masara garai makagadzirira.

Tete Carol ndovakamuona ndokuridza mhere

vachiti; “Vese here nhai Takunda, vabva vafa vese here
amai nababa yoweeeeee.”

Pavakanzwa nezverufu rwababa namai Makonese,

vaGwatikudza vakadaidzazve staff meeting ndokuti;
“Baba namai Makonese vaita a fatal car accident 30km
outside Harare vachiuya kuno, mota yavo yabvira moto
and they were burnt beyond recognition. Tinochema
nemwana wedu wechikoro Takunda. Uye sekuvaziva
kwenyu, Harare Catholic Diocese yarasikirwa zvikuru,
our prize giving ceremonies here hatichina sponsors..”
“It is our duty kuti tiendewo kuWedza with our
School choir to support our student and pay our last
respects. It’s a painful incident since vashaya vese musi
mumwe chete leaving their only child. Let’s drop all
accusations against this child, we support him so that
he writes examinations apedze pasina anymore stress.”
Ndozvavakazoita sechikoro, vakaenda nebus
kuWedza vakandoimba nziyo dzerufu dzaichemedza
nekunyaradza vaichema. Takunda aionekwa kud-
zungaira, vabereki vake vaive shamwari dzake, haana
kunge ambogadzirira kurarama ari ega vasipo.
Mukomana akadzoka kuchikoro akakwanisa zvake
kunyora A’Level examinations, mai Mago navaGondo
vakanyanya kumubatsira to pull through the difficult
time. He looked so lonely and lost.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Pakazotanga gore rakatevera, Takunda ange akwa-

nisa to make some adjustments, aigara ega mumba
mevabereki vake. Mamwe mazuva aindogara kwa-
vatete vake Carol, pamba pachisara vashandi chete.
Manager wababa vake vaMashonganise wekuma-
Combi pagarage pavaishandira, akamubatsira zvikuru
kuti business rirambe richienderera mberi. PaA’Level
akange akwanisa kuita 3 points all E’s in the three
A’Level subjects dzaange anyora, haana kuita hanya
nazvo, haana kutombondotora maresults acho, va-
Gondo ndovakamuvigira asina kana kuvatuma.
Amai vaDorothy vakave amai chaivo kuna tete
Carol naTakunda, vakave munyaradzi wepedyo
nekumirawo navo saamai. Pane nguva zhinji vana vek-
waMakonese ava pavaingouya kuzogara pamba pamai
Dorothy vasina chavanotaura asi kungoeredza misodzi.
Mai Chipochashe vaiziva pekutaura uye pekunyarara
kuti mwana angopedza shungu dzake, giving the much
needed emotional support. Ivo vese Takunda naCaro-
line vaizviona nekutenda kuti mai Chipochashe vaive
munyaradzi wavo ainzwisisa kurwadziwa kwavo.
Vanhu vazhinji vaiti vachitaura naTakunda vaingoti
ah unochemei iwe wakasiirwa mari yese hwunherera
hwako haurwadze, unotove nane pane vamwe vane
vabereki vese. Asi Takunda aida amai vake nababa vake
kuti vave mumba mavo, vadzokere pamagariro avo
amazuva ese. Vashoma vainzwisisa izvi pamukomana
uyu, people judged his loss using material things, asi
kwete mai Chipochashe, vaisamudaro. Vaingomuona

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

semwana aida rudo rwamai mazuva ese. Zvakaita kuti

vave padyo napadyo zvakanyanya vachitsigirana
pakurasikirwa kwavakange vaitwa vese.
Asi nekuda kweukama hwavo, pane pavaigumira,
pane zvavaikwanisa kuita, nezvavaitadzawo, nekuti
Takunda aive nehama dzake dzemumba. Nguva zhinji
Dorothy naTakunda vaionekwa vari vese chero kumba
kwana Takunda kuMarimba Park, amai vaizviona
zvavo vachinyarara. Dorothy akange akurirwa zvino
ave kuverenga masvondo kuti asununguke. Takunda
aichengeta mudzimai wake, ndiyo mhuri yaange asara
nayo, kundoona chiremba, kundotenga twuhembe
twemwana, nezvese zvaiitika, vaiwanikwa vachienda
vese.
Nemumwe musi uri Mugovera, amai vaDorothy
vakadaidza Father Ignatius naSister Philomina vaive
vapikiri vechikuru vepaParish pavo muHighfields kuti
vavashanyire vachizoonawo Takunda naCaroline,
sezvo vana ava vange voswera pamba pavo all week-
ends. Maweekend ese inguva yavaive nevabereki vavo,
saka kuvashaya kwange kwakavaomera chaizvo, saka
vaitizira kwamai Dorothy vaive a faithful mother figure
vaivanyaradza.
Weekend iyi amai Dorothy vakafunga kumbo-
batsirwawo nevakuru veChurch kunyaradza vana vek-
waMakonese ava.
Baba Ignatius vakati; “ndinoziva kurwadziwa
kwamuri kuitwa, asi Mwari vanonyanya kuziva
kupinda zvese zvatinganyepera kukunzwisisai, we can

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

only sympathise, but believe me, Jesus empathises with

you, ndosaka pakakwira Jesu kudenga akasiya ati; ‘I will
sent you the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, Mweya
Munyaradzi Mweya Musimbisi’ kuti agare nesu. Jesus
also wept when Lazarus died (John 11:35).Mwari
vaiziva kuti tichararama upenyu hwakaoma kana Jesu
vadzokera kudenga. We are praying for you Takunda,
remember your parents were parents to the church
too.” Baba vezvoMweya vakambonyarara vachir-
wadziwawo nerufu urwu.
Sister Philomina vakabva vati; “Kurwadziwa kwaka-
dai kunoita kuti ubvunze Mwari kuti why, upopote,
utuke utsamwire nyika yese, uye kunosandura ma-
fungiro ako. Iyezvino zvese zvasanduka, makangofuma
mave kunzi amai nababa hapana, matove mega. And
kuenda kwavo was sudden and painful. Musachinja
kuda kwamaiita Mwari, believe in Christ, love Him the
more even when it does not make sense”
Baba Fata vaive from Switzerland vakabva vambos-
iya chishona chavo chaive chakamonyoroka kuti van-
yatsonzikwa zvavaitaura; “Bereavement is the time we
spend adjusting to loss. There is no standard time limit
and there is no right or wrong way to feel during the
bereavement period - everyone must learn to cope in
their own way.
Trying to adjust to life without them. Once you
have accepted your loss and spent time understanding
and releasing your emotions, you may eventually find
yourself adjusting to a new kind of life. How you cope

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

with this stage will again depend on what kind of rela-

tionship you had with the person who died. If you
shared your daily life with them, then the changes to
your life are likely to be bigger than if you only saw
that person once in a while.
“When a big gap opens up in your life very sud-
denly, it can throw everything into complete turmoil.
Suddenly, everything can seem different. You may
even feel like you've shifted into a different dimension,
where nothing is real. The realisation that everyday life
goes on even though your own life has been ripped
apart can feel like a massive blow. With time however,
your feet will hit solid ground again and you will start
to adjust to life without them.
“One day you will probably get to a point where life
begins to take you on a new route. You may always
remember your parents, and you may continue to
grieve for their loss forever - but naturally you will
begin to 'move on'. This is not a bad thing. It does not
mean you are heartless, or that you are somehow being
a traitor to your loved one. It simply means you have
found a way to channel your emotions into new things.
In other words - you have found a way to cope. That
is my prayer for you.” Baba Fata vakambonyarara
vonwa mvura yaive pamberi pavo.
Sister Philomina vakabva vati; “tinoda kuti mu-
rarame upenyu to make your parents feel proud of you,
so avoid kudhakwa, madrugs, kuzviurayawo, kushaya
hanya neupenyu hwako kana any violent behavior.”

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Vakavhura Bible ravo ndokuti;

John 11:11 He said to them, ‘Our friend Lazarus
sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up’. In the Bible,
death is often referred to as sleep—a total lack of con-
sciousness (Psalm 13:3; Ecclesiastes 9:5). The beautiful
metaphor of sleep emphasizes the fact that the first
death is temporary and that everyone who dies will be
awakened! This understanding of death is much more
comforting than all the unbiblical and erroneous ideas
about death”
Takunda akachema achiti; “Dai vasina kudaidzwa
kuchikoro nenyaya dzandakange ndaita vangadai va-
sina kufa, ndini ndakaurayisa vabereki vangu.”
Father Ignatius vakamubata ruoko ndokuti; When
someone dies, family and friends often suffer with re-
grets and feelings of guilt about things they had said or
done, or things they neglected to say or do. But God
doesn't want us to beat ourselves up about the past. He
wants us to repent of our sins and look forward to our
reunion in the next life, when we will have plenty of
opportunities to talk to our loved ones.
Death is an enermy that God will deal with at the
end, 1 Corinthians 15:22, 26 For as in Adam all die,
even so in Christ all shall be made alive… The last en-
emy that will be destroyed is death.
A person who is close to God can, in one sense, look
forward to death, as Paul did (Philippians 1:21-24). But
what he or she is really looking forward to is not death
itself, but waking up with a new spirit body in God's

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Kingdom!
What is the greatest source of understanding and
comfort? Psalm 147:3 God heals the brokenhearted and
binds up their wounds.
Revelation 21:4 "And God will wipe away every tear
from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sor-
row, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the
former things have passed away."
Not only will families be reunited, but we'll all be in
one big happy family—the family of God! And that
family will live forever—with no more death, sorrow or
crying!”
Counselling yavo iyi yakarerutsira amai Dorothy
zvikuru nekuti vakaona kuti vana ava vakasara vave ku-
turawo mafemo, kunyaradzwa naMweya mutsvene
was soothing and bringing inner peace.
Dorothy akazosununguka mwana mukomana
pasvondo rekutanga raMarch. Mwana uyu akafadza
nekunyaradza mhuri yekwaMakonese. Pazororo
reEaster, mwana ange ave ne 6 weeks, Takunda aka-
kumbira amai vaDorothy kuenda nemwana kundora-
tidza hama dzake kuWedza. Ambuya Makonese
vakabva vamuti Munyaradzi Alois Makonese. It was a
happy and painful moment for all of them. While they
were busy planning other things, life had happened to
them.
Ambuya Makonese vaipembera vakabata mwana,
aisapiwa mukana kana wekuchema, kana wekubatwa
nani zvake. Sezvo kufamba kwange kovanetsa because

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

of old age, vaiswera vakagara vachitevedza mimvuri

vakamubata. Apa zvange zvakawaridzwa zvacho for
comfort yemwana waive mukwende, vaitoda 20
minutes kuti vangosimudzwa chete kubva pane
mumwe mumvuri kuenda pane mumwe.
Zuva rese raipera vakatarisa muzukuru wedangwe
ravo vachiudzirira wese aiuya kufanana kwaange akaita
nemushakabvu. Kunyemwerera nekuzvibaya nenzara
sezvaiita sekuru vake Alois vachiri vadiki.
Nekufinyama akavatarisa seave kuda kurutsa sezvav-
aiitirwa naambuya vake Monica pavaive nenhumbu
yaTakunda. Achizvikwenya nzeve seave kuda kuibvisa
sezvaiita Takunda baba vake. Ko iko kunwa mukaka
pana amai vake, kaidhonza kani veduwee, kana
kunzwira tsitsi kuti amai vacho vaive kamwana
kadikiwo. Chero pavaiudzwa kuti vana vese vanongo-
daro, ah zvinaani, kwaive kuudza ibwe, vaitowedzera
kuti honai kani, honai tarisai zvakanoita Munyaradzi
wangu. Kakangwarisa handina kumboona zvakadai,
hakuna mwana anoita sezvakanoita, izvo honai kani,
tarisai muone, haiwa haiwa muzukuru waAlois haaite
kani.
Sezvo mhuri yese yaivepo, vakagara dare to ask and
guide Takunda paBusiness revabereki vake. Vese
vaitsigira zvakange zvanyorwa namukoma Alois
naamaiguru Monica muWill yavo yavakange vasiya
kumagweta avo ayo aifambisa nyaya dzese dzemari
yavo. Takunda aizove muridzi wepfuma yavo yese,
achibatsirwa nanababamudiki vake. Panguva iyi stop

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order yaienda kuBank Account yamai vaDorothy

kubva kuMakonese Business Account yaingovepo,
vaisatonyanya kuishandisa nekuti Takunda aingogara
ari pamba pavo achichengeta mudzimai nemwana
wake.
Pane zvese zvaibvunzwa nanababamunini, Tete
Carol nemurume wavo Thabani ndovaingopindura
zvavaiziva zvaigara zvichiitwa naTakunda, iye ange
akanyarara asingatodi kutaura. Akange achiri in denial
kuti zvechokwadi amai nababa vaiita zvese izvi havasi-
sipo. Semwana akangokura ane mari, kupiwa mari yese
nemadriver hakuna kumuvhundutsa, he had the same
access to money as he used to have amai nababa varipo.
Aitenga asina kutarisa kuti chinhu chinoita marii,
asingatarise kuti mari yasara imarii. Mari yacho haana
kuita hanya nayo, basa raingofamba achibatsirwa na-
vaMashonganiso vakagara aripo. Airohwa nehana
nekurwadziwa nekushaikwa kwavabereki vake. This
was 7 months after, but the memories were still fresh.
Kufa kwavo was a horrifying blow to him. Decision
making yaimunetsa, to sit and plan what to do next was
never a part of his life. Mararamiro ake apa ange ave
ekwana Dorothy, zvavaironga ikoko nekwatete Carol
ndozvaaingotevera.
Pakutanga kwesecond term, amai vaDorothy
vakabva vati Dorothy achidzokera kuchikoro, akabva
angoita day school achibva pamba. Sezvo paive nemari
yaibva kwaMakonese, kutenga mikaka nekubhadhara

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

baby sitter hakuna kuvanetsa. Mudzimai wavaMa-

shonganiso, manager waTakunda kuMakonese
Transport, ndovakapinda basa iri vachibhadharwa mari
yavakange vataura naTakunda asina kana kufunga
kaviri kana kushamisika. Ambuya vaMunyaradzi ndo-
vakazoti ko mureri waMunyaradzi
zvaachatobhadharwa yakafanana navo ivo
vachishandira hurumende. Mai Mashonganiso
vaiswera nemwana vozoenda kumba kwavo manheru
kana vese ambuya naamai vemwana vadzoka kumba.
Dorothy akabva aronga kuti anyore O’Level muna
November wegore iri. Nguva yese airwadziwa kuti
igore rakarasika, asi paange abata mwana wake
mumaoko, rudo nemufaro zvaaiwana apa zvakaita
akanganwe maitikiro azvakaita kuti Munyaradzi
azovepo.
Kuchikoro aienda zvakanaka, zvizhinji yaive revi-
sion, aida third term work ndoyaakange asarira. Kuita
mwana hakuna kunge kwapedza njere dzake aiwa, she
was still an A+ student, aingogona zvakadaro. Amai
vake vange vofara tariro yavo yekuti mwana aizobatwa
musoro naR.G pachake haina kunge yarasika.

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CHAPTER 17

M una September wegore iri, Dorothy akange

ave serious kugadzirira kunyora O’ level, ai-
dawo to prove herself kuna amai vake nekune
vese vakange vavaseka, uye kunyaradza amai
kuvarwadzisa kwaange aita nekumbotsauka panyaya
dzekuchikoro. Zuva nezuva Takunda aiuya ondo-
musiya kuchikoro nekundomutora manheru kana am-
bopfuurawo nekuoffice yekuGarage kwaaishanda.
Vakatanga vachidaro, asi nekufamba kwenguva,
nekuti Takunda aingondogara muOffice asina basa
rekuita, akatanga kungoenda kuchikoro anytime
paaidira achindotora amai vemwana wake. Vaibva van-
doswera kuMarimba Park vachidya machocolate
nekutamba uye kukangirana tunonaka vari vaviri
zvavo mwana achirerwa kwambuya vake. Takunda ai-
zondosiya mai Mfana kumba kwavo manheru se-
vaswera kuchikoro.
Paakanyora mapepa maviri ekutanga, pavhiki iyi,
Dorothy akavhunduka achiona kuti zvaange ave kuto-
tadza Languages, akabuda ziya kupindura tsumo nemi-
panda chaiyo. Kunyora English composition kwaka-
mutambisa chemutengure vhiri rengoro, yaaisigona
throughout her school years asi in the exam room musi
uyu akabuda ziya, nezvinhu zvaasiita chero achan-
gobva kuhope ari kuSt Matthias. Akaita kufunga kuti
expression iya inoenderana nezvandiri kuda iri kuti
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chii, achinzwa mumusoro muri terrifyingly blank.

Akaitawo a lot of grammatical errors in her composi-
tion akatokumbira rimwe bepa kuti anyorezve. Pese
paaibuda mumapepa ese ekutanga aya hana yairova.
Manheru acho pakauya Takunda kuzomutora pa-
chikoro paainyorera, akabva ati; “Ndave kutya kufoira
sha, all 4 language papers were so difficult for me, I
think ndatoita maC chaiwo that is kana ndikapasa.”
“But unogona ka iwe, haumbotadza.” Takunda aka-
daro achibata mai Mfana makumbo aive muuniform
neleft hand right hand rwuri pasteering wheel.
“Aiwa kani, yes I have a sharp memory, meaning
kugona kwangu is because of grasping and retaining
information yandadzidza. Manje apa hapana chandiri
kudzidza so what do I retain? Handisi kuverenga, I am
not preparing enough Taku iwe, over the past weeks,
ndaingoverenga 2 hours a day makuseni, wotouya
wonditora kuchikoro totoita zvimwewo.” Dorothy
akadaro asina mufaro.
Takunda akabva ati; “So you are simply saying ndini
ndichakutadzisa chikoro handiti?”
“No. I am saying I need more time yekuverenga in
these two months and less time with you. Kana ndan-
gopedza then totamba zvedu. Mazuvano ese ndinoedza
kuzoverenga usiku, but manheru acho ndinenge
ndaneta, iwewe unondinetesa, manheru mwana will be
breastfeeding non-stop, so what is suffering more are
my studies. I don’t want to fail ini, I want my 10 A’s.”

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Takunda akabva atsamwa ndokuti; “Uri kundi-

dzinga kuti ndisauye kumba kwenyu nekuti I am a fail-
ure, an orphan who has nothing more to offer, right?”
“Ndozvandataura here? No, unogona kungouya
weekends masikati, asiwo everyday pakati pesvondo
ndomboita studying chete ndichingove kumba neku-
chikoro, zvekuMarimba Park ndomborega till nda-
pedza maExams otherwise I will fail zviri serious.”
Takunda akadzungudza musoro ndokuti; “Ya ya, I
was wondering kuti zuva rakaita sanhasi richasvika
rinhi pamuchandidzinga pamba penyu, nherera hadzi-
chengetekeka, you have tolerated me enough, I know.
Let me stay away from you madam genius, vamwe tiri
marombeka isu, mahwindi tingatambe nemaLawyer
here? After all amai vako vakagara vasingandide.”
Dorothy akangoshama muromo ndokutadza kupin-
dura, vakazosvika kumba vanyararisana. Takunda
haana kana kupinda mumba kuti aone mwana wake
sezvaaiita mazuva ese, amai vaDorothy vakashamisika
nemaitiro ababa vechidiki ava musi uyu.
“Ko hanziiko nababa vaMunya?” amai vakabvunza
pavakaona Dorothy angonyarara.
“Ah ndazvishayawo ini amai, ane mhepo uyo.” Dor-
othy akadaro ndokuridza tsamwa, misodzi yazara
mumaziso.
Amai vakambomusiya akadaro ndokusimuka vobika
zvavo, while Munyaradzi naamai vake vachipananawo
mukaka vakagara.

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“Ndomufonera here?” Dorothy akazodaro, amai va-

kashaya zvekupindura nekuti vaisaziva kuti inyaya yei,
vakazoti pave paya. “Fonera baba vemwana wako,
mwanangu, umuti hanzi nambuya vaMunya waswera
sei?”
Dorothy akangotarisa fone yake ndokuramba
akanyarara, pave paya akazoti; “Ndamuti amborega
zvekungouya especially pakati peweek kuti ndim-
boverenga, the way he misinterpreted everything,
hezvo.” Dorothy akabwaira bwaira kuti misodzi isa-
donhe.
Amai vakafemedzeka ndokuti; “Fights are normal in
relationships, learn to prioritize.”
Dorothy akakurumidza zvaaiita ndokuita mutsimba
nebook kusvika mambakwedza. Aigadzirira History
and Literature papers aaizondonyora in two days time.
Uyuwo Takunda akaenda akatsamwa kusvika
pekupedzisira, he felt unloved and rejected,
akandotenga doro rake ndokunwawo kusvika mam-
bakwedza ari ega mumba mevabereki vake.
Mavhiki akatevera Takunda ange oenda kundoona
mwana kana Dorothy naamai vake vasipo chete.
Aitaura namai Mashonganiso zvese zvemwana uye ai-
bva andotenga zvavaida. Naamai vemwana yaingove
mamessage pafone, “Hie” “Hallo” “Howz my kid”
“Fine” kamwe chete pamazuva maviri kana matatu.
Dorothy akafunga kumboita zvechikoro ozotaurirana
naTakunda mushure mekupedza bvunzo dzake. Amai
vaDorothy vakashungurudzika chaizvo nekurwa

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kwange koita vana vavo, asiwo vakange vakakosherwa

nekupasa kwemwanasikana wavo.
Uyezve vakanzwa kushorwa kukuru nemaitiro
aTakunda, kufunga kwavo angadai akavaudzawo kuti
Dorothy amuitira zvakati nezvakati kwete kuita judge-
ment yake ari ega oramba kutaura navo. Vainzwa kur-
wadziwa mumoyo mavo nekuti akange ave mwanawo
kwavari. Vakawana simba ravo pakunamatira vana ava,
munamato waamai vane rudo waive nesimba reku-
gadzirisa zvainetsa muupenyu hwevana vavo.
Nemumwe musi Takunda ane shamwari dzake vana
John naPatrick, akafonerwa nevaMashonganise
vachimuti; “Shefu, pane munhu ari kuda kukuonai,
business, muchasvika kuOffice here nhasi?”
“No, inyaya yechii futi mudhara Shones, deal with
it.” Takunda akadaro asingade zvekuenda kubasa.
“Munhu wacho aramba kubva pano, huyai shefu 2
minutes chete.”
Takunda akabva aenda kuOffice, akawana vaMa-
shonganise vakamumirira voda kutobuda kuti vaende
kuBank nemari yemusi uyu sezvo ange ave masikati.
“Ndiani ari kundida mudhara, ndaingouyaka
mangwana?” Takunda akadaro sezvo pasina waakaona
paakapinda muoffice.
“Ndevamwe mai here, kunge musikana, vari kuseri
kumatank eFuel uko kwavari kudaira fone yavo
vanouya manje manje.”
Takunda akagara pasi ndokutanga kutamba solitaire
pacomputer yaivemo, vaMashonganiso ndokuti;

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“Ndave kuenda kuBank shefu, mukiyewoka kana

mobuda muno, handichadzoka, after banking ndoda
kumbotevera drivers muroad umu, mari yavari kuunza
iri kuita shoma everyday, so ndomboita supervision
kusvika manheru.”
“Iri bho mudhara Shones, toonana mangwana.”
Takunda akadaro.
VaMashonganise vakarongedza zvavaida kuti
vabude, pavakasvika pamusuo, vakabva vasangana
nemunhu aida kuona Takunda.
“Ndivo Shefu vedu ava Makonese Junior,
munokwanisa kutaura zvamunoda navo vatete. ”
vakabva vabuda. Takunda akaramba akatarisa mukadzi
uya aive wechidiki, akatadza kana kufembera kuti an-
gaita makore mangani, asi he was sure she was over 18.
Ange akapfeka kadress of stretchy denim material,
kaingovhara zvaifanira kuvharwa, kaingobata kubvira
pachipfuva apo kusvika pamusoro pemabvi. She had all
the curves at the right places, kwete zvimwe zvifundu
zvifundu zvaaiona kunana tete muroad umu zvekuti
unoti asi vatete varumwa nemago here pazasi peguvhu
nekuzvimba kwapanenge pakaita zvisina kana order,
apa voda kupfeka zvavakaona muMagazine zvakap-
fekwa nevakafitwa nazvo semwanasikana ange akamira
mberi kwake uyu.
Mukadzi uyu aive chikwapuro kani, chikwadaburo,
shura chairo, akanaka kunenge kutsvinya. Manakiro
acho aive aya akanyorwa navaPatrick Chakaipa
vachitsanangura Marunjeya waKarikoga

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Gumiremiseve, kana zvakanyorwa navaNobert Ma-

fumhe Mutasa vachitsanangura Runako muna Runako
Munjodzi, when the original authors described natural
beauty yevakadzi vaipfeka nhembe, no extension of
hair with Brazilian weaves, no make up, no botox or
any enhancing lotions, vakadzi vaive vakanaka kunge
njuzu……… kunge ndakamboiona, it’s the mystery
surrounding it that makes it even more beautiful any-
way.
Takunda akaramba akamutarisa zvekupera simba
kusvika mukadzi uya ati; “Nhai vaMakonese Junior
ndati makadiiko?”
“Oh oh sorry, sit madam, and call me TK, all my
friends call me that.” Takunda akadaro achisaidzira
mouse yeComputer yake seyakange ine zvayaimuta-
dzisa kuita.
“Ok TK, wakadii hako?” mukadzi uya akamboseka
ndokuti; “Ko I was expecting to see murume mukuruka
ini zvavange vachingoti ‘shefu ’ are you even 18 years
old?”
“I am 21, and I am also a father. You said you are
….? Who?”
“Lovely Ludusia Punjabi”mudzimai uya akadaro
agara pachair.
“Heee? Izita rudzii iroro? Lovely Lu ….. what?”
Takunda akaseka chaizvo, pave paya akazoti; “So kuti
Lovely is an adjective to describe you or your name?”
“Lovely is my first name, second Ludusia, surname
Punjabi. I am of Indian origin, I did not come here to

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

introduce myself, I came for business.” Ludusia aka-

daro achinge atsamwa.
Takunda akanyara nyara aona kuti ave kutsamwisa
muenzi, akabva ati; “Sorry tete, ndokubatsirai sei?”
“Ndinodawo to buy diesel from you, everytime you
order for your combies, moitawo neyangu, I don’t have
the capacity to buy in bulk so I am looking for a partner
who is in the transport business. I will always pay in
advance.”
“Oh ok,” Takunda akambofunga zvazvaireva asi
zvakamuvhara zvachose. Akabva ati; “I will discuss with
my admin team then come back to you. Leave your
number.” Mudzimai uya akabudisa phone yake
ndokuti; “give me your number then I can beep you.”
Takunda akataura cell number yake ndokubva beep
yaita. Mudzimai uya akasimuka ndokuti; “Thanks TK,
please this is urgent don’t keep me waiting.”
“Ok Lovely Lue….” Takunda akadaro achida
kuseka. Ludisia akasimuka ndokubuda asina kucheuka
Takunda achisara nzeve dzine maungira ezvavakange
vataurirana uye perfume yake yakaita kuti ade kute-
verera amumbundikira zvekufirapo. Akabva abuda
odzokera kwaange asiya John naPatrick vaitaura
zvekumaUniversity kwavaive.
Ave kumba ega, Takunda hesitated to call Ludisia
several times, apa ange ave sober, kuvhiringwa
nemaIndian looks emuShona uyu kwange
kwadzikama. He realized kuti aive mukadzi mukuru of
ages 35-38 years, so kuzomufonera aigona kuzodairwa

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nemurume wake akashaya zvekutaura. Akabva asiyana

nazvo.
Pazuva rakatevera, akataura navaMashonganiso nez-
vechichemo chemukadzi uya asi Manager havana
kuona any business sense pazviri, vakaseka seka
ndokuti; “Kana mangodawo henyu kubatsira shefu,
kuti tirambe tichiita dzungu rekutarisa ngirozi dzepasi
pano idzi, kudya kwemeso, but hapana zvazvinoti-
batsira as a Company.”
Takunda akaseka ndokuti nechomumoyo “Yaa
kwaive kudya kwemeso zvechokwadi.” Akafunga ku-
zomufonera otaura naye kuti vaone way forwad in
business.
Pamazuva ese akatevera, Dorothy akange achinyora
O’Level examinations, akazvipa nguva yakawanda
yekuverenga, kudzidziswa nematicha uye kuitawo
group discussions nevamwe vainyora gore iri. Amai
vake vakamubatsira chaizvo, aingobata mwana for
breastfeeding chete, pamwe pese kana nekundorara,
ambuya vaitora muzukuru wavo kuti amai vaite zvav-
aifanira kuita.
Panguva yese iyi Takunda haana kudzoka ku-
zomuona kana kuona mwana, kana kuna Mai Ma-
shonganiso ange ouya kamwe chete paSvondo.
One late Friday afternoon, Ludisia akabva adzoka
kuOffice kwaTakunda, akagara zvakare akamumirira
nekuti aisavemo. After 1 hour Takunda akapinda akap-
feka worksuit yake akazara grease rebase rake raaiita
muroad.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

“Oh Madam Lovely Lue, how are you?”Takunda

akadaro achifara kuona muenzi wake.
“Ndati ndidzoke kuzonzwa kuti how far makazoti
chii?” Ludisia akadaro akatarisa Takunda achinyemw-
erera chaizvo.
“It’s fine, we decided to get you the diesel, you pay
and collect from my Manager vamakatanga kuona
muno. I did not call you back kuti tione kuti muri se-
rious sei.” Takunda akadaro achigara patable yake.
Ludisia akasekerera achiombera maoko; “Thanks so
much TK, I want legit people vekuita navo business.
This is just the beginning of a great partnership that
will change our lives.”
Takunda akangosekerera ndokuramba akanyarara,
Ludisia ndokuti; “Can we go and celebrate today, braai
and drinks.”
“Sure that will be nice, it was going to be a lonely
night for me.” Takunda akadaro accepting the invita-
tion without thinking twice.
“So tosangana kupi? Nguvai, everything will be my
treat. I can even come pick you up from your place.”
Ludisia akadaro achisimuka.
Takunda akafara neurongwa uhwu ndokupa Ludisia
address. Vakabuda vese Takunda oenda kumba kun-
dogeza nekumbozorora vachimirira nguva yavaizosan-
gana.
Manheru emusi uyu, nguva yavange vabvumirana
kusangana, Takunda akashama achifonerwa naLudisia
achimuti atomumirira pagedhe pavo. Vakabuda

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

ndokuenda kwaizikanwa naLudisia kwavakandogara

mumota vachigocha nekunwa. Ludisia ainwa soft
drinks sezvo aive iye driver musi uyu, achitengera
Takunda doro.
“So, how did you know about my business nhai
Ludisia?” Takunda akazodaro, aive nemibvunzo yaka-
wanda pamusoro paamai ava.
“I just asked around, pane combi driver akazon-
diudza about you and I decided to try.” Ludisia akadaro
achidyisa Takunda kapiece kenyama, kana beer rake
ange akabatirwa aipiwa kana oda kunwa, semwana
mudiki.
Takunda akati zvekare; “Where is your family, are
you married?”
Ludisia akaita face yainzwisa tsitsi ndokuti; “I have a
10 year old daughter, ari kuSA with my parents. My
mother is Zimbabwean, daddy ndivo my African-In-
dian. My husband died in a plane crush, in Malaysia, he
was on a business trip. So I took over our business em-
pire.”
“Oh ok, I am sorry about your loss. Death sucks.”
Takunda akadaro achibwaira bwaira thinking how
death had changed his life.
“Yes, and its nice to talk to someone who has lost a
loved one too, there is good understanding inongow-
anikwa through experience.” Mukadzi akadaro
vachibva vabatana maoko sharing their loss.
Takunda akagutsurira nemuviri wese chaiwo
kubvumirana nemai iyi.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

“You once said you have a son, ari kupi or

waindinyepera?” Ludisia akabvunza.
“Yes I have a son akafanana nababa vangu” Takunda
akadaro beaming with obvious contentment at the
thought of his son, “everytime I think of my father, my
son comforts me, my son ano…..”
“Amai vacho vari kupi?” Ludisia akamudimbudzira.
“Vanogara kumba kwavo nemwana, she is writing
O’Level. Our case was a teenage mistake, but both our
parents supported us. Amai vemukadzi wangu is my
angel from Heaven I tell you …” Takunda akadaro,
ndokudimbudzirwazve.
“Sure it was, a terrible mistake, that’s a fact. At least
you know” Ludisia akadaro.
Takunda akaramba akanyarara, Ludisia
ndokuenderera, “And are you married? Kuita mwana
mese is not marriage. And in your case chero mapoto
chaiwo hamusi kutomboita.” Ludisia akafa nekuseka.
Takunda akasvotwa ndokuti; “My whole family
went to her family, she is muroora wekumba kwedu.
And besides all that, I love her, she is all there is, to love
in my life.”
Ludisia akabata Takunda dama ndokuti; “Just pull-
ing your leg, don’t mind me. I was once in that kind of
love but he died, he left me broken, but life has to go
on.”
Takunda akabva ati; “So tell me in detail the kind of
business you are in.”
“Yes I will tell you all details, and depending

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

nekuwirirana kwedu, you will meet other young men

who are now millionaires vave kungodya mari in ex-
otic locations, kwete zvako zvekuswera nemagrease.
Come on young man, times have changed, our lives are
on the internet. Ungati iwewe baba vako vakaita a few
thousand dollars nekumhanyisa maCombi 10 only
paroad, maoko ako avo ari rough nesimbi negrease, iwe
woitawo izvozvo? No?” Ludisia akadaro achishora
chaizvo, Takunda akanzwa kunyara neupenyu hwake,
achishamisika again kuti ange aziva sei kuti ane ma-
combi 10.
“You are in transport business, right. I will connect
you to the guys on top of the game from Japan and
Germany. Then you will be the supplier of public
transport in Southern Africa. Iwewe unenge uri palap-
top chete, receiving and sending cash, that is working
30 minutes a day, and more time to get fine things in
life baba. Move with the times hey.”
Takunda akaterera moyo uchibuda nekuda kuita
zvaitaurwa apa. Ludisia akabva ati; “Fine things, and
finest things in life like this,” akazodaro giving
Takunda a deep kiss on the lips, baba vechidiki vakata-
pirirwa vakabatirira.
“Can we go home? Then I can explain the business
deal zvakanaka.” Takunda akatadza kupindura,
akangokwanisa kugutsurira achimhanyisa ruoko rwake
kumusana kwaLudisia. Mukadzi akabva adriver kuti
vaende kumba.
Vakasvika Takunda adhakwa ndokungonanga

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

kubedroom kwake vondorara, Ludisia akasekerera aka-

tarisa dzungu raakange apa baba vechidiki ava.
Paakamuka mangwana, Takunda akaona Ludisia
akarara padivi pake akamonera drying towel chete,
mudzimai akanyemwerera ndokuti; “Wash your face
and brush your teeth, breakfast will be served in bed.”
Takunda akamuka ndokuenda kuBathroom
ndokundogeza muviri, paakadzoka bed range
ragadzirwa, pamusoro pane tray yaive nehotel breaks-
fast chaiyo; “I don’t remembre buying mushrooms and
bacon, zvabva kupiko izvi?” Takunda akadaro masiriri
ave kudonha akatarisa tumastondido twaange abikirwa.
“Nice surprise for you my man, enjoy.” Vakadya
vese ndokudzokera kurara. Musi uyu mai Monica Ma-
konese vakapfakanyika chete muguva ravo, vachiona
mwana wavo achiitiswa mhando nemhando dzebonde
ravasina kana kuita ivo nemurume wavo pa50+ years
dzavakararama muupenyu hwavo.
Weekend yese yakapera vaviri ava vachingoita
zvekudya nekurara, chakatora moyo waTakunda haana
kana mari yake yaakabudisa pamukadzi uyu. He even
started comparing nekwana Dorothy kwaaigara aka-
bata mari kuti patondogarika zvakanaka. List yezvinhu
zvemwana nezvaDorothy wacho yaingogara yakauya,
he felt suffocated nekuve nanaChipochashe nemhuri
yake.
Apa Ludisia had money to spoil him, aive ne good
advice for his future, just like mai vake mai Makonese.
Handiti vaingogara vachimuudza the right things to

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

do, nekumupa mari yacho kuti zviitike. Ludisia was

taking over that role in the most smooth and amazing
way yaasina kumbofungira kuti angawane munhu aka-
daro in his life.
Kwamai Chipochashe aingoudzwa zvekunamata
nekushanda nesimba to cover his parents’ gap. Apa
Lovely Lue aimurongera what to do, and even to work
less while getting more money, like a responsible and
loving adult she was. Mukomana akanzwa kufara
nekuzorora mupfungwa dzake, kana vaizowirirana
naLudisia zvedi upenyu hwake hwaizove nane chose,
aisazonyanya kufunga vabereki vake.
Pakapedza Dorothy maexams ake muna November
wegore iri, akabva azofunga kutaurirana naTakunda.
Akambomirira ari kumba kwavo sending messages,
kuti munhu achauya sezvo aiziva kuti anopedza rini, asi
baba vaMunyaradzi havana kubatika. Kana kufona
kwange kwave kushoma mazuva aya.
Mumwe musi akazofunga kuenda kuMarimba Park
kundoona Takunda, akawana pamba paine mota
yaaisaziva, yaive yerudzi rwe SUV, Hyundai ix35,
akangoti kuda baba vemwana zviri kufamba vakatenga
imwe mota.
Akagogodza pamusuo kwenguva asi kana Tambu
aishandapo aisavepo, akaedza kufonera Takunda asi
fone yaingorira isina anodavira. Ave kuda kutoenda
Takunda ndopaakazovhura musuo achiratidza kuti
ange akarara hope chaidzo.
“Oh it’s you? Waregerei kundiudza kuti uri kuuya?”

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Takunda akadaro akamira pamusuo, Dorothy forced

herself in ndokundogara pasi achiti;
“Handiti hausi kudaira fone yako? Ndokuudza sei?
But Taku iwewe grow up, wakabva waramwa tese
nemwana over nyaya yemaExams angu here?”
Takunda akadzungudza ndokuti; “That’s in the past
now, am doing other things.”
“What other things are you doing, zvakakosha kup-
fuura mwana wako?” Dorothy akabvunza.
Takunda akaridza tsamwa ndokuti; “handiti iwewe
you made a choice kuita zveupenyu hwako zvisinei
neni. That’s exactly what I am doing, I am building my
future ndisingakupewo any attention.” Dorothy akash-
amisika ndokumboramba akanyarara.
Akabva azoti; “ungabva waita hasha for 6 full weeks
haunyare here? Ko mota iri panze ndeyani?”
“Ndeyeshamwari yangu, takachinjana mota last
night.” Takunda akadaro akangomira kunge aida kuti
Dorothy achibuda. Musikana akasimuka ndokufamba
achienda kubedroom kwaTakunda.
“Uri kuda chiiko, ndiri kuda kubuda manje manje.”
Takunda akadaro achitevera mai vemwana wake
kubedroom kwavo.
“Ah too many complaints zvawave kunge uri
kutondidzinga pano.” Dorothy akadaro ave kushaya
zvekuita, akabva agara pabed ndokuti; “Inga wave too
smart mazuvano, unosigara bed risina kana kugadzirwa
iwewe, bhutsu nemasocks zviri pese pese.”
“Handiti wange usingachada kuuya, so I asked

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Tambu kuti aite cleaning yese zvayo.”

“Good idea ……” Dorothy akagurisirwa zvaaida
kutaura nekupinda kwakaita Polo Vivo yaTakunda
muyard mavo, vakaiona vese nepawindow remubed-
room maTakunda. Takunda akavhunduka zva-
kaonekwa naDorothy, musikana akangoramba akamu-
tarisa achishaya kuti chii chaiitika.
“Enda undogara kuLounge,” Takunda akadaro
achidhonza Dorothy kuti asimuke. Dorothy akasimuka
achiti; “Ah why? Ndianiko auya?”
“Just a business partner, buda kani.” Takunda aka-
daro ave kutadza kumira.
Dorothy akasimuka achiti; “Ko ini ndomhanyira
kuLounge kundodii? Endaka iwewe kuLounge un-
domuona, ndisare zvangu muno, ndorongedza some
things nekuwacha hembe dzako. Kana usingade kuti
andione, this is the best room for me to be, angauye
kubedroom kwako kuzodii? Enda iwewe.”
Takunda akafambisa achibuda umu ndokuenda ku-
Lounge kwaakandogamuchirwa nehug nekiss zvaka-
mupa dzungu. Vachingogara pasi Dorothy akabva ap-
indawo kuzokwazisa business partner yababa
vaMunyaradzi.
“Ko TK is this another house help?” Ludisia akadaro
achinongedza Dorothy nemakey emota.
Takunda akasimuka ndokubata Dorothy ruoko
ndokuti; “No, I told you I have a son, ndiye amai
vemwana wangu. Chipochashe, meet madam Ludisia,
my business partner andange ndichitaura nezvake.”

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Vakadzi vakangotarisana vese, hapana akada

kutanga kukwazisa mumwe. Dorothy aiti ndini amai
vepano, iwe Ludisia wauya pamba pangu show some
respect utange kundikwazisa. Ludisia achitiwo uri
mwana mudiki kwandiri uye waivepi mazuva ese ndi-
chigara nababa vemwana wako sewakafa, ndikwazise.
Takunda paakaona kuti silence yanyanyisa akabva
aseka seka ndokuti; “I was about to take Dorothy home,
tomboenda nekumaShops tichitenga baby stuff.
Madam Ludisia make yourself comfortable while we
wait for other members.” Takunda akadaro
ndokudhonza Dorothy vachienda kuBedroom kwa-
vange vasiya kahandbag kake.
Akabva ati kuna Dorothy, “As you can see today is
not a good day kuti uve pano, handei ndinokusiya pa-
maCombi apo uende kumba.”
Dorothy haana zvaakazotaura, vakabuda
ndokuenda, Takunda akapa Dorothy mari yakati wan-
dei kuti afare achindoita shopping yake neyemwana
ndokumusiya ave muCombi yekuenda kumba kwavo.
Dorothy akangonanga kumba kwavo achinzwa
kuremerwa, she was also very confused haana kunge
anzwisisa attitude yaTakunda kwaari uyezve ukama
hwake namai vakange vasvika mumba mavo. Akazvi-
manikidza kufunga kuti amai ava zvavaive munhu
mukurusa kuna Takunda, kuda zvaive zvebasa chete
zvavaiita. Suddenly a vivid picture yaSister Maria
Goretti in bed naTaku started to haunt her. Kana mu-
pikiri wechurch akakwanisa kubvisira Takunda hembe,

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

ko avawo zvavo, misodzi yakayerera ichidonhera pam-

wana waaiyamwisa.
Manheru acho Takunda akazomufonera
achimuudza kuti aregere zvama surprise visits nekuti
ndiye aizonyanya to be surprised sezvakange zvaitika
musi uyu, akazomuti pane business hombe raaigadzirisa
nenew partners vaakange awana, zvese aiitira iye mai
Munyaradzi naMunyardzai wavo, so he was not going
to tolerate any disturbances and awkward moments,
sezvange zvaitika musi uyu. Dorothy haana kuudza
amai vake zvakange zvaitika kuMarimba Park, akango-
nyarara achimirira mumwe musi kuti aone kuti
Takunda aizodii.
Asi mwedzi wese wakapera Takunda asina kuuya
kuzoona mwana, mari yaipinda muAccount mamai va-
Dorothy from the business account ndoyavakange
votoshandisa pane zvaidiwa nemwana.
Amai vakatarisa vachiona kuparadzana kwange
koita vana vavo, chavaikwanisa kuita saamai kana vata-
dza kumira netsoka chaidzo vachitarisana nezvaive
muupenyu hwavo, mabvi aiziva kuti yave nguva yedu
yekumirawo, nekuti tsoka hadzigone kumirira zvi-
hombe zveupenyu, mabvi ndoanomira patadziwa
netsoka, and that was mai Chipochashe’s speciality…

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CHAPTER 18

P agore rakatevera, maresults eForm 4 akabva

abuda, Chipochashe akabva aita 8A’s and 2C’s,
maC ake maviri aakagara aziva musi wekunyora
mapepa acho chaiwo. Amai vake vakafara vakapembera
vakabika rice, chicken nesalad musi uyu, kutenda
Mwari nekupasa kwaange aita. Amos Munyaradzi
aisvitsawo 1 year in a few weeks time saka kufara
kwaivepo chaizvo mumba mavo. Tete Carol vakauya
musi weBirthday raAlois vakatora mhuri yese yamai
Chipochashe vakaita birthday dinner kumba kwavo.
Vakange vaita mazuva maviri vachitsvaga Takunda
kuti varonge birthday celebration iyi asi havana kumu-
wana.
Nemumwe musi weChishanu, mai vaDorothy
vakabva kubasa, vakashama kuwana amai Mashongan-
iso vachiripo pamba pavo asi Dorothy ange atotora
mwana wake. Madzimai maviri vakaperekedzana ku-
road kwaindokwirirwa maCombi.
Amai Mashonganiso vakabva vati; “Ndakumirirai
ambuya vaMunya kuti ndikuudzei makuhwa anda-
kanzwa kumaCombi uko”
“Hanziiko nhai?”mai Chipochashe vakabvunza vave
kutya.
Mai Mashonganiso vakati; “Hanzi baba vaMunya
vave kugara nevamwewo mai vakauya kubasa kwavo
uko vachiti vanoda kuita business navo, zvino vatove
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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

mukadzi nemurume, havachasiyani. Hanzi kungogara

vakanamirana kana nemu Office mune vanhu,
kukisana pese pese, kubatana kunonyadzisa pese pese.”
Mbuya vaMunyaradzi vakatura mafemo rutatu ru-
tatu ndokuzoti; “Inga zvakaoma hazvo, ini haachada
kutaura neni, ndikafona kana kutumira message
handipindurwe.”
“Umm mai Munyaradzi mwana mudiki, dai
makwanisa kumudzikamisa ambosiyana naye mwana
wekwaMakonese uyu, kwaave kutambira kuzvirwere
zvega zvega. Mumwe nemumwe ane nhamo dzake
muupenyu, Chipo haangatangi kutakura dzemurume
achiri mudiki kudai. Ngatichengetedzei mwanasikana
wedu anogona chikoro kudai ambuya vaMunya.”
Mai Chipochashe vakagutsurira vachirwadziwa,
vakazoti; “Maita basa nekundiudzawo zviri kuitika,
ndave kuziva kuti ndodii nemwana wangu.”
Mai Mashonganiso vakabva vapinda muCombi
voenda kumba kwavo. Mai vaChipo vakafamba
zvishoma nezvishoma vodzokerawo kwavo, vair-
wadziwa naTakunda semukwasha akange asiya mwana
wavo, vachirwadziwazve naye seprodigal son akange
atorwa nenyika yaizomuparadza.
Vakademba kuna Mwari kuti sei minamato yavo
yaisanzikwa pamusoro pevana ava, asi vachiongorora
vakaona kuti zvese zvavakange vachikumbirira
Chipochashe wavo zvakange zvapindurwa nemo
nemo, as a family, minus Takunda, they had a lot to
celebrate and thank God for.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Kubvira kuzvarwa kwakange kwaitwa Alois

Munyaradzi, vaingoenda naye kuClinic kuImmuniza-
tion, haana kumborwara kana flue chaiyo ange asina
kumboiita, vaitenda Mwari nazvo. Vakazopedzisira
vachiti maybe there was a stronghold against
Takunda’s life yavaitadza kumubatsira, yaida iye muri-
dzi kuzviitira ega, zvino vaimuwana kupi kuti
vamuudze agoterera?
Vakabva vatumira message kuna tete Carol kuti va-
gosvika kumba pazuva raitevera racho, Carol akabva
atovafonera ipapo achivaudza kuti aizouya kumba
kwavo.
Vachisvika kumba amai vaChipo vakabva vati; “Ko
wakapedzisira kutaura nababa vaMunyaradzi riini?”
Chipo akati; “4 weeks ago, ndakamusendera mes-
sage ndichimuudza zvemaresults angu haana kupin-
dura.”
Amai vakangogutsurira, ndokuzoti; “Muchiri mese
here?”
“Handizivi ini amai” Dorothy akadaro ave kuda
kuchema.
“Kuti hauzivi ndokuti chii? Munodanana here kana
kuti makasiyana chete.” Amai vakabvunza zvakare.
“Hatisi kutaura tese, asi musi watapedzisira kuve tese
he introduced me as his wife, saka handizive.” Dorothy
akadaro.
“Makapedzisira bonde riini?” Hana yaDorothy
yakarova achinyara amai vake, akahutisa miromo
ndokuti; “Ko zvine basa rei nekusauya kwake pano?”

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

“Chero pamutemo wenyika chaiyo, kana Marriage

ikashaya bonde for 6 consecutive months, vanoti hapa-
china marriage. Unoti pawakasununguka ndikati Sister
kuHospital vakuise contraceptive inopera after 5 years
kwaive kuitirei? Ndaida kuti uende kuchikoro pasina
imwe nhumbu, nekuti muri mese nababa vemwana
wako. Unoti ndaisaona here kuti muri kuwirirana se-
vabereki nhai mwanangu?”
Dorothy akanyara nyara ndokuti; “Oh ok, ah
kubvira pandakati ndave kuda zvekumboita zvemaEx-
ams akabva asiyana neni. Even pandakaenda kumba
kwake ndakawana ane vamwe mai muIndia so, hanzi
business partner, akandidzinga kuti vasare vega.”
Amai vakambonyarara vachifunga ndokuzoti; “Ko
hauna kutaura wani nhai Chipochashe?”
“Ndaifunga kuti achauya.” Chipo akadaro.
“Handifunge kuti achauya, amai Mashonganiso vati
ave nemumwe mukadzi waari kugara naye, matauriro
avaita anenge iye wawakaona. Ko chiiko mwana
mudiki anenge Takunda kutorana nechembere?” amai
vakadaro vachishushikana.
Chipo akambofemedzeka ndokuti; “Pandakaita
nhumbu paye ndakange ndave kuda zvekuroorwa,
support yese yana tete vangu nevabereki vaTakunda
yakaita kuti ndide kuroorwa. Asi pane zvandakaona
zvakaita kuti ndibvumirane nekuramba kwamakaita. I
realised kuti zveshuwa ndaisamuziva Takunda uyu, he
has many shocking surprises.”
“Chii chawakaona?” amai vakabvunza vachigara

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

pasi.
“Ndakaona mafotos nevideo Takunda akarara na-
Sister Maria Goretti vekuSt Matthias vaye.” Dorothy
akadaro.
Mai Dorothy vakabata muromo vachiita sevari ku-
ridza mhururu nekushamisika.
“Saka pandakaona ane chembere iyoyo kuMarimba
Park, ndakangoti it’s possible kuti vari vese again.”
Dorothy akadaro akadzikama zvake.
Amai vakamboramba vachishamisika nekudemba
pamusoro pezvakaitika pakati paSister naTakunda.
Pave paya vakazoti; “Kuda ane stronghold or curse or
mhepowo dziri kungosaidzirwa kwaari semwana
akasara ega. Aisafanira kugara pamba paye ari ega,
satana takes advantage of our situations to destroy us.
Moyo wangu uri kurwadza chaizvo, anoda ku-
chengetwa semwana, zvino it seems vana babamunini
vari kuti zvaane mari yekurarama saka zvakatokwana.”
Vese vakambonyarara vachifunga, amai Dorothy
ndokuzoti; “Chandisiri kuziva ndechokuti, dai mange
makaroorana, muchigara mese, aizoita zvaari kuita
here?”
Chipochashe akabva ati; “Aingoita saizvozvo amai,
your decision was the best. Ane reasoning yake yandis-
inganzwisisi. Apa akanditi ane business deal raanoda
kuita saka handifaniri kumukanganisa, so tichaona kana
rapera. Dai ndange ndichigara naye aikwanisa
kumbondidzosa kuno, kuti vanhu vake ivavo vawane
pekugara naye ndisipo, vachiita zvavari kuita vega.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Ndomarriage yacho here? Saka pana Ludisia it’s a busi-

ness deal, pana Sister it was blackmail, pandiri it was a
bet neshamwari dzake. Saka munhu agara anongoshan-
disa bonde kuwana zvaanoda, and everytime anozvi-
wana hakeka …..” Dorothy akadaro ndokuchema,
amai vake vakatora mwana waaive akabata ndokuisa
kumusana, iye ndokumubata vomupukuta misodzi.
Mushure menguva amai Chipochashe vakazoti;
“Chinzwa mwanangu, ndine zvandakakudzidzisa
kubvira uri mudiki, iyezvino wakura, unofanira kuzvi-
bata, unofanira kupasa chikoro uite basa rakanaka
rinofadza moyo wako. Ndizvo here mwanangu?” Dor-
othy akagutsurira achiterera.
“Takunda ane marererwo akewo aakaitwa ne-
vabereki vake atisingazive, ndozvaachatevera
muupenyu hwake. Shoko raMwari rinoti ‘dzidzisai
mwana nzira yaanofanira kufamba nayo, nokuti kana
azokura haangazosiyani nayo’.
“Ndine zvandakakudzidzisa kubvira uchikura,
nyangwe ukambotadza mwanangu, uchikura kudai all
your decisions anodzoka pakuti amai vangu vakandi-
raira kuti ndirarame seizvi. Ndizvo zvichaitika kuna
Takunda, ane zvaakadzidziswa nevabereki vake, now
akura, nyangwe akavhiringwa nenyika, minamato ne-
rairo yevabereki vake ichamudzora panzira yaanofanira
kufamba nayo. Training yemumba mavo, yaakapiwa
nevabereki vake, magariro avaiita mumba mavo,
ndozvichamudzora nekumuwanira nyasha, ini pari
zvino hapana chandichakwanisa kumuitira.” Amai

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Dorothy vakatsanangurira mwana wavo.

“Dai ndisina kumboterera Takunda dai ndatove
Form 6 ku St Matthias.” Dorothy akadaro in painful re-
gret.
“Aiwa mwanangu, we thank God for life, where
there is life, there is hope. Zvazviri zvakatonaka zvaka-
dai, all things happen for good to those who love the
Lord. Iwe neni mwanangu tinoda Mwari, kana kuve
kwako muupenyu hwaTakunda yange isiri plan yaM-
wari, its ok, Jesus anonatsa kutadza kwedu kuti tione
mbiri yake.
“If you are meant to be together, let’s trust God’s
time, maybe Takunda pane zvaanofanira kudzidza
muupenyu kuti ave a good father and a husband.
Maybe zvimwe zvaasina kudzidziswa kuvabereki vake
chaivo. Mwari vane maitiro avo atisinganzwisisi, and it
will only make sense taona maresults.
“For now, let’s trust and love Jehovah Shammah, our
Lord who is always there, tichinamatira Takunda kuti
may God spare his life in whatever he is doing.
Nyangwe ari satani ari kumushandisa, asi Mwari ndo-
vane simba rekuparadzanisa nyama nemweya, Shoko
raMwari rinoti Mwari havadi kuti mutadzi afe, vanoda
kuti atendeuke ararame. It is well mwanangu. God is
forever in control.
“Tarisa what a bundle of joy we have in Alois. Let’s
move on neupenyu hwedu, takaita zvataikwanisawo
pana Takunda.” Amai vakapedzisa vachinyemwererana
nemuzukuru wavo achivabata kumeso.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Dorothy akagutsurira ndokuti; “Chero pandaive

nenhumbu makati mwana achazvarwa ndigodzokera
pane zvese zvandaida kuita before the pregnancy,
ndozvandave kuita now amai. Ndoda kundoita Maths,
Biology neChemistry ndigoita Doctor Dorothy
Chipochashe Moyo amai.” Dorothy akadaro with pride
and confidence.
“Ndizvozvo chaizvo mwanangu, satani angatirwisa
zvikanonoka hazvo asi kana Mwari vakandipa hachin-
dipotsi, ndiri mai Doctor inini!” Vakarovana maoko se-
vange vatove paGraduation yaChipochashe achitambi-
dzwa Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery gore iroro.
Lovely Ludisia Punjabi akange ave kugara na-
Takunda ku Marimba Park full time, nhumbi dzaka-
tanga kuuya imwe chete, kusvika mumwe musi auya
nesuitcase rese, pamwedzi mitatu iyi yavaive vese,
Takunda haana kunge aziva kuti Business partner yake
inogara kupi, uye Business raaiita raive rechii. Uye
vaMashonganiso havana kunge vambomupa report
yekuti madam L.L. Punjabi vakabhadhara kana kuti
vakambotora diesel kubva paMakonese Motors.
Nemumwe musi tete Carol vakafumira kumba
kwavakakurira kuMarimba Park, vakawana mota dzese
dziripo, vanhu vachakarara. Vakandogogodza
nepawindow remubedroom maTakunda asi maisave
nemunhu, vakaenda pawindow remubedroom mairara
vashakabvu, ndomakange mave kushandiswa na-
Takunda nemudzimai wake munyowani. Akabva and-
ovavhurira musuo, vakaita wekusaidzira ndokunanga

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

kubedroom kwaive kwakarara Ludisia. Tete Carol

vakasvika vachidhonza gumbeze raaive akafuga
ndokutanga kupopota vachimudzinga, Ludisia akap-
feka zvake mbatya dzake, slowly sepasina chamukan-
ganisa
Takunda akapinda mavaive vachibva vamuti;
“Ndiyo chembere yako yawaita mbiri nayo Harare
yese, nhai Takunda asi unoshura?”
“Tete mave kufarisa, ko muri kurwisa munhu
wamusingazive sei?” Takunda akadaro nehasha kuna
vatete vake.
Caroline akada kurova mwana wehanzvandzi yake
neshungu; “Kana ndaifanira kumuziva wakadii kuti
tizivane sezvawakaita naDorothy. Nhai mbuya imi,
ndimi aniko pamusha pedu pano?” Ludisia akatarisa
tete Carol nemaziso aipfuta moto, dai Takunda
akazviona angadai akafunga kaviri, asi pfungwa dzake
dzaive pakuti vatete vavasiye vega. Ivo tete vacho
vakarohwa nehana vakamboita 2 steps back sevave
kuda kutiza.
Ludisia dished out her all time heart melting smile
kuna Takunda ndokuti; “Talk to your auntie darling, I
am just a woman in love, with time she will understand
that.” She kissed Takunda padama ndokubuda achiva-
siya vega. Tete Carol vakafemedzeka ndokurova rova
Takunda padama vachiti; “Wake up! Muka mhani you
idiot, hausi kuona kuti imbavha here iyi, she has a hid-
den agenda …..”
“Auntie Carol, endai kumba kwenyu, ndichauya

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

ikoko. Mungauye kuzoita noise about things you

know nix of why? You have embarrassed me handisi
kuda kutaura nemi.” Takunda akadaro nehasha.
“Taku kani, ndini Tete vako inini, since when tich-
itadza kuwirirana iwewe neni, kubvira uchizvarwa
taive tese wani… Taku kani”
Takunda akasaidzira tete vake ndokunanga ku-
musuo; “Go mudzoke kana mave netsika, you don’t
have manners, honestly, mungapindira munhu akarara
wamusingazive, what kind of nonsense is that? Get
out!”
Tete Caroline akaita dzungu ndokundopinda mu-
mota yake yaange asiya kugedhe. Maoko aibvunda
neshungu akatadza kudriver, she parked at the roadside
ndokumbochema hanzvadzi yake namaiguru vake,
asking God why vakange vafa musi mumwe chete, dai
pakasara zvapo one of them. Shungu dzaserera
akananga kumba kwake ndokutanga kufonera
hanzvadzi dzake dzese achivaudza zvange zvoita
Takunda. Vakaronga kuti vamwe babamunini
vaizouya kuti vazoona kuti chii chaitora nzvimbo any-
time that month.
Kuuya kwakaita tete Carol nemabvondorero avange
vaita Ludisia, akasara akaona kuti ange ari kutamba
nenguva paBusiness raaida kupinza Takunda, kana ai-
nonoka zvikapindirwa nevakawanda zvaizoponja.
Musi uyu akaswera akasuruvara achinyengererwa na-
Takunda kunge achamunanzva. Masikati akabva ati
ave kumboenda kuhama dzaamai vake muHarare

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

makare, kwaisave nezita rekuti akanangepi chaipo.

Takunda akasara ega achinzwira tete vake hasha nez-
vavange vaita. Aisadavira fone kana message, aingota-
risira yaizofonewa naiye Queen of his heart Lovely
Ludisia.
Manheru around 2100hrs ave kutoda kurara,
Ludisia akabva adzoka. Akange akafara chaizvo
zvakanyevenutsa mwoyo waTakunda nekuti aitofunga
kuti panodzoka mukadzi uyu aizorongedza twake
twese akamusiya pabani.
Ludisia akabva ati; “My love, I have arranged our
air-tickets to Victoria Falls, we are going on Tuesday
to meet the other guys, they have the details of the busi-
ness. They will simply give you information then you
choose what you want to do. Is it ok?”
“Of course Lue, you are so smart, you make brilliant
decisions for me everytime.” Takunda akadaro hana
ichirova nemufaro.
“I suggest usambovaudze vana auntie ava or anyone,
tozoita a big party opening the new business wave mil-
lionaire, when you receive your first consignment, that
will be in 3 weeks time from now. Then we will shock
them. I want to shame and embarrass them for attack-
ing me.” Ludisia akademba achiratidza so much worry
yakarwadza Takunda.
Takunda akabva atoona musi weParty yacho open-
ing the new business, making headlines in all Zim pa-
pers as the youngest millionaire in Zimbabwe….

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CHAPTER 19

M usi weChipiri, vakabva vaenda kuVictoria

Falls, and booked in Elephant Hills Hotel.
Manheru acho vakabva vasangana nevamwe
vakomana vatatu vechidiki, Ludisia akabva ati;
“Takunda meet Emeka Okafor from Nigeria, this is
Brian Chinyama from Mutare and Kinoshita Shigeta
from Japan, we call him Kay, as you can see all are un-
der 25, I want you to listen to their stories. You are so
lucky to have Emeka and Kay today, they are always
Globe trotting, no time to mentor new members like
you.” Takunda akakwazisana nevakomana vaye, vaive
vakabata maLaptops avo vachiita basa ravo.
Emeka akabva ati; “It’s best to make money with
something that interests you the most TK, your pas-
sion. My dad was an oil baron, so I took over and I have
made 10x more that he did in his lifetime, simply be-
cause I changed strategy. ”
Vamwe vese vaigutsurira. Brian akabva ati; “I am an
IT specialist, I buy and sell computers, since I became a
member, they got me market, I have sold all brands
around Africa. More that a million units so far, without
much sweating because you make your deals on the
computer in the comfort of your home and the job is
done. The Bible says in Psalm 127:2 ‘It is vain for you
to rise early, come home late, and work so hard for your
food. Yes He can provide for those whom He loves
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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

even when they sleep’ So TK my man, welcome to the

favour of Jesus.” vese vakamboseka vachirovana maoko.
Kay akabva ati; “I heard you are a motor mechanic,
when you are ready with all your start up cash in place,
just let me know, then you can come to Japan and we
discuss how we can have an assembling plant here in
Zim, for Suzuki and Honda, we sent you parts and an-
yone who wants these brands in Africa will get from
you. We teach you how to do it and give you some
boys for the first year then you are sorted.”
Takunda akafara nezvairongwa apa, vakomana
vakadaidzira sea food and other exotic cuisines vakadya
nekunwa, vachipa Takunda Makonese mukana we-
kufunga zvaaidawo kuzoita chaizvo chaizvo.
Pazuva rakatevera, vakange vave kuHarare,
Takunda asina kugadzikana, akange anonokerwa
nekuve a member of this A-Team-Teen- Millionaires.
“So, what’s the next move nhai Lue?” Takunda
akabvunza.
“It’s simple sweetheart, you sell all the combies, so
that you can show them your bank statement for start
up cash, usually they give you double of what you have
saved yourself. Then you buy a stand pekuitira assem-
bling plant, also you need an Upmarket townhouse, sell
the Marimba Park house. Selling of the house and buy-
ing another one can be done at the same time. So just
choose a few things zvaunoda kusara nazvo, your par-
ents had old furniture so maybe leave a few gadgets. ”
“It’s ok, ndinoendesa kuimba iri kuHighfields kune

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

maLodgers but lounge nedining room are empty

rooms.”
Ludisia akavhura meso ndokuti; “Une another house
besides this one? Manje kana uchindivanzira properties
when I am doing my best to help you ndokuita sei?
Hautende nhaiwewe”
“No no, that house ine zita raAuntie Carol, and she
has the tittle deeds, so it’s impossible to get them from
her. Let’s work with what I have control of.” Takunda
akadaro apologetically.
“Ok, I know agents who can sell everything in a
week, then we sort out your membership, and you re-
ceive your consignment.” Ludisia akadaro. Takunda
akabudisa all the Legal papers emaCombi neeimba
akapa Ludisia to do what she had to do. Pavakandoudza
vaMashonganiso, murume mukuru akabuda ziya, zvese
zvaakaedza kutaura fell on deaf ears, vakapedzisira
Takunda avabata collar screaming in his ears kuti; “You
are fired! Fired!”
Zvisinei vaMashonganiso vakakwanisa kumuudza
kuti maCombi aibvira kutengesa aive 8, mamwe 2
akange asati apera kubhadharwa mari yakange yatorwa
nababa vake kuBank pakumatenga saka aive achiri
eBank. Takunda haana kuzviziva kana kunzwisisa izvi.
VaMashonganiso vakabudisawo mapepa avaive
nawo nemamwe aive naTakunda ndokumukumbira
kuti aise signature yake pamusoro pemaCombi maviri
aye. Ndomusi wavakapedzisira kuonekwa pamaOffice
eMakonese Transport. Asi vemakuhwa vaiti mudhara

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Shones akatengeserwa maCombi maviri naTakunda,

vamwewo voti akapiwa pension yemaCombi maviri
pakusiya basa kwaakaita. Asi zvaionekwa neruzhinji
ndezvekuti mudhara Shones ange ave kudriver ma-
Combi maviri aimbove eMakonese Transport, ange
anyorwa zita neaddress yekumba kwake, ivo vaiziva
zvavo kuti vakamawana nesignature chete yavakaita
kuti Takunda aise pakuvhiringika kwake.
Takunda akaendesa imwe furniture kuHighfields
kuimba yaive nemaroka ababa vake. Pavhiki iyoyo
vakandogara muLodge naLudisia. Pavakapedza kuten-
gesa zvese, vange vamirira kuti Takunda achienda
kuJapan for his multi- million dollar orientation.
On that Friday morning, Takunda akazomuka
kuma12 masikati, vakange varara vakadhakwa zvekuti
haana kana kupepuka. Ndomusi wavaifanira kundoona
imba kuEastlea yavaifanira kuzotenga. Akamuka
Ludisia atobuda as usual, asi apa akamumirira for several
hours, mukadzi haana kudzoka. Akaramba achifunga
kuti kana mari yavakatengesa imba nemaCombi iri iyo
yavachatenga nayo imba kuEastlea, saka start up cash
yacho ndeipi? Ko stand yeAssembling Plant
yaizovakwa nemari yaizobva kupi? Akaona kuti pane
zvinhu zvakawanda zvakange zvataurika zvis-
inganzwisisike asi he trusted kuti once he becomes a
member vakatanga kushanda vese zvese zvaizove clear
to him.
Kuma3 masikati, akavingwa nevashandi vepaLodge

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;“It’s time to check out, your stay was paid off till to-
day.”
“Where is the lady? Ane hyundai ndiye anda-
kamirira.” Takunda akadaro.
“She checked out around 5am, vasiya this letter for
you.”
Takunda akatambira tsamba iya ndokuti; “checked
out to where? How?” akabva afona number yaLudisia
yakabva yati; “The number you have dialed is not in
use.”
Akagara pabed muroom make, mushandi wemu-
Lodge achimusiya ari ega, tsamba yaiti;
“Thanks so much for handing me your inheritance
in a platter of gold. In my 5 years experience as a scam-
mer and a con-lady you were the easiest target that
took me so liitle time to convince. I gave you sweet
bedrooms tips in return of your family fortune, go
make your little wifey happy. Don’t try to look for me,
if you try to, and you find me, then I will have no
choice but to kill you. Lovely Ludisia Punjabi (my
name to you only)” Bye TK…..
Takunda akabva apa ndokunanga kuHighfields
kuimba yevabereki vake yaive nemaroja , aive
nedzungu rezvakange zvaitika kwaari. Akaita weekend
yese akazvivharira achinwa doro chete kuti akwanise
kurara. Pese paaivhura maziso ake asina kudhakwa
aidemba upenyu hwaaive nevabereki vake, aivanzwira
hasha sei vakange vamusiya so unprepared. Aifunga
zvakare kuti preparation yaaifanira kunge akaita ndeyei

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inopfuura a good business raivepo asati asvikirwa na-

Punjabi akazvishaya.
Akademba dai akataura natete vake about Punjabi
and her proposals. Zvese izvi zvaimuitisa dzungu reha-
sha nekutya upenyu kwakanyanya. Vabereki vake had
only exposed him to the positive things of life, haana
kunge aziva how to handle crookjs and stress.
Lovely Ludisia Punjabi was a terrible, horrible
nightmare that had come from the bottomless pit of
hell. He wished he could just wake up from this dread-
ful nightmare.
Musi weMonday, akaenda kuBank, mari yaive
muAccount yake ndeyakange yapedzisira kuiswa
namudhara Shones yemaCombi vhiki ravazosiyawo.
Akandobvunza nezveJoint Account yaakange avhura
naLudisia ikapinda mari yeimba neyemaCombi
avakange vatengesa, the money was all withdrawn and
the account closed. Akaedza maCell numbers evako-
mana veVic Falls all numbers were not in use.
Akaenda kumapurisa asi aisave neInformation
yakakwana kubatsira mapurisa kutsvaga Ludisia.
Mumwe mupurisa ndiye akazoti ngatiteverei mota
Hyundai ix35 yaifamba nemunhu wako uyo. Akavapa
all necessary details vakatevera mota through the VID
department, vakaiwana iri paCar Hiring Company,
muridzi weCompany akati;
“The name I have here is Akhila Dutta” description
yese yamapa ndiyo, let me show you the papers, I ask
all my customers to attach a passport sized foto when

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they hire a car.” Vakavhura mafiles avo ndokuuya

neraAkhila Dutta, vakavhura mukati paive nefoto
yacho asi vakawana pakadamburwa zvekuti Form ra-
katobvaruka. Ange adzosa mota na0630hrs neFriday,
while Takunda akatorara muLodge akamirira kuti
vachaenda to the new house.
“Aive ne ID or passport here?” Mupurisa akabvunza.
“Yes zvese aive nazvo zvandakanyora apo from
South Africa.” Muridzi weCar Hire akadaro.
Mupurisa akarova rova Takunda musana ndokuti;
“Makarohwa pasi petsoka bamunini, ndoNigeria 419
style yakatambika apa.”
Takunda akabwaira bwaira ndokufamba obuda.
Mupurisa akabva ati; “I will keep your file open for as
long as it takes, maybe someone else akavharwawo
nemukadzi uyu, and I don’t think she works alone, it’s
a syndicate, tichavabata chete.”
Zvese izvi aisave nehanya nazvo, akange ayeredza
family fortune akasvinura sematemba, masikati ma-
chena. Tete Carol vakange vambomuudza, asi hameno
zvaiitika nguva iyoyo, wese aitaura anything against
Ludisia ange akaipa chaizvo. Akadzokera kuHighfields
ombondozorora achifunga kuti otaura sei zvakaitika
kumhuri yese yekwaMakonese. Zvakange zvaitika
zvakaita kuti azvione sebenzi rinotopenga chaiko.
Pavhiki yakatevera akazoshingirira ndokuenda
kwavatete vake akandovaudza chokwadi chese,
vakachema vese vakadembana asi zvakange zvatop-
fuura. Varume vese vekwaMakonese vakazokumbira

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mukwasha wavo kuti ambotora Takunda vagare naye

atsvage nzvimbo kumaCollege aite kosi achimbokura.
Vese vakazvishora kuti kuda vakange varegerera
mwana ari ega ndosaka makava enyika akange awana
mukana wekuvatorera zvese zvakange zvashandwa
nemukoma wavo Alois.
Mazuva aya, kumba kwatete Carol kwaive
nehanzvadzi yemurume wavo tete Joceline aivabatsira
kuchengeta mwana, vaive a distant cousin yaThabani
Ncube murume watete Carol, vakange vauya ku-
zoshanda pahanzvadzi yavo vachibatsira muroora wavo
kuchengeta Junior wavo.
Takunda aida zvekudzidza Motor mechanics
kuTechnical Colleges, saka ndokwaaitsvagirwa
nzvimbo, pamazuva aya aiswera zvake pamba ach-
ingoita zvaaitumwa navatete nemurume wavo. Aka-
tanga kutamba navatete Joceline ava vaaiswera navo,
vaimutsiura nekumuraira pano neapo semwana wavo.
Nemumwe musi tete Carol nemurume wavo
vakaenda kuParty yekubasa kwanaNcube manheru,
Takunda navatete Joceline vakaona African movie
vachiseka vese chaizvo uye kutaura zvaiitika muMovie
umu zvaisanganisira nyaya dzebonde, kusvika pakun-
dorara. Takunda akafunga kutevera amai ava, sevanhu
vakange vaseka vese panyaya dzemubedroom re-
muMovie.
Vatete vakashamisika vave kupindirwa mumagum-
beze nemukomana wechidiki uyu akashama oda
kutamba navo. Vakaridza mhere nekurwisana murima

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imomo. Ndiyo nguva yakadzoka varidzi vemba

vakavhura musuo wavo ndokusangana nemhere mhere
mumba mairara vatete. Vese Thabani naCarol vakaen-
dako vachimhanya ndokundoita light on, Thabani
akazvambaradza Takunda nebroom raaive naro, vese
mudzimai wake nehanzvadzi yake vakatozomubata
kuti asaponde mukomana uyu.
Ndokudzingwa kwakaitwa Takunda pamusha pa-
vatete vake ondogara ega mumba mababa vake
kuHighfields nemaroja aivemo. Tete Carol vaka-
mutevera vachichemazve misodzi vachishaya chainetsa
mwana wehanzvadzi yavo.
“Ko chiiko Takunda, dai tete vakakuitira charges dai
uri mujere kutaura kuno. Wambozoita nhamo
yebonde kudai seiko? ” tete vakadaro nemisodzi
mumaziso.
“I did not want to rape her, but vaindiita zvinon-
goita vakadzi vechikuru ava kana vachida varume, so
ndakafunga kuti vanyara kundiudza straight up.”
Takunda akadaro achitoshamisika nemamiriro akazoita
nyaya.
“No Takunda you have a problem iwewe, I heard
your shocking story about your affair with the nun
kuSt Matthias. Tell me the truth. Before that incident
naSister, pane mumwe mukadzi mukuru wa-
wakamborara naye here? Watove neproblem
yekutevera vakadzi vakuru iwewe.” Tete vakabvunza.
“Handina problem inini, can’t you see kuti vakadzi
vacho ndovanonditevera? Imimi auntie Carol,

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makauya muchida kurova Ludisia when you found her

in my bed, apa makadii kurova tete venyu, ndo-
vakandidenha.” Takunda reasoned out kuna vatete
vake.
Caroline akashama muromo achipererwa, “You
need psychiatric help iwewe.Manje unoiwana kupi
nyika yaunogara wega isina vakadzi, it seems like
wakangotarisa munhu ndozvawave kungofunga,
unoda deliverance iwewe.”
Takunda akangoramba akanyarara, tete Carol
ndokumusiya vave kuenda kumba kwavo.
Takunda akasara pamba pavabereki vake apa, sezvo
yaive ne 6 bedrooms, akatora 1 bedroom kubvira musi
waakange aunza zvimwe zvinhu vachitengesa imba
yekuMarimba Park. Mamwe 5 bedrooms maive nema-
roja vese vachishandisa kitchen imwe chete.
Mumaroom matatu, maive nevarume vakuru
vaishanda mudhorobha, vaigara vari vega vasina mhuri
dzavo. Mune dzimwe 2 rooms, maive nababa namai
vechidiki, vamwe vacho vaienda kubasa vesemudzimai
nemurume, mwana wavo aigara naambuya vake achi-
uya weekend chete. Vamwe vacho mai nababa Anesu,
baba vaAnesu ndovaienda kubasa vachisiya mudzimai
wavo pamba.
Mutemo wakange waiswa pamba apa namai Ma-
konese kareko waive wekuti maroja ese vanoita ma-
duty ekutsvaira chivanze, toilet nepassage. Asi nekuti
vese vaive apa panguva iyi vaienda kubasa, mai Anesu
vaiita maduty vega, vamwe vese vachizovabhadhara

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kana risiri duty ravo. Izvi zvaitovapawo kamari keku-

gadzirwa musoro wavo nekutengawo madomasi vasina
kukumbira mari kumurume wavo.
Ndivo vakange voswera naLandlord Takunda amai
ava, vakatanga vachiita nyaya vese zvakanaka, vachiti
vakabika vomupawo kana vachikwanisa.
Akazopedzisira ave kupa demands kuti abikirwe navo
mazuva ese. Izvi zvakange zvokonzerawo bopoto
mumba mavo nemurume wavo, vakabva vazoramba
zvachose.
Takunda akatanga kushandisa mota yake setaxi, ai-
wanawo chekuswera achiita achitenderera muguta.
Dambudziko rake raisave rekuziva kuronga re-
mangwana, aibata mari yakawanda, osanganisa nerent,
obva atenga maLabels embatya anodhura aakajaira.
Oenda kuma Club anodhura kundotandara ikoko, aive
nenharo dzekuramba ari pasocial status yaakadzidziswa
nevabereki vake. Zvaitomunetsa kuti sei mari yake yai-
kurumidza kupera iye aingotenga sezvaaiita kubvira
achizvarwa.
Pamota yake, maparts akatanga kufa nekupera be-
cause of overuse. Akatanga achibatanidzira kuti mota
ingofamba kusvika maparts aye anetawo pave kuda
zvitsva. Matyre chaiwo akapera asi mukomana aive
asina mari yekuzvitengera chekupfeka saka kupfekedza
mota yaive luxury. Mota yakazonetawo ikazorora
muyard yave kutambirwa nepwere dzemuraini dzabva
kuchikoro, uye huku dzave kurarira mazai adzo
imomo.

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Kuswera akarara nekushaya chekuita kwakange ko-

paradza mukomana uyu. Nedzimwe nguva aindoswera
kurank kwaaimbove shefu obata bata kugadzira ma-
Combi evamwe opiwawo mari yekudya musi uyu. Asi
kutukwa kushorwa nekuwanzirwa nevamwe vema-
Combi kwakaita asade kunyanya kutambira kuma-
Combi. Uye kuzohwanda vamwe vaaiziva achine mari
kwaimunetsa zvakare, Team TK vange vave vana
vechikoro, aivatiza kana vasangana mudhorobha. Am-
buya vake amai vaChipochashe aisada kuvaonazve, ai-
vatiza zvakare kana vaisangana pamacombi kana ku-
mashops kuHighfields. Mukomana aive mujere rake
ega.
Vatete vake Carol pese pavaiita groceries vaiten-
gawo nezvake, asi semunhu aive nemabrands ake
aakange ajaira, vakapedzisira vomupa pocket money
kuti azvitsvagire zvaaida. Iyi ndomari yaizopera musi
mumwe chete gambling uye doro chairo. Izvi zvaiita
arare asina chaadya mamwe mazuva. Kumba kwavatete
akange asingachabvumirwe kuonekwako, kumusha
kuWedza, ambuya vakange vaita stroke pavakanzwa
nezvekuparadza pfuma yemwana wavo kwaakange
aita, saka kwaisaendeka.
SaLandlord akange ane makey eimba yese, akatanga
kuti vanhu vaenda kubasa opinda mudzimba dzavo
achitora chikafu nezvimwe zvaaidawo kuti ararame.
Zuva nezuva vabva kubasa ainzwa maroja ake vachi-
taurirana nezvekushaikwa kwechikafu mudzimba
dzavo.

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Mumwe musi vakamudaidza vese, baba vaAnesu

vakati; “Tiri kuda kuita official Police Report kuti tiri
kubirwa pamba pano, ndozvatataurirana tese.”
Mumwe murume wechidiki ainzi Simba ndokuti;
“Asi zvakatanga pawakauya pano, hakusi kuba directly,
kutapudzirwa zvinhu kunyanya chikafu. Takunda
ndiwe mbavha iwewe, baba Anesu vari kukunyara.
Toda kukusungisa mupfana iwewe uri rombe.”
“Kana pasingagarike pano munongobvaka nhai.”
Takunda akadaro. Simba akaita hasha ndokuedza ku-
rova Takunda ndokubatwa nevamwe maroja. Baba
vaAnesu vakabva vati; “Inga tabvumirana kuti toda ku-
mubatsira mwana uyu.”
Simba akati; “Haasi mwana uyu, kuzungaira
uku,vezera rake vakagumira Form 4 vatove qualified
kumabasa uku, vamwe vari kuCollege. Ane mwana ane
goreka rombe wenyu uyu.”
Baba vaAnesu vakabva vati; “Handizvo zvandadai-
dzira musangano uno kuti tituke mwana uyu. Right
Takunda we know ndiwe uri kuba pano apa, now wa-
ziva kuti tinoziva maitiro ako. Tichadaidza tete vako
vagotora spare keys iwewe wogarawo seroja. Uyezve
mari yerent hatichapa iwewe, topa tete vako nekuti
kana tichivharirwa mvura nemagetsi isu takakupa mari
yacho hazvichaita.”
Mai Anesu vakabva vati; “Tave ne5 years tiri pano
tichingogara zvakanaka wave kutikanganisa ndiwe.”
Takunda akaramba akanyarara and started over-
chewing his gum, aiita kurichakunya kutsiva shungu

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dzese dzezvinhu zvange zvisina kumira zvakanaka

muupenyu hwake. Baba vaAnesu vakabva vati;
“Zvakwana, ndichataura naye ndega. Asi Landlord dai
mangoudzawo your tenants kuti zvekushaikwa kwez-
vinhu hazvichaitika.”
Takunda akatsikitsira musoro ndokuti; “Am sorry, I
promise…” akasimuka ndokundozvivharira muroom
make.
Baba vaAnesu vakamutevera ndokundoti;
“Takunda wakura iwewe, dai watsvaga basa, wam-
bowana kwaunoshanda zvako under someone kuti
udzidze discipline and obedience.”
“Ndonoshanda kupi, ndotodawo kubva pano ini.”
Takunda akadaro.
“Ndina sisi vangu vanonzi mai Shamiso or Mrs
Matanda vanogara nemurume wavo nemhuri yavo
yese, 30km outside Harare, Chinhoyi road uko, vari
paFarm. Vari kutsvaga driver wevana vavo nekuti
vanouya kuchikoro kuno kuHarare everyday. So
ndangofunga zvangu kuti you are a good driver and a
mechanic enda undogara in a family set up, uchitumwa
zvekuita.”
Takunda akafara nazvo; “Thanks so much mudhara,
taurai navo ndiende zvangu kuMatanda Farm
kwacho.”
“Grow up, be matured, get experience, zvingaku-
batsira wena. I feel sorry for you mupfana, zvekugara
uchingonzi Mr Impossible zvinotokuita benzi chairo.
Usanondinyadzisawoka ”

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CHAPTER 20

I t was in October at the Mission paSt Matthias,

mwedzi weRosary, vana vese vaida zvavo,
kunyanya vasikana veNzanga yaMaria, vaienda
kuGrotto (Grotto is an artificial recess or structure
made to resemble a natural cave at which Catholics go
to pray and honour Mary the Mother of Jesus, by join-
ing her to praise and worship Jehovah). Panzvimbo iyi
paiendwa manheru vana vabva kuSupper, Sister Maria
Goretti nevamwe mateacher madzimai vaienda nevana
vondonamata vese.
Mai Mago ndivo vaive vatete vevasikana veNzanga
yaMaria pachikoro, saka raive basa ravo to lead the girls
in rosary praying the whole month. Wange watove
musi wa 10 October asi Sister Maria Goretti vasina
kumboonekwa tsoka yavo kutsika kuGrotto, iyo
yaigara yakapfeka sanduro reGreen Croft. Makore ese
vaigona kutotadza kupinda muDining Hall vom-
botanga kundonamata vamwe vasati vauya. Mai Mago
vakashungurudzika nazvo, vakafunga kundobvunza
mumwe wavo kuti ko bhande remunamato sei
kumonyoroka.
Vakawana Sister Maria Goretti vari muApartment
mavo vachiita embroidery semagariro avo; “I missed
you Sister kuRosary it’s over a week now, kwakanaka
here?” Mai Mago vakadaro mushure mekugara pasi.
Sister vakarongedza zvavaisona vachiratidza
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kufunga kwakadzama uye kuda kutaura nyaya. “My

spirit is troubled, ndiri kutadza kumira pamberi paM-
wari. Everytime I try, something keeps telling me pane
zvandinofanira kugadzirisa.” Sister vakatsanangura.
Mai Mago vakaona kuti paive nenyaya nemuraudzo
ndokuti; “What happened, we have always shared eve-
rything about our prayer life, ndiudzei tione kuti ting-
abatsirane sei?”
Sister vakamboita nguva vakabata kumeso, ndoku-
zoti; “Pane mumwe munhu andakatadza kunzwisisana
naye pakutaura, he made me very angry, jealousy and
bitter, and I cursed him.”
Mai Mago vakangoti; “Ah Sister!”
“Yes shamwari, it’s that bad.” Sister vakadaro
ndokuenderera vachiti; “Ndaisafanira kudaro, and the
devil had used both of us, so the curse ndakaitaura with
the authority of the devil, kwete yaMwari. Saka I have
to make things right. I failed to forgive and protect, and
ange ari mwana mudiki. Now as I am sitting here, the
curse is haunting me too.”
“Why don’t you find him and make things right?
Plead the Blood of Jesus. God is ready to forgive,” Mai
Mago vakadaro.
Sister Maria Goretti vakayerera musodzi, “I have
tried asi ndiri kumushaya. I cry and pray for him eve-
ryday, but, when I cursed him, I gave a condition
yekuti unless he turns to Christ the curse will follow
him. I tried to look for him pamba paaigara kuHarare

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imba yakatengeswa, kubusiness rake maOffice ave ne-

vamwewo. So ndakapererwa. Anofanira kugamuchira
Jesu to break the curse, ndokuti zvandiri kunamata
zvive effective muupenyu hwedu tese, ini naye.”
“I don’t know sister, izvi zvandikurirawo izvi, asi
Mwari vanopa such difficult and impossible conditions
here? Keep praying the curse will break agogamuchira
Jesu kwaari ikoko and he will be free. And you must
claim back your peace.” Mai Mago vakadaro vachirati-
dza kushushikana.
“It’s punishment for me I guess, I put myself in this
bondage so I am supposed to act to break it myself. My
vow is to give life to the lost, I took life away from that
young man, so I deserve the anger of the Father.” Sister
vakadaro.
Mai Mago vakabva vati; “but Sister…what really
happened chingaite kuti munhu wemupikiri muise
curse pamunhuwo zvake? It’s weird.” Mai Mago vaka-
daro.
“I am human, I live under some pressures
dzamungatadze kuziva. So when I try to fit in society
and live a normal life like the rest of you, panongouya
some clashes. You are my prayer partner, you should
understand these things.”
Mai Mago vakamboramba vakanyarara ndokuti; “So
in this month we can pray kuti mumuwane munhu
iyeye. Ndinomuziva here? Ndianiko if I may ask?”
Sister vakadzungudza ndokuti; “Ndichaona if I can
tell you the full story with names some other day. Now

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there is something else worrying me.” Sister va-

katsikitsira vachiratidza kunetseka.
“Chii Sister?” Mai Mago vakadaro.
“The curse is attracting negative things to me. I have
lost respect, pese pandiri muConvent ndave kukon-
zeresa kusawirirana kwevamwe vangu. Mother Supe-
rior suddenly stripped me off all responsibilities andaiita
during the school holidays kuCathedral for Junior Sis-
ters. Vasikana veNzanga vekunze ava vasiri our stu-
dents, vakangonditi havachada kushanda neni. Ndiri
kungopomerwa tumhosva twandisina, munhu akandi-
tarisa anongoona garbage, rubbish. Ndizvo zvakatoita
kuti ndione kuti curse yandakapa mwana iyeye came
to pass, handina kuziva kuti mashoko ane simba. Dai
pasina chakaipa chiri kuitika kwandiri I think
ndaitokanganwa kuti pane zvandakambotaura kuna
TK.”
“Ko why did you curse mwana uya after afirwa nhai
Sister? Asi motoda kuti afewo here?” Mai Mago
vakabvunza hana ichirova.
Sister vakavhunduka because of the slip of the
tongue. Mai Mago havana kuvaregerera, vakaenderera.
“Ah even paye pataitaura kuti he has changed ave negirl
friend, I noticed your reaction yaisave mushe. What
happened between you two? Asi aimbokupai mari?
Akazorega ave negirlfriend ndozvakakupai jealousy
and bitterness?”
“Maita basa nekuterera amai Mago, ticharamba tich-
itaura kusvika Mwari vandisunungura.” Sister vakadaro

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ndokusimuka kuti mai Mago vachibuda.

“Ndichabvunza vaMago, mukoma wavo anodriver
maCombi muHarare, titsvage Takunda iih veduwee.”
Mai Mago vakatarisa Sister nehasha ndokubuda vachi-
pukuta kumeso kwavo. Sister vakasara vakambomira
mira mumba mavo vachidaidza all the angels and saints
kuti vavasimbise.
The following Monday, mangwanani, vana vese
vaimhanyira kuDining Hall for breakfast. Sister ndivo
vaipedzisira kubuda kana vana vese vaenda, vachikiya
main entrance and the gate. Pavange vave pagedhe, va-
kaona mumwe mwana weForm 3 achifamba zvishoma
achiuyawo kugedhe.
“Iwe Hazel Nyoni, what’s your problem so early in
the morning, fambisa.” Musikana haana kusandura
mafambiro, akawana Sister vatsamwa vamumirira.
“Sorry I am late Sister, ndashaya maSpecks angu this
morning, so I can’t see properly and maziso acho ave
kurwadza, and I also have a terrible headache, so ndaita
zvese ndichinonoka, I also took time ndichimatsvaga.”
Mwana wechikoro akatsanangura.
“Ko wadii kuudza maprefects wabatsirwa, fambisa
tidzoke ugotsvaga” Sister vakadaro vamubata ruoko
ndokufamba vese voenda kundodya.
Kwave kuma 10am zuva iroro, sister vaive kuGar-
den yechikoro, vakaona Benz yerudzi rwe leaf-green
yakange ine number plate yehurumende yeZimbabwe
Defense Forces. Vakavaziva ava vaive Air Marshall
Terence Nyoni nemudzimai wavo Lieutenant Dadirai

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Nyoni, vabereki vemwana wavange vafamba naye

mangwanani. Vese vaive muUniform yebasa ravo.
Vakasvika vachinanga kuOffice kwavaGwatidzo,
pasina nguva vakaona School Admin yese voenda
kuOffice kuya, pasina nguva Secretary wavaGwatidzo
akabva afona paCellphone yavo achivatsvaga.
Sister Maria Goretti vakangoti vachipinda muOffice
mavaGwatidzo, mai Nyoni vakabva vati; “Oh so you
are here? Munomboiteiko pano amai imi nevana vedu?
Honestly you let mwana wangu achienda muClass
asina maSpecks ake waakutoda kuti aite bofu handiti?”
amai vemwana vakapenga.
VaGwatidzo vakabva vati; “Mai Nyoni please……”
“Lieu-te-na-nt Nyoo-ni! How many times should
I introduce myself in this place?” Mai vaHazel vakadaro
vakabata desk ravaGwatidzo vachikotamira kwavari,
mukuru wechikoro akabatsirwa nemavhiri aive pachi-
garo pake kuswedera kumashure kuti atize mubereki
wechiuto uyu.
Vese vakanyarara, Air Marshall ndovakabata ruoko
rwemudzimai wavo kuti agare pasi, amai vechisoja ava
vakagara pachair seaive patoilet chamber ready to stand
up if need be. Vairatidza kuti of all the reasons dzavange
vafambira paMission apa kuzoratidza tsika neunhu was
not even one of them, it was never on her list.
VaGwatidzo vakati kuna Sister, “Sister, nyaya ye-
maSpectacles aHazel Nyoni yafamba sei, mwana ari
kuti akuudzai asi hapana kumubatsira so azofonera

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

vabereki.” School admin yese navabereki vemwana va-

katarisa kuna Sister vachida kunzwa tsananguro yavo.
Sister vakavhunduka ndokuti; “No, pandisina ku-
zomuona after breakfast ndafunga kuti amawana, am so
sorry.”
Mai Nyoni vakasimuka ndokuti; “You are sorry?”
vakaseka kunenge kusiri kuseka, “Sorry to who? Sorry
for yourself of course. Une demon rerufu rawakahwan-
disa mudhuku yako iyo yausingakumuri. That’s what
you did two years ago mwana uya akafa nemaDrugs,
wasn’t she under your care you idiot? Wakange waka-
mirira kuti umuone akadhakwa in class so that you take
action?! Zvino zvaakazofa, shame on you, manje if you
think you can do that to my sweet little Hazzie, think
again!” mai Nyoni vakadaro vakanangana naSister Ma-
ria Goretti, vaiita sekuti hapana mumwe munhu
wavaiona mumusangano uyu.
Vakaenderera; “Endai mundotsvaga maSpecks
emwana wangu abiwa muHostel kwamuri Guard uko
Sister imimi. Can someone do their job here or should
I call my Security Company to work here nhai
veduwe.” Vakasimuka vachiita sevaidaidzira the battal-
ion to order.
VaGwatidzo vakasimuka ndokudaidza all School
guards, vese neAdmin ndokuenda kuGirls’ Hostel.
Vana vaibuda mumaClassrooms vachitarisa zvaiitika,
nekuti Lieutenant vaitaura zvine mutsindo.
Vese vakaenda vachitarisa pese pese, ndokuzowana
plastic bag raive nemaspectacles, golden watch and

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

silky pyjamas zviri mumba maSister. Zvaive musink

zvichiratidza kuti zvapotserwa through the window, asi
Lieutenant havana kuita basa nazvo. Vaida kuti Sister
vange ivo vaziva kuti zvabiwa nani uye rini, uyezve
ndivo Sister vaifanira kunge vatanga kuzviwana kuti
Mai Nyoni vafare.
Vakafamba vese search party vodzokera kuOffice,
vaNyoni vakati kumudzimai wavo; “You are shouting
too much, and you are attacking the wrong person,
you are also in uniform, you are intimidating the public
……”
Mai Nyoni vakafinyamira murume wavo
ndokuti;“Ndozvamaitaura about Sister vaye vaigara
vachikufonerai tikazoona muri mese muhotel room,
wrong person my foot. Nhasi ndaiwanikidza team
yekunyepa chiKristo iyi, Sister muhure wako nda-
kamushaya, saka uyu nhasi ari kufira zvivi zvevamwe
vake nezvake zvandisingazivi.” Vese vakanyarara
vopinda muOffice.
Vakawana secretary achiti kuna vaGwatidzo,
“mwana ange aba zvinhu zvaHazel Nyoni auya
akataura, ati ndiye azopotsera mumba maSister ave
kutya.”
Air Mashall vakakwenya musoro vachitsikitsira
ndokuti; “Am so sorry Sister, tataurisa, we overreacted
about this whole issue.”
Sister vakangogutsurira, vese vaive muOffice umu
vakatarisa mai Nyoni kuti vachakumbirawo rureger-
ero. Mai ava vakacheuka cheuka vachitarisawo vanhu

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

vese vaive umu ndokuti; “What? What? You are joking

right? You all expect me to apologise to an incompe-
tent woman who made me drive 70km during work-
ing hours? You want me to apologise to an irresponsi-
ble she-goat anomirira the worst to happen to people
kuti agoziva kuti maitiro ake ari kuuraya vana?!
NOOOO!”
Kana nhunzi dzakatya kufamba muOffice umu,
nekuti school admin yese vange votozeza kukweva
mweya wekufema nemhino dzavo, zvimwe vaizot-
samwisa Lieutenant. Sister Maria- Goretti namai Mago
vakatarisana kunge vane zvavainzwisisa paSpeech iyi
zvisina vamwe vainzwisisa, including iye aitaura wacho
aisatozivawo zvaaitaura.
Mai Nyoni vakabata ruoko rwemurume wavo;
“Let’s go dear husband Air Mashall. Imi Sister, if this
kind of nonsense repeats itself, munondozvisungirira
using that rosary yakarembera muhuro menyu, start us-
ing it correctly to protect yourself, because I won’t
spare you.”
VaGwatidzo vakabva vati; “Mai Nyoni …….
Soooorrry….. Lieutenant Nyoni, this was just one in-
cident, nothing like that happens at this school.”
“Ndozvataifunga till tazonzwa kuti a child from this
prestigious school died of drug overdose. You have
good teachers and good results, but no care for your
students. Especially with people like this one in your
team.” Vakati “This one” vachinongedza Sister neseri
kweruoko.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Vakafamba ndokubuda voenda kwange kwakamira

mwana wavo. VaNyoni vakasara vachimbotaura taura
apologizing pamatauriro emudzimai wavo, ndoku-
zoteverawo.
Sister Maria Goretti vakananga kuOffice kwaMai
Mago wavakando vharirana vari vaviri mupikiri achi-
chema misodzi.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

CHAPTER 21

P apurazi pababa namai Matanda painyanya ku-

rimwa fodya nezvimwewo zvirimwa uye neku-
chengetwa huku dzenyama nemazai. Paive very
busy throughout the year. Baba namai ava vaive nevana
vavo vasikana vese 4.
Vese baba namai vaishanda paFarm apa, baba
vainyanya kumunda amai vachiita zvehuku. Vana-
sikana vavo vese vaidzidza muzvikoro zviri muHarare
kwavaienda nekudzoka zuva nezuva.
Mbuya Mamoyo vaive mwana wemwana
wehanzvadzi yaambuya, amai vababa vamai Matanda,
ndovaishanda mumba memhuri iyi vachigara kuCot-
tage yaingove kuseri kweimba iyi. Cottage iyi yaive
ne2 rooms dzakatarisana pakati paine bathroom. Am-
buya Mamoyo vaive mudzimai wechikuru vakada
zvavo kuzoshanda pamba apa nekuti vakange vogara
vega kumusha, asi utano hwavo hwaisavabvumira
mabasa anorema eparuzevha seemumunda, saka apa
vaichengetana nemhuri yemuzukuru wavo mai
Matanda.
Takunda akasvika papurazi apa uri musi weSvondo
masikati navaMatanda vakange vandomutora kumba
kwavo kuHighfields vachisanganiswa nababa vaAnesu.
VaMatanda vakangosvika ndokumusiya akagara muk-
itchen maive nambuya Mamoyo ivo voenda kumberi
kwemba kwaive nemudzimai wavo.
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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Mbuya Mamoyo vakapa Takunda tea akamirira

varidzi vemba, vaitaura naye vachimubvunza nezveu-
penyu hwake nekwaabva. Akapindura as little as possi-
ble. Mai Matanda vakazopinda vakapfeka nhumbi dze-
kurarisa vakasungira zambiya ravo uye vakasungira
dhuku kumeso sevainzwa zino.
“Ndiwe Takunda Makonese, the driver?” Takunda
akagutsurira. Mai Matanda vakati; “Tione your drivers’
licence and your ID.” Takunda akabudisa zvese
ndokuvapa.
“Ok, munenge muchibva pano nevana everyday be-
tween 5am – 5:30am uchiendesa my girls kuchikoro in
Harare, nekuzondovatora na4pm manheru.” So unom-
boenda wodzoka tokupa zvimwe zvekuita pano, asi
basa rako is driving my daughters to school.” Mai
Matanda vakatsanangura.
Mai Matanda vakagara pachair yange yakatarisana
naTakunda ndokuti; “ambuya ndidaidzireiwo vasikana
vese vari kumabedrooms uko.” Ambuya Mamoyo
vakabuda.
Mai Matanda vakati kuna Takunda; “Uchanogara in
the other room kuCottage, imwe room ndeyambuya
Mamoyo. Food unodya muno, ambuya vanongoisa
chikafu chako muFood warmer vosiya paTable pano
apa, unozvitorera wondodyira kuroom kwako.”
Takunda aingogutsurira. Vanasikana vavo vese
vakabva vapinda.
“Girls, ndimukoma Takunda ava, your driver. Ndo-
vakatora position yababa Maruta. Takunda this is

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Shamiso my first daughter, ari Form 5, Chiedza Form

3, Tarisai Grade 7 and my baby Tinei is in grade 4.
Ndichakupa schedule yechikoro chavo. 2 older ones are
at the same school, Tarisai naTinei vari kuPrimary
School. So you need time management, they should
never be late. Girls say hie to mukoma Takunda.” Amai
vakaraira vana vavo.
Chiedza akati; “Hie handsome, this is the youngest
driver we have ever had, but Shamie is 17 now, why
are you denying her a drivers’ licence mummy, this is
just as good as driving ourselves.”
Mai Matanda vakati; “Don’t mind my second
daughter, ndiye boss wepano.”
Shamiso gave Takunda a handshake ndokuti;
“Makadii mukoma Taku, I hope you travelled well.”
Takunda akangogutsurira. Vadiki vakamira kumberi
kwake vese ndokuti; “How are you uncle Takunda.”
Uncle TK mumbled something chisina akanzwa.
“You can go girls, ambuya handiti you prepared his
room?” Mai Matanda vakabvunza.
“Ndagadzira, anokwanisa kuenda hake.” Mai
Matanda vakasimuka ndokuenda naTakunda kuCot-
tage kwaaizogara. Yaingove room yaive nekawardrobe
nematress paive nemagumbeze maviri chete. Takunda
akamira mira achitarisa pekugara kana kuisa bag re-
hembe dzake akazvishaya. Akazorikanda pasi ndoku-
gara pamatress.
Mai Matanda vakamira kumusuo ndokuti; “Imbo-
zorora, unotora mvura yekunwa and fruits kukitchen.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

You are very young, ungadai uchiri kuCollege, what

happened?”
“Ndakashaya fees, I am happy to be a driver madam
don’t worry about me.” Takunda akadaro akatsikitsira.
Mai Matanda vakabva vati; “Ok, but stay away from
my daughters, they are your bosses, so no dating. Be a
big brother.”
“Sure madam.” Takunda akadaro, vakabva vabuda
ndokumusiya ega. Akazvikanda pakamatress kake,
akarara akatarisa mudenga achifunga double bed rake
rekuMarimba Park paairara ane Ear Fones achitamba
video games kana kuti akabata laptop yake watching all
obscenities. A glass of juice riri pamusoro pedrawer re-
headboard nekaplate kebiltong netunzungu mixed
with raisins. Misodzi yakazara mumaziso ake ndokubva
abatirwa nehope.
Mangwanani ezuva rakatevera, akafumira paroad
nevanasikana vekwaMatanda, vadiki vakangoti vachip-
inda mumota ndokurara, akandovasiya kwavaifanira
kuve vese ndokubva aenda kuOffice kwavatete vake
Caroline.
Vese vakafara kuonana, vaingotarisana nemisodzi
yekufara nekurwadziwa neseparation yavo. Vakange
varerwa vese nababa namai Makonese, vaive more of
siblings than tete nemwana wehanzvadzi. Vatete
vakaenda kuChicken Inn kundodya nemwana
wehanzvadzi yavo vachiita nyaya, updating each other.
“Dai mhepo dzako dzekuparadza dzikasakubata,

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

ukaita anything funny, those people will kill you ha-

vana ukama newe.” Tete Carol vakadaro.
“I am not a Psychiatric patient kani nhai tete ah.
Whatever happened were mistakes, it will never hap-
pen again.” Takunda akadaro showing irritation.
“Hamenowo my dear, but some say dai tanamata,
maybe there is a stronghold against your life, if we pray
zvakanyanya zvinopera.” Tete vakadaro.
“Chiiko chiripo chinopera? Ndadiiko? Can’t you see
I am fine? Ludisia was just a thief akangouya targeting
the Makonese fortune, and natete venyu it was a mis-
understanding. Mave kutondiita sebenzi” Takunda
akazvitsanangura, vatete vakabva vati; “Ko naDorothy?
Chaive chii?”
“Kudii kwake?” Takunda akadaro asingade kutaura
nezvaDorothy.
“Muchiri mese here, mwana wakapedzisira kun-
domuona rini, now that you know kuti mari ya-
vaiwana wakaparadza yese.” vatete vakabvunza.
“Nothing changed, Dorothy is my wife and I love
my son. I will see what I can do.” Takunda akadaro
Vatete vakadzungudza ndokuti; “Dorothy
anozviziva here zvauri kutaura izvozvo, kana asingazivi
ukazoona ave nemumwe murume uchadii?”
“Hazviiti, hakuna zvakadaro, she is my wife. But tete
do you see kuti pazvinhu zvese zvandakasiirwa
nanamudhara, Dorothy is the only thing chandasara
nacho? My treasure from my parents. Baba vaive right
to force me into that marriage.” Vatete vakatadza

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

kupindura nekuti vange vasina chokwadi kuti Dorothy

wacho achiripo here.
Takunda akazosimuka achivhunduka ndokuti;
“Ndanzi ndofanira kunge ndadzoka kuFarm by
0900hrs vanoda kuona mota yavo yave pamba. Bye
auntie, ndokuonai na4pm pandinozotora team yangu.”
“Ko uchandoona Alois rini nhai Taku?” Vatete
vakabvunza.
“Monthend kana ndawanawo mari yefreezit.
Mundovafarisa.” Takunda akafambisa achienda kumo-
tikari yake ndokutyaira akananaga kuFarm.
Akangonanga mukitchen maive nambuya
Mamoyo, akavakwazisa ndokugara pasi achida
kubvunza kuti oita rimwe basa ripi. Asati ataura
akanzwa noise yaibva kubedroom kwevaridzi veimba.
“Stay away from my issues, I will have as many girl-
friends as I want, ndakakuudza kuti I want a son.” baba
vaShamiso vaidaro neinzwi rine hasha.
Mudzimai akapindura achiti; “Since Tinei azvarwa 8
years ago son wacho aripiko, ngaauyeka agare pano.
Haunyare kuita chihure chaunotobvuma zvakapusa
kudaro? You squander mari yatinoshanda tese pano and
expect me kunyarara?” Mai Shamiso vakadaro.
“Ramba uchitaura ndikurove futi zino rako risati
rapora, ukasarohwa haunzwisise nhai.” Baba vaShamiso
vakadaro.
“Saka kudawo murume wangu yave mhosva here,
wakapedzisira kundibata rini? Unoti ndorarama sei?”
amai vemba vakademba.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Baba vaShamiso vakaseka zvekusvotesa, ndokuti;

“Besides kundizvarira mahure ega ega, look at yourself.
You are so ugly, zidumbu kunge saga rematoto ehuku
dzaunochengeta idzo, kubata dumbu nezamu same
fanana, disgusting. Ndokwana sei pakati pemazidya
akakurisa kudaro zvekusavhurika, iwo akasviba
zvakanyangara so nefriction? Do some exercises and
have a firm body kwete mazinyama anongorembera
pese pese zvinosemesa. Or better still can’t you lose
weight and look sexy like other women. Even your
friend Maureen akupewo matips ekunaka, ekuve at-
tractive, she is a plus size like you but akabatana, flat
tummy, anofitwa nehembe. She looks like a woman.
Mazi weave aunoisa asingakufite ayo, kunge mop
remutoilet yeparank, ukagera musoro, maybe, am say-
ing maybe, you will look neat.”
Mai Matanda vakafemedzeka nehasha ndokuti;
“Une utsinye, what kind of cruel talk is that? Every-
thing zvandiri is because of you.Maureen wacho
akanaka ane vana vakomana vaviri vese sei ari kungo-
hurirwa nemurume wake? Don’t justify abuse yako,
nonsense.”
Baba vaShamiso havana kupindura, asi ambuya
Mamoyo naTakunda vakanzwa noise yekurovana,
mudzimai achingotukirira. Takunda akada kusimuka
kuenda kundorandutsira asi ambuya Mamoyo vakamu-
bata ruoko vachimurambidza. Vakati nezeve zeve,
“Ndomagariro avo siya zvakadaro.”
Pasina nguva baba vaShamiso vakabuda vakapfeka

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

worksuit vachienda kuFarm. Hapana wavakakwazisana

naye. Vachingobuda ambuya Mamoyo vakaenda
kubedroom kuya vondonyaradza hama yavo, mwana
wemwana wehanzvadzi yasekuru vavo, baba vababa.
Takunda akabuda ndokutevera vaMatanda.
“Ndokwanisa kuendawo nemi here kuFarm, ndi-
wanewo zvekuita?”
“Handei, tractor haisi kushanda and mechanic
wangu is out of town, vandiri kudaidza vese hapana ari
kuuya.” VaMatanda vakadaro, Takunda akangoramba
akanyarara.
Vakasvika vaMatanda ndokutanga kufamba mu-
munda vachitevera vaiita basa, Takunda akaenda kuna
Manager ndokukumbira key dzetractor, akandobata
bata ndokuseka zvake paakaona chacho chainzi tractor
yakafa. Akaimutsa ndokutenderera nayo achida kuona
kana yanaka, vaMatanda vakafara chaizvo vakamhanya
kwaaive.
“Uri makanika futi mupfana iwewe? Good, good
boy. Kana ndoti zvangu Mwari akandiseka kundipa va-
sikana vega ndonzi namai vaya ndinopenga, dai uri my
son, if only you were my son.”
Takunda akabva ati; “my parents struggled to have
just one child, for more than 10 years, dai ndakazvarwa
time yavaifanirawo kunge vakaita mwana dai vakazofa
ndakurawo ndave pari nane, manje they left me con-
fused, and still the confusion persists. Imimi you have 4
of them inga wani love them muchiri vapenyu kudai.”
VaMatanda vakabva vamutarisa vachishamisika

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ndokuti; “I would rather have one son than 10 daugh-

ters.”
Takunda akadzungudza ndokuseka achiti; “Hameno
baba, but mukaziva chokwadi chinoitwa by some so
called sons, even myself mukaziva chokwadi about me,
you will appreciate your daughters.”
VaMatanda vakaseka ndokuti; “Handitereri
zvinotaurwa nevana but I just developed a soft spot for
you. Can you go paShade apo and check the other two
cars. Usazovarairwa you have to leave at 3 kundotora
vasikana ava.” Takunda akabva apa ave kuenda kwaive
kwakapakwa dzimwe mota ondoita basa raaiziva,
nhaka isingabiwe yaakange apiwa nababa vake.
Manheru emusi weMugovera, Takunda akange
azvivharira muroom make achitamba game pafone
yake nekushaya zvekuita. Ambuya Mamoyo vakauya
ndokugogodza ndokumira pamusuwo wake;
“Warara here Taku mwanangu, kunopisa buda tim-
bogara pano.” Takunda akabuda ndokundogara paka-
veranda kaive pakati pemarooms avo nambuya ava
vane chirukwa chavo.
“Ko kugara wakangoita serious, hanziiko? Uno-
fungeiko nhai mwanangu?” ambuya vakabvunza.
“Pane zvakawanda zvakasanduka muupenyu
hwangu, ndine ma ‘Dai’ akawandisa andinodemba.”
Takunda akadaro.
“Uchiri mudiki, une nguva nemikana yekugadzirisa
zvese zvaunoda.” Ambuya vakadaro, vachibva vati;
“Imimi vana vemazuvano hamubve pafone panombove

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

neiko? Kana fone isina kurira inobatirweiko?”

Takunda akaseka ndokuti; “Ambuya nhai, pane
magame nemavideos anovaraidza, netunyaya nyaya
paFacebook uyu Lovely Rutendo Nzira anonyora
mirabaraba yenyaya dzake dzinovaraidza kuverenga,
ndozvandange ndichiverenga. But apa ndange ndichi-
tarisa mafotos and videos ekamwana kangu anda-
tumirwa natete vangu nhasi.” Takunda akadaro achi-
tambidza ambuya Mamoyo fone kuti vaone. Ambuya
vakatanga kuseka vakatarisa kaAlois kachimhanya,
kutamba nekuedzesera kutaura.
Vanasikana vaMatanda vese vakabva vasvika paive
pakagara vaviri ava, vadiki vakasvika vachigara pana
ambuya vavo, one at the right side the other on her left
side, sandwiching her. Vakavabata maoko trying to get
protection and comfort from her, vakuru
vakangogarawo vakanyarara. Asi ambuya vakanzwisisa
zvairwadza vana ava.
Chiedza akabva ati; “ambuya Mamoyo tell hama
dzenyu kuti tinoda peace mumba umu, when will they
ever stop fighting? Soon we will all leave vasare pasina
vana pamba pavo. When Shamie starts working we will
all move out and go stay with her, after all the so called
dad haatide, we are a disappointment and liabilities to
him.”
“Hautaure zvakadaro pamusoro pevabereki vako,
you invite shamhu yaMwari pamusoro peupenyu
hwako Chiedza iwe.” Ambuya Mamoyo vakatsiura.
Chiedza akaseka ndokuti; “Imika imi, ndisiyei

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zvangu, akanganisa ndeupi; angotaurawo zvake

zvaaona, kana atoita zvinhu zvacho? Kana vasingade
kuti ndizvitaure ngavasazviite.”
Chiedza akatarisa kuna Takunda ndokuti; “You will
see them when you drive them, those two, they will
even fight about why the wind is blowing.” Vana vese
naTakunda vakaseka. Ambuya Mamoyo vakazvibata
semunhu mukuru.
Tarisai musikana wegrade 7 akabva ati; “Mummy
shouts why daddy is looking at women who will be
walking on the road, and daddy tells her kuti ko iwe
vatarisewoka, then more shouting and swearing starts.”
Ambuya vakabva vati; “Honai vasikana, mhuri ya-
mukoma Takunda,” vasikana vakaunganira fone
yaTakunda voona mafoto aAlois naamai vake.
Chiedza akati kuna Takunda, “So you are married?
Why?”
Takunda akaseka ndokuti; “Why not?”
“I hope you treat your wife well, you are not like my
dad who makes sure our mother cries every day.”
Chiedza akaseka zvekuti Takunda akafunga kuti ave
kupenga. Akaenderera achiti;
“Am not exaggerating Taku iwe, ask ambuya
Mamoyo, the way he expertly makes mummy cry, haa
you would think her tears waters fodya yake murume
uyoyu iri kumunda kwake uko. Ndakavaudza mummy
kuti pamucharega kuchema this farm will run dry.”
Vese vakaseka kunze kwaShamiso musikana
mukuru who screamed “Stop it! Stop it! It’s not funny”

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Chiedza akamutarisa ndokuti; “ah iwe what do you

want us to do, we told her to leave havadika amai
vacho. Go scream your ‘stop it’ into your father’s ears
that’s where it’s needed, not here.” Vese
vakambonyarara.
Chiedza ndokuenderera; “As for me I will never get
married and stay in a fucked up institution like my des-
perate mother, sorry shame. I will be a Family lawyer
and deal ruthlessly with the type of my mother’s room
mate.”
Ambuya Mamoyo vakabva vati; “Chiendai mun-
dorara, asi tiende tese kuMass mangwana.”
“Not while they are still screaming at each other.”
Chiedza akadaro.
Takunda akabva azoti; “Munoita Mass kupi?”
“KuShade kuFarm uko tinotosvika 30 kana 40 peo-
ple, fata nasister vanouya every Sunday.” Ambuya va-
katsanangura.
“Ko kungoenda kuChurch chaiko kuHarare
zvinodii?” Takunda akabvunza.
“Vanhu vese vanoshanda paFarm havangawane mari
yetransport yekuenda, uye mota dzavaMatanda
hadzibude musi weSvondo asi dai mai Shamiso
vaipinda church. Saka ndakandokumbira vana Fata
kuHarare vanouya topinda Misa yedu pano paFarm.
Iwe unopinda church ipi?” ambuya vakadaro.
“I am very Catholic ndoyega church yandinoziva.”
Vese vakamboseka ambuya ndokuti; “Tinaye Fata

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wedu wechidiki anoparidza zvanotikomborera. Ino-

tanga na10 Misa, tinongofamba toenda.”
Vasikana vavaMatanda vakabva vazoenda kun-
dorara, avawo ambuya naTakunda vachipindawo
mumwe nemumwe mumba make vorara.
Pazuva rakatevera, vazhinji vepaMatanda Farm
vakaungana muShade yaimboiswa chibage
chakohwewa vopinda Misa Sande, paivewo nevaibva
kumapurazi epedyo vaiuya kuzonamata apa musi
weSvondo.
Vanhu vakatanga kuimba vachironga nziyo
dzavaizoimba muMisa yese, madzimai vachibatsira Sis-
ter vaifamba naFata kugadzira table yaizoshandiswa
seAltar. Fata vairongedza rongedza zvinhu zvavo,
nekupfeka gemenzi ravo kuti vachiitisa muteuro
weMisa.
Vakabva vatarisa kwaive kwakagara varume
ndokuti; “Nhai vakomana uyaika muzondibatsira kuita
Misa yanhasi handina assistant, kana mumwe chete
zvake anoziva akambobatsira Fata kuitisa Misa.” Vese
vaivepo vakaramba vakagara, Takunda akasimuka
ndokuenda mberi akati kuna Fata; “Ndokwanisa kuku-
batsirai baba.”
“Wakambozviita handiti, so that we don’t confuse
each other.” baba vakaseka vachimutambidzawo ge-
menzi kuti apfeke saAssistant wavo.
“Ya once or twice I assisted the Priest ndiri kuSt Ma-
thias.” Takunda kadaro.
“Oh you are a St Matthias student, great, saka tiri

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

kutaura same language, open that box undi-

rongedzerewo table, I know you know” Fata vakadaro
vafara, Takunda akabatsira baba Fata pane zvese zvav-
aida mupiro weMisa ndokutanga.
Mushure meMisa Takunda akarongedza zvese
ndokundoisa mumota, Sister naFata vakamboona
vanhu vaive nezvichemo nevaida kunamatirwa neku-
batsirwa pane zvemweya. Vapedza zvese, vakazoti;
“Waita basa Takunda, kana ukauya kuHarare uuye ku-
Glen View Parish ndakatanga Youth meetings patiri
kuita Charismatic Renewal, receiving gifts of the Holy
Spirit, we are praying and Mweya Mutsvene uri
kushandisa Youth in a way I can only say Glory to God,
varwere vari kupora, mademons ari kutiza. Catholic
Youth on fire, ask Sister Mercy ava, hatisi kutamba.”
Baba vezvoMweya vakadaro vachigutsikana nebasa
ravaiita mumba maMwari wavo.
Sister Mercy vakabva vati; “Yes ichokwadi, Charis-
matic Renewal iri kubatsira vechidiki kuve in control
of their lives. When we have an all night prayer
tichakuudzai, usually on Fridays, we share the word of
God, tobva tanamata kusvika munhu wese ave kutaura
nendimi, you will feel the purification of the Holy
Spirit in your life wega iwe, and you will never be the
same again.”
Takunda akavatenda ndokumhanya otevera vamwe
vemhuri yake. Akasvika achivaudza zvakange
zvataurwa nana Fata, Shamiso ndiye ega akati aizo-
dawo kuenda, vamwe vakaramba vakanyarara vasinei

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nazvo.

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

CHAPTER 22

P asvondo yakatevera paMatanda Farm, vana Sis-

ter Mercy naFather Martin de Pores
pavakangopedza muteuro weMisa, vakabva vati
vanhu vese varambe vakagara pasi nekuti pane zvavaida
kuvataurira.
“Hama dzadiwa muna mambo wedu Yesu Kristo, I
have good news and sad news. Good news is, munoziva
mese kuti inini naSister Mercy tisu vamwe vevakatanga
Charismatic Renewal in the Catholic Church. And
hazvisati zvanyatsotambirwa zvakanaka, vamwe vaa
kutofunga kuti tiri kutanga imwe church within our
Catholic Church, which is not true. Saka takadaidzwa
kuRome kuna Pope kuti tinobatsira kugadzira Church
Doctrine about the Charismatic Renewal.
So we will be representatives from Southern Africa
nevamwe vachabva kune dzimwe nyika. Tinoziva kuti
Mwari vanomirira shoko ravo, patinodzoka tinenge
tave on fire like never before. Tichange tichikunama-
tirai, sezvamunogarotinamatira. The only sad thing is
we will go away from you for a long time, nekuti
tichange tichienda kuTraining again, so it can take up
to 3 or 4 years.”
Mushure meMisa Fata vakapa Takunda fone num-
ber dzaCathechist aitungamira Youth in prayers ku-
GlenView Parish kwakatangira Charismatic Renewal.
Mbuya Mamoyo vakaramba vachiyeuchidza Takunda
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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

kuti afone agoendawo kundonamata nevamwe. Musi

waakazonzi auye kumunamato, mai Matanda
vakaramba kuti Shamiso aendewo, saka Takunda
akaenda ega.
Youth vaive muHall vachiimba nekutamba,
Takunda was feeling out of place asina mumwe
waaiziva. Asi aidairirawo nekutamba pano neapo,
vakazotanga serious prayer after midnight. Takunda
izvi zvakamukurira, akawana kukona kwaive nerima
kwaakandogara akabata Bible rake, hapana aka-
mutevera kana kumutsvaga. Akabva akotsira akazo-
mutswa na5am vave kuita munamato wekuvharisa all
night prayer.
Haana kuzodzokazve apa, kana kuna ambuya
Mamoyo akandoti hapana zvaakange afambira. Am-
buya vakangoti kubudirira kwechinhu hutungamiri
hwacho, vaizoona paidzoka Father Martin de Pores na-
Sister Mercy vaive moto pakunamata…..*****
Mazuva, mwedzi, nemavhiki zvakamhanyidzana,
upenyu hwuchienderera mberi, vairwara vachifa
vaivigwa, vamwewo vairwara vachipora voenderera
mberi neupenyu. Vacheche vamwe vachizvarwa, up-
enyu hwuchifamba, kwaive kupindana kwemazuva
makore achifambawo.
Dorothy akabva anyora A’Level exams, pagore ra-
katevera maresults akauya ndokubuda ne 14 points,
akabva awana nzvimbo yekundoita Bachelor of Medi-
cine kuUniversity of Zimbabwe. Amai nemwana

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

vakapembera vachifara kubudirira kwezvishuvo zve-

moyo yavo.
Tete Caroline vaigara vachiudza Takunda zvaiitika
kumwana wake nekunaDorothy, iye haana kunge
awana simba rekundovaona nekuda kwekunyara
kusamira zvakanaka kweupenyu hwake. Pakabuda
maresults aDorothy, ndipo paakakwanisa kumutumira
message achimukorokotedza. Havana zvimwe zvava-
kataura kunze kwemaresults nemwana. Vese vaizezana
nekusaziva paive pakamira pfungwa dzemumwe.
Kubvira muna March kusvika August paizovhurwa
chikoro, Dorothy namai vake vaitenga nekutengesa
kuti vabatanidze mari yechikoro. Chakanyanya
kuvanetsa kwaive kurwara kwababa vaDorothy,
vakange vaita Liver Cirrhosis nekuda kwedoro rav-
aikurumbira kunwa, ndoraive breakfast, lunch nesup-
per yavo. Vakange vonwa doro zvekuti dai vaiitwa
blood tests, vaitaurirwa kunzi baba mudoro menyu
mune ropa shoma.
Semunhu akange asina ukama hwakasimba nemhuri
yake, kurwara kwavo kwakanonoka kuonekwa
chaizvo. Vaingosvika vakadhakwa vorara, nedzimwe
nguva vaitorara panze pachivanze, sadza mumwe musi
raidyiwa, mumwe musi vaisadya, mamwe mazuva
vaiita kana 4 consecutive days vasina kudzoka kumba
saka kuonana kwavo nemhuri yavo kwainetsa.
Vakazoita zvekuperekedzwa nevanhu vepaShebeen
pavainwira ndokusvika vachirara paverandah pavo.
Chakazonetsa Dorothy namai vake, vaMoyo

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vakaswera zuva rese vakararapo, havana kumuka

vachibvunza sadza semamwe mazuva. Pavakaedza
kuvamutsa masikati vakaramba vakarara, vakazoenda
navo kuClinic ndokusvika vachidaidzirwa ambulance
voenda kuHarare Hospital kwavakandonzi chiropa
chasakara.
Machiremba vakamboedza chino neicho, amai va-
Dorothy nevashoma veukama vachitengawo mishonga
yaidiwa kwemwedzi mitatu yese, asi zvakazokurira
ndokubva vafamba famba ndokusiya nyika ino.
Mushure mekuviga vaMoyo, vakadzokera kumba
kwavo vasisina kana pekutangira. Mari yese yavakange
vashanda neyechema yakange yashanda panguva yeur-
were nerufu. Apa kwakange kwasara mwedzi miviri
kuti kuUniversity vatange chikoro. Mascones avo
vaitofanira kubika seLobels neAroma kuti mari dzacho
dzibatane. Mari dzekwaMakonese dzakange dzapera
pakaenda Dorothy kuA’Level uyewo kuchengeta
muzukuru wavo sezvo paive pasisina imwe yaiuya.
Amai vaDorothy vakatarisa reality vakaona kuti
Dorothy aigona kutadza kuenda kundodzidza hwu-
chiremba sezvavaitarisira vese. Asi havana kuda ku-
muudza, vaida kuti azvionere ega. Asi mukurwadziwa
nekupererwa kwavo, mweya wavo wakaramba
uchivaudza kuti Mwari vakarongeka vanoziva zvava-
katambidza Dorothy achiri mudumbu raamai vake.
Nekufambawo kwemazuva, Dorothy achiona
kwasara Svondo rimwe chete chete kuti mazuva
avaifanira kundotanga chikoro asvike, akaonanwo kuti

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

mufaro wamai vake wange wapera. Aipepuka pakati

peusiku achinzwa vachinamata mazuva ese. Akaterera
achirangarira kusanduka kweminamato yavo.
Pakauya maresults vainamata vachitenda nekubu-
dirira kwaakange aita, pakapfuura excitement ye-
maresults vakange vonamata vachikumbira mari yekuti
aende kuUniversity.
Apa pamwedzi wekupedzisira uyu, vakange vota-
dza kana praising, she continuously worshipped Jeho-
vah Jireh, the Lord our provider. Vaimuka pakati pe-
usiku vachiti vana vese varara, voita murabaraba weku-
kudza Mwari, vachipa Mwari nzvimbo yavo mukati
meupenyu hwavo. Vainamata vachidaidza mazita ese
aJehovah; for God’s name is God’s answer.
Musi uyu yaive Friday, vachipinda muweekend
yekupedzisira nekuti University yaizovhura pasvondo
raitevera. Vakaita 3 full hours from midnight to 3am
vachikudza Jehovah Jireh, The Lord my Provider,
Mwari mupi wezvese zvandinazvo. Dorothy akamu-
kawo ndokupfugama ari mubedroom make akaterera
achinzwa zvese zvainamata amai vake, vese vakabva
vazorara amai pavakati amen.
Kwayedza, musi weMugovera uyu, amai vakamuka
vakafara kunge vasina kumboyererera misodzi nedikita
usiku hwakange hwapfuura. Dorothy akabva ati;
“Amai, ko ndikatsvaga basa, kuTemporary teaching,
kana kubvunzawo tete Carol, ndoshanda zvangu gore
rese, ndozoenda kuUZ gore rinouya mari yacho ya-
vepo, kuda kana tikawana yegore rekutanga

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

ndingazowana scholarship or sponsor, I won’t drop

out. Nekuti zvegore rino zvatopfuura izvi, kana ta-
kashaya mari kubva March, 6 months now, tingazoi-
wana in 2 days here? Zvatopfuura izvi.”
Amai vakatarisa mwana wavo with a broken heart
ndokuti; “Tora Bible rangu, verenga Psalm 46,” Doro-
thy akatora ndokuverenga yese. Amai vakati; “Dzoko-
rora verse 10 zvakare.”
Dorothy akaverenga zvakare; “Nyararai muzive kuti
Ndini Mwari.”
Amai Dorothy vakamuti; “Tora rako reEnglish
uverenge same verse”
Dorothy akatarisa amai vake kunge vanopenga
ndokutora Bible rake ndokuverenga Psalm 46:10 yaiti;
“Be still and know that I am the Lord.”
“Ndakupindura mwanangu, handina zvimwe zvan-
dichaziva pamusoro pemari yako yekuchikoro”. Doro-
thy akangonyararawo….*****
KuSt Matthias, Sr Maria Goretti vaishanda basa ravo
semazuva ese, asi mweya wavo waivaremera nezvav-
aiziva pasi pemoyo wavo. Gore iri vakaenda kumusha
kwavo kuHurungwe kuholiday yemwedzi wese ya-
vaiita gore negore. Ndiyo yakave nguva yavo
yekutanga kundoita mwedzi wese pamusha pavabereki
vavo.
Mamwe makore ese vaindoita mazuva matatu chete
vobva vadzokera kuMother House vondokumbira
kuenda kune mamwe maMission kwavaindosimudzira

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Nzanga yevasikana vaMaria neNzanga yanaamai yaM-

buya Anna, ndoyavaiti holiday. Asi apa nekuda kwe re-
jection yange yakavatenderera vakatadza, saka
vakaenda kwakavakabarirwa chaiko kundozorora.
Vaiziva kuti curse yavakange vataura kumwana
wekwaMakonese yakange yavadaidzira rejection,
shame and embarrassment. Vakange vozeza kuita
zvakawanda, kana pachikoro vaigara vakanyarara
mumba mavo, vachitotya kana kusangana nevabereki.
Mai Mago vakatanga vachibvunza vachida kubatsira asi
vakazoona sevari kubatsira munhu asingade ku-
batsirwa.
Musi wavakadzokera kuSt Matthias, vakangokwira
public transport kubva muHarare, vakawana Combi
yaindovasiya pa1km turn off yekuchikoro, ichizopfuu-
rira ichiendawo kumaTownship aive pedyo nekuMis-
sion ikoko.
Vave pakati nepakati peHarare neSt Matthias,
Driver akapotsa abuda muroad nekumisa kwaakaita
mota yake. Vanhu vese vakaridza mhere asi pakutarisa,
vakaona muroad makamira varume vashanu vange
vakabata pfuti vakapfeka hat dzainge musk dzaivhara
kumeso kwavo. Vakaraira munhu wese kuti abude mu-
Combi nebag rake, vanhu vese vange vodedera
nekutya.
“Vabereki tererai zvatinoda kuti muite, mukaita
nharo tinouraya mese makatarisa so,” mumwe mbavha
ainge mukuru wavo akadaro ndokuridzira pfuti
mudenga, vamwe mai vakazvitotesa vachidonhera pasi

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nekutya. Vakomana ava vakaumburuka nekuseka.

“Mese garai pasi. Munhu wese ngaaise cellphone
yake apa, vese vane watch, cash nemaring emichato
yenyu isai goridhe rese apa chopas toda kuenda tisati
tauraya munhu kana vanhu kana mese ipo pano.”
Vanhu vese vakatevedzera zvaitaurwa. Vakomana
vaye vakatora kaSatchel kemumwe mukomana aivewo
muCombi ndokuisa zvinhu zvese zvavakange vabira
vanhu vaizvifambirawo zvavo. Pakave nekutya,
nekuchema, nekurwadziwa vanhu vachiparadzana
nezvinhu zvavo zvaivakoshera.
Zvapera izvi mukuru wematsotsi akatarisa tarisa
achinge aifembedza ndokuti; “Pari kunhuhwa bonde
pano, madzimai munogeza here imimi? Panhuhwira
porno pano.” Vamwe vake vaitsigira vachifa nekuseka
vachifamba vachikadabvura vakadzi vaivepo, touching
them inappropriately in a vulgar manner.
“Ndati pana amai vari kunhuhwa bonde, ndoda kuti
tione live porno pano.” Mukuru uya akatenderera
ndokundobata Sister Maria Goretti ruoko ndokuenda
navo mberi kwevanhu vese.
“Sister imbotiratidzai kuti vana vanogadzirwa sei
ndimi muri padyo naMwari munoziva mutemo we-
kusika vanhu”. Mukuru uya akasimudza varume vatatu
ndokuvamisa naSister ndokuti; “Mese imi nemhandara
yeRoma iyi bvisai mbatya dzenyu mutiitire live porno
pano.” Vanhu vese vakati; “Aaah!”
Mbavha uya akaita hasha ndokuridza pfuti akanang-
isa bullets pamavhu paive pakamira varume vaye

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achitenderera varume vaakange asimudza. Pakazo-

dzikama guruva raange asimudza, vanhu vese vakange
vonzwa rufu kunhuwira. Sister vakaramba vakamira
pasina zvavaiita.
“Imi holy virgin, tangai kubvisa hembe kuti zvive
nyore kuvarume ava, vakakuonai makashama basa
rinokurumidza kufamba, ipai varume ava zvinhu
zvavo.” Tsotsi akadaro asina tsitsi nemupikiri.
Driver akabva ati; “Nhai mukoma, ko madarireiko,
chitorai zvatakupai mubag umo muende. Ko munhu
waMwari wamave kushungurudza uyu mati vaita
seiko?” Vanhu vese made noises in agreement with the
driver.
Mukuru wematsotsi akadaidza driver ndoku-
mukwadabura nembama nezvibhakera kusvika
murume mukuru aumburuka pasi. Akadaidzira vako-
mana vake ndokuvati vabvise Sister Maria Goretti zvese
zvavange vakapfeka.
Vakomana vakabudisa twumapanga twavaive natwo
ndokutsemura tsemura habit yemupikiri kusvika vasara
vakashama, nemarosary and all crucifix zvavakange
vakapfeka mukati zvakakatanurwa zvikaitwa murwi
pasi. Madzimai akange atsikitsira achichema mumwe
werudzi rwavo nekufumurwa kwavaiitwa. Varume va-
katsikitsira vachidzungudza, asi vechidiki vaidongorera
nekona yeziso, ko handiti pakange paitwa live porno
for all to see.
“Imi mhandara imi, rarai makatsamira madhende
enyu aya, motivhurirawo makumbo enyu ayo titandare

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zvedu,” varume imi huyai. Kana kuti no, dzokerai kune

vamwe venyu mugare pasi, boys dzangu Christmas
party ka iyi ngatidyei holy virgin iyi.” Matsotsi akaseka
vachiti vese “Yes boss” ndokuunganira Sister vakange
vachigara pasi, matsotsi aye akavabata zvavaida
achivaita chidhori chavo.
Vamwe mbuya ndovakazoti; “Vana imi makazvarwa
nemukadzi, makanwa mukaka pamunhukadzi, maka-
berekwa kumusana nemunhukadzi, mwoyo makaisep-
iko?”
Mukuru wematsotsi akatarisa ambuya vaye ndokuti;
“Asi muri kudawo here ?” Vamwe vake ndokuseka se-
vasvikirwa.
“Ndakunyarai chaizvo ambuya imimi, anyway,
handei boys.” Matsotsi akafamba achipinda musango
seaidzingirirwa vachisiya kabag kavange vaunganidza
zvinhu zvevanhu. Vachingopota seri, madzimai
akamhanya nemazambiya vovhara mumwe wavo.
Varume vakapinda muCombi, madzimai ndokusara
vachipfekedza sister mbatya dzavo. Ivo vange vaita sen-
yama isina mweya neupenyu, vaita chiveve muviri
wese. Driver akatora kabag kezvinhu zvevanhu ndoku-
bata iye. Pavakasvika paturn off yeMission, pane kuti
vasiye Sister ipapo, vakapinda mukati muMission.
Vamwe mai ndokubva vati, “Dai taenda naSister ku-
chipatara, vanoda kurapiwa shock, maybe kutopiwa
sleeping tablets, to be sedated, vozoenda zvavo kuCon-
vent, after all chipatara cheMission vamwe vavo vari
ipapo. Driver mundotsanangura.”

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

Driver akabvumirana nazvo, vakaita sekudaro pa-

chipatara cheMission. Pavakasiya Sister kumanurse,
vakandomira paMission apa paPolice Post vachireva
nyaya yavo uye kudzorerana zvinhu zvavo. Vese
zvakavashamisa kuti saka change changoita mbavha
idzi kushungurudza nekufumura Sister, ndokuenda.
Sister Maria Goretti vakaita mazuva maviri vari
muchipatara vachivhumuka, vaitozorora nekurara
nekubaiwa majekiseni. Mushure mevhiki vakazoenda
kuConvent kwavakandokumbira Mother Superior
wavo kuti vandoshanda kuMother House neInterces-
sory team. Iyi yaive team yevapikiri vachembera
chaizvo kana vanorwara vasingakwanisi kushanda,
vanogara indoors, meditating and praying for those
vari kuita basa raMwari kunze… *****
Kumba kwanaDorothy, musi weMonday yaivhura
University, mai Moyo vakaenda kubasa kwavo sema-
zuva ese. Kwave kuma10am mangwanani iwayo, Dor-
othy akaona pagedhe pavo pachimira motikari
yaaisaziva kuti ndeyani. Akaona tete Carol vachiuya
nemurume akange akapfeka suit yeblack.
Havana kuda kupinda mumba, tete Carol vakangoti;
“Handei kuna mai Chipo, now now tindotaura varipo,
vandonzwa zviri kutaurwa navaChinembiri ava.” Dor-
othy akakurumidza kukiya misuo ndokubva vaenda
kuClinic kwaishanda amai vake. Akasiya mwana natete
vake ndokundodaidza amai vake.
Mushure mekukwazisana, tete Caroline vakati; “Ava
ndiAdvocate Chinembiri vekuSmith Law Chambers,

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

ndivo vaive maLawyer asekuru vaMunyaradzi, ndo-

vakaita Estate yavo, vane news dzenyu, matii nhai
vaChinembiri.”
“Baba Makonese vakasiya Education Policy yaamai
vemuzukuru wavo. Initially yaive Policy yaTakunda,
asi pavakaziva nezvenhumbu, he amended his Will,
whereby he gave Takunda the business, with maintan-
ance for the baby. And since vaivepo, vaiti fees
yaTakunda yaizobva paBusiness, then vakafunga kupa
muroora wavo Policy iyi to take her through Univer-
sity. It’s a lot of money inokwana fees for every Semes-
ter and pocket money every month kusvika apedza de-
gree rake. So taifunga kuti munozviziva muchauya to
claim it, so pataona kuti it’s the last day Universities are
opening we looked for you through Caroline who is
baba Makonese’s family.”
Amai nemwana vakatarisana vachibitiridzwa
nenyasha dzavaitaurirwa idzi.
VaChinembiri vakazoti; “So now handei kuOffice
mundosaina all papers nekutipa account number.
Zvimwe totsanangura kuOffice.”
Madzimai matatu vakambundikirana nemufaro
ndokuzopinda mumota voenda muguta. Vapedza zvese
zvaidiwa nemagweta, amai vaDorothy naDorothy va-
kaona kuti yainzi pocket money yacho yepamwedzi,
yaitokwana fees yekuBoading Luke aitoendawo ku-
chikoro pasina kumhanya nemscones muraini.
Tete Carol vakati; “Ndatotora off kubasa from now

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nemangwana zuva rese, kuti ndibatsire Dorothy ku-

rongedzera, ndoperekedza Dorothy kuShopping
nekuita zvese kuUniversity, tiite tichikurumidza
nemota yangu. Ambuya torai muzukuru wenyu
muende kumba, isu tave busy.” Vese vakaseka
nemufaro wavaive nawo.
Amai Dorothy vakabereka Alois Munyaradzi
nemwoyo waidokwaira nemufaro, wakavatarisa waiti
asi ambuya avo vari kubereka kasaga kegoridhe here….

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CHAPTER 23

P akapera makore matatu Takunda achishanda

zvakanaka paMatanda Farm, akabva azorora
kuti azviwanira musha. Vanasikana vaMatanda
vakange vazviwanira hanzvadzi yavo, akange azosara
nevadiki vaviri Tarisai naTinei nekuti Shamiso na-
Chiedza vakange vave kuUniversity. Shamiso aiita Ac-
counting, Chiedza achiita Law, vasikana ava vaiuya
kumba kwavo pese pavaiwana mukana kunyanya
weekends.
Kurwa kwababa namai Matanda hakuna kusanduka,
yaive ndiregedze ndikusvipe, iwe ndisvipe ndiku-
regedze.
Nemumwe musi Takunda akatadza kuenda ku-
church nevamwe nekuti aive neflue. Uye church yacho
vange vave kungoungana vachiita munamato neBible
Study votoparara sezvo pange pasisina Priest, Sister
kana muCathechist zvake aiuya kuzotungamira,
kubvira pakaenda baba Martin de Pores kuRome. Am-
buya Mamoyo ndivo vaitonyanya kushingirira kuti
vanhu papurazi apa vaungane kamwe chete zvako
paSvondo vachishumira Mwari.
Musi weSvondo iyi Takunda akandogara panze
akazembera madziro achinzwa zuva. Mai nababa
Matanda vakatanga maitiro avo vari mukitchen pa-
kange pakanangana nepaive pakagara Takunda.
Akamboda kusiya zvakadaro asi paakaona mudzimai
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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

onyanya kurohwa akaenda akandorandutsira achibata

baba kuvabvisa pavaidzura weave yaamai. Varume
vakazobuda vese panze vaMatanda vasina hanya nazvo
kuti varandutsirwa nemwana mudiki.
Vaiwedzera kutukirira vachifamba vachibuda panze,
vachinyomba nekushora mudzimai wavo.
Vakandogara vese naTakunda panze vave kuputa fodya
yavo.
Takunda akabva avati; “Pese pandagara nemi ma-
kore ese ndaifunga kuti muchaneta nazvo zvekurwa
izvi.” Takunda akadaro asina hanya nazvo kuti aitaura
naboss wake. VaMatanda vakangoridza tsamwa
vachifemereka.
“Kugara kwese kwandakaita navabereki vangu
ndaitofunga kuti it’s impossible kuti married people
vanotsamwisana. Baba pavaiuya vakatsamwa nenyaya
dzekubasa kwavo, kana pavaitsamwiswa nehama,
pavaingotaura naamai vangu ndaiona vachifara. Kana
inini pandaitsamwisa one of them, ndaitomirira kuti
the other one avepo ndikumbire ruregerero. I don’t
think I will ever fight someone I call my family.”
“Saka uri kuti ndiri munhu akaipa chaizvoka inini
mupfana?” VaMatanda vakabvunza.
“No baba Matanda. I am sharing my observations
and experiences. Kuvabereki vangu ndakadzidza kuti
vairwa nevanhu vekunze vofara nevemumba. Imimi
pano you are the opposite, munoda isusu vashandi
venyu, asi mudzimai wenyu munorwa naye

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

zvakanyanya, and vana venyu handisati ndambo-

vanzwa vachitaura zvakanaka about you, they resent
you and pity their mother.” Takunda akatsanangura.
VaMatanda vakambonyarara vachifunga ndokuti;
“Uchazvinzwisisa kana wakura wave kugara
nemukadzi everyday. A wife can bring the worst out of
you I tell you mpfana. Kugara tese so kushingirira, I fell
out of love years back. Kana Tinei ave kuCollege I will
take a second wife.”
“Ndosaka musina mwana mukomana wacho wamu-
noda.” Takunda akadaro absent mindedly, vaMatanda
vakapotsa vamupa mucheka wembama, asi vakada
kunzwisisa zvaaireva.
“What do you mean?”vakamubvunza
vachifemedzeka.
“Maybe, am not sure zvangu but paBible study
yatakaitiswa nambuya Mamoyo last time about fami-
lies, vaiti a family that prays together stays together.
There is power in the prayer of agreement yamungaite
as a family. But now mave kufunga second wife, mean-
ing you are not part of this family anymore.
“Mwari vakapa your wife girls only, maybe nekuti
vasikana vari easy to raise kana amai vari vega. Abuse
yenyu nekusawirirana nemudzimai wenyu iri kuita
vararame as if pane one parent.
“Dai muri baba vangu muchirova amai vangu like
you do, taizorovana mudhara, ndaikurikitai size yenyu.
Asi look at you, vasikana hapana zvavari kukuitai. So
muri mupenyu nekuti hamuna mwana mukomana, dai

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munaye aikuurayai. And munhu ari abusive

anongowana something to complain about. So hand-
ingati it’s because hapana mukomana wacho, mukamu-
wana munongowana zvimwe zvamunorwira
nemudzimai wenyu.” Takunda akadaro.
VaMatanda vakabva vati; “Ndopane nyaya ipapo, I
want a son, zvimwe zvese zviri trivial.”
Takunda akabva ati; “Ndakakunzwai the very first
week yandauya pano muchivatsvinyira, what do you
expect? Kunaka kwemukadzi murume wake, vakadzi
vanomboita sevanoraramira varumeka, saka zvamuno-
vaudza ndozvavanobva vave.” Varume vakamboseka
vese.
“Chokwadi mudhara. Ndichaita hangu some exer-
cises namoms to boost her confidence.” Takunda
akazodaro.
VaMatanda vakaramba vachiseka ndokuzoti; “Im-
boita ungandibatsira.”
Vakazoramba vachiita nyaya kusvika vaperekedzana
kukabhawa kavo kaive mupurazi umu, vondonwa
nekunzwa makuhwa aiitika munharaunda.
Pamazuva akatevera, Takunda akange odaidza amai
Matanda vachimhanya vese muroad dzemupurazi
manheru ega ega. Vaienda kundomhanya zuva
ratodoka kusingachapisi. Akange osuwawo basketball
yaaive Coach weJunior team paaive kuHigh School.
Vakazopedzisira vave neBasketball pitch paduze
nepamba pavaitotamba nevamwe vemupurazi vaida
zvavo, asi mazuva mazhinji vaingoita vari vaviri.

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“Weight loss yacho zvainonetsa wani nhai Taku, 2

months ndichidai I lost 1kg yega.” Mai Matanda vaka-
daro mumwe musi vachisvika paBasket ball pitch.
“Step by step amai, inga ndakati it’s not about
weight loss only. We agreed kuti it’s about boosting
your whole body tisati tasvika kuweight loss. For start-
ers, now you feel energized, BP yaigara yakakwira now
no more, hamuchakurumidza kuneta, and hamuchan-
etseka kurara.”
Mai Matanda vakaseka ndokuti; “Kufemuruka
kwandaiita ndichifamba kwakapera yes, and stress lev-
els very low. Since I started excercising I am always in
a good mood, zvenoise dzandaiita ndichishautirana
nababa makambozororaka.” Takunda haana kupindura
nekuti airemekedza amai Matanda.
Akabva azoti; “Mamma inga ndakati Exercise re-
leases endorphins, which create feelings of happi-
ness and joy, zvinokupai confidence. So even
mukaramba muri plus size muri kusize 40+ something,
you don’t feel it and you don’t look like it nekuti
munenge makamira mushe. Now mave negood muscle
tone you don’t look tired. Even vamunoshanda navo
kuhuku uko are impressed saying mave kuswera pabasa
maingomira mira motoneta moenda kumba.”
Amai Matanda vakati; “Kwaanikowo ndaitoita
sendine nungo izvo muviri haudi kuregererwa nhai.”
Takunda akati; “ You look even younger, mave
kuita semukoma waShamiso not amai vake. And even

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

prettier…”
Amai vakanyemwerera corner to corner; “Wow
wow, now that’s flattering, ndakapedzisira kuudzwa
kuti am pretty ndine nhumbu yaTarisai 17 years ago.”
Amai Matanda vakademba.
Takunda akabva ati; “Ok moms ngatichimhanyai,
totenderera modzoka muchitora bhora you do one
shooting momhanya futi, ten times.”
Mai Matanda vakaita sevasina kunzwa ndokuti; “Do
you really mean it? Kuti I am beautiful? Even ne-
zidumbu iri?”
Takunda haana kupindura, akamhanya ndokutora
bhora ndokutenderera paPitch pavo. Pasina nguva
amai Matanda vakarara pakati pePitch vakati; “Ko
tikamboita sit ups, gara pamabvi angu apa then I can
see if I can count to 25.”
Amai vakaita 5 ekutanga zvakanaka, ndokuzo-
femereka pamberi apo vobatira pana trainer wavo
ndokuumburuka vese pasi. 5 minutes later vange vo-
femereka vakagukuchirana in deep sensual kisses.
Takunda akavhunduka achivasaidzira, asi amai
vakasekerera, nyama yavo yese yange yarangaridzwa
kuti muri mukadzi chaiye amai Matanda.
Vakatanga kuona Takunda nemaziso matsva, inga
aitove murume mukuru mwana uyu nhai. And he had
also confirmed kuti she had the beauty of an African
queen. Shamwari yavo Maureen akange avaudza kare
kare kuti vasiyane nezvekurwa or rather kurohwa
nemurume, vamusekerere sezvaanoda, asi kana paine

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

zvaanoita iye, ivo vaite double double.

Kana paine dzaari kutamba kunze uko, kana paine
vaanofara navo vachidya mari vese, ko nyika
zvayakangoti paa nevanhu, vaishayawo wavo here,
anovatandadza while saving her marriage, handiti
chakakosha kunzi Mrs till death? Ndomaziso avaka-
tanga kuona nawo Takunda. Vakazvishora kuti 3 years
dzese kana kuona kuti pane murume mumba
chokwadi.
Kubvira musi waapepetwa pamaSit Ups namai
Matanda akapedzisira ave kunge kacheche mumaoko
avo, Takunda akambovatiza. Akarega kuenda kusched-
ule yavo yese yeExercises, vange vomhanya mumwe
nemumwe nguva yake. Asi amai Matanda vakange
vamufungira pakuru, havaizomurega achienda, aive
mwana uye mushandi wavo vaizomuudza zvekuita
obva aita.
Nemumwe musi weChina manheru, Takunda
akange atove mumba make oda kurara, akange az-
otengawo kasingle bed kake uye radio neTv
zvaimuvaraidzawo manheru. Madam boss vakasvika
ndokugara pabed pake ndokuti; “Uri kutya chii? You
want me and I want you. Let’s have fun, then I can
make your dreams come true.”
“What dreams? Kunze kwekundipinza in serious
problems nemurume wenyu?” Takunda akadaro.
“Dreams of starting your own business urege chi-
garden boy chepano ichi, Matanda haaone future pauri,
but inini I see you are intelligent. I can also give you

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more money ukwanise kundoonawo mwana wako and

spoil your girlfriend. In return, make me happy, make
me feel like a woman.” Amai vakadaro ndokubvisa
gown ravo voswedera pabed raTakunda.
Mukomana akati zvinoda nyama yangu
ndozvandave kuita pano, handiti vauya zvavo vega.
Akavapa zvavaida achipota achitovabata muromo
nekuvadzvinya muhuro nekuti mhere yacho yavairidza
umm pakaipa.
Musi weChishanu uyu Takunda akapiwa mari ya-
kati wandei akanzi aende kuWeekend adzoke
neSunday manheru. Amai Matanda ndovakandozvi-
torera vanasikana vavo musi uyu. Munhu wese pamba
akaona kuti amai vange vakafara chaizvo, vachiimba
nekuseka sekasikana kadiki.
Takunda akaenda kumba kwake kuHighfields
ndokundogara akanyarara ari ega. Aitya nekuzeza kud-
zokororwa kwenyaya yaLudisia Punjabi, asi pakuon-
gorora akaona kuti ava amai vaitozomuchengeta kwete
kumutorera chinhu, ko aive nei.
Mari yese yavakamupa, akapa tete vake akavaraira
kuti vandopa mbuya vaMunya. Vatete vakafara chaizvo
vachiona kuti mwana wehanzvadzi yavo ave kudzoka
kumhuri yake. Asi vakatadza zvavo kuti vaende vese
kundoona mwana wake.
Paakadzokera kubasa kwake, akasvika kwatodoka,
aneta achida kungorara. Akavhunduka achiona zvinhu
zvange zvave muroom zvange zvasiyana. Mange
maiswa double bed with nice bed sheets and bedding

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

zvainhuwira chaizvo, DVD player neHome theatre,

nefridge uye wardrobe itsva, hembe dzake dzaka-
wachwa dzese dzakarongedzwa zvakanakisa. Akambo-
funga kuti arasika asi zvese zvaivemo zvaive zvake.
Akaziva kwazvakabva nezvazvaireva.
Akandogeza kuti achirara, paakadzoka madam-boss
vange vamumirira pabed pake. Vari muuniform yebasa
ravaida kuti aite navo, he did not disappoint, he han-
dled her expertly, vakagutsikana kunge vachaedzerwa
vari mumba make.
Ambuya Mamoyo vainge vachiona zvese zvaitika,
muzukurukadzi wavo, chokwadi akange ave kugara
akafara, ange ogezera svoto, opfeka zvakanaka,
zvekuswera mumagumbeze achichema zvange zvasara.
Zvekurwa nemurume zvange zvapera, nyangwe baba
vaShamiso pavaidenha vachitukirira zvavakajaira, amai
vainyarara nekuti vange vave nezvimwe zvekuita nez-
vekufunga. Ambuya Mamoyo vakada kutaura nemu-
komana wechidiki kuti vagadzirise ukama hwaityisa
hwange hwatangwa apa.
Kutaura navo vese Takunda namai Matanda
kwakave kutambisa nguva, Takunda akaramba
akanyarara, haana kuvapindura. Asi muzukuru wavo
akafa zvake nekuseka akati vamusiye akadaro ambo-
farawo, makore mangani achichemedzwa naMatanda,
it was now pay-back time.
Kana kuwirirana kwavo naMaureen kwange kwan-
yanya nekuti sahwira ava ndovakange vave senior
muvakomana vechidiki. Amai Matanda vakapinzwa

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

muma Business clubs aiita vafambe fambe kwakasiyana

siyana naDriver wavo Takunda. Vakabva vavhura
Boutique muHarare mavaitengesa hembe dzavain-
dotenga kuSouth Africa. Kwese uku vaienda vese
nemutyairi Takunda.
VaMatanda hapana chavaiona, vaifara kuti basa riri
kushandwa naamai vachibatsirwa nemwanakomana
wavakange vazviwanira semhuri.
Takunda was now back to his flamboyancy type of
lifestyle, ange opfeka label zvakare. Training and exer-
cising havana kumira vange voswera vachimhanya
nekutamba bhasikiti, maenergy drinks ari mucooler
box.
Weekend aindoita shopping navatete vake yegro-
ceries nehembe zvichienda kuna Alois Munyaradzi.
Vatete pavakaona kuti Takunda ange ave nemari,
vakabva vamukurudzira kuenda ku Harare Polytechnic
akabva andoita Higher National Diploma in Motor
Mechanics and Logistics Management.
Takunda aifara nedevelopment yaiitika muupenyu
hwake, asi he was feeling empty and gravely uncom-
fortable neukama hwake namai Matanda. Zvaakange
oitirwa naambuya Mamoyo, vaingoti vakawana
mukana wekuti vave vaviri pamba pabasa pavo, vaimu-
bata ruoko vorudunura munamato vasina hanya nazvo
kuti vane poto pamoto here kana kuti vange vachiwa-
cha, vaimbosiya zvese vonamata naye.
Pese paaifunga izvi hana yake yairova achishaya kuti

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

vakadzi vaviri ava vaiona chii paupenyu hwake. Paai-

funga zvakaitika naLudisia, aibva arohwa nehana achi-
demba kuti dai ambuya Mamoyo variivo amai
Matanda. Izvi zvainyanyouya kana atumirwa mafoto
aAlois Munyaradzi, otherwise mazuva ese kwange
kwave kuronga kwekutandarira nekusanganirana kuti
vafadze nyama yavo naMadam - boss….

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

CHAPTER 24

M ushure meGraduation yaDorothy akabva an-

dotanga basa as a Junior Doctor paHarare
Hospital. Aigara mumaFlats emaChiremba
pachipatara ipapo neshamwari yake aivewo chiremba
ainzi Lizzie.
Kubvira ari mugore retatu, Dorothy akange awir-
irana nemukomana ainzi Eric Taruvinga, aiita Dental
Surgery akange atove mugore rekupedzisira. Vaka-
tanga vachiwirirana vachienda kuchurch vese, kusvika
panguva yavaionekwa vachienda kumba kwamai
Chipochashe vari vese, nedzimwe nguva vaionekwa
vana Munyaradzi vari vatatu.
Nyangwe zvavo vaivimba nemwana wavo, Mai
Chipochashe havana kukurudzira, vaida kuti Dorothy
ambowana chitupa chake cheuchiremba pasina matters
of the heart zvaimukanganisa.
Asi iye Dorothy akange adzidza nemisodzi uye
kugeda geda kwemeno, aiziva zvaaida, asi naEric
vakange vawirirana. Vakange vasangana vese vachidzi-
dza zvinhu zvakange zvakaoma pasina nguva
yekutandara nekutamba asi they both managed to give
each other space whenever necessary and vakapedza
zvidzidzo zvavo with flying colours.
Eric paakangopedza attachment yake, akabva aenda
kuClinic yababa vake kundoshanda saDentist ipapo.
Eric aigara achishanya kuFlat kwaDorothy misi
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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

nenguva.
Nemumwe musi Eric akasvika Dorothy achangobva
kubasa ndokumbotandara zvavo vachizorora.
“What’s up for the weekend, hanzi namamma we
are invited to the family dinner on Saturday night,
handeika.” Eric akadaro.
“It’s just a dinner handiti? As a friend?” Dorothy
akabvunza achiratidza kuti aisada kuenda.
Eric akadzungudza ndokuti; “Eish sha, hausi kuto-
daka iwe kundoona vanhu vekumba kwedu”
Dorothy akangonyemwerera ndokuti; “Not like
that, there is always a time for everything.”
“It’s been four years now Dorothy, but still you don’t
trust me, why? And when is that time?” Eric akadaro
“We have been dating for 7 months chete, yes it’s
four years since we have known each other, since we
have been friends, we have time inga wani.” Dorothy
akadaro achiramba to be pressurized to meet his family.
“If I didn’t know you too well, I’d say you are in love
with someone else.” Eric akadaro. Dorothy akabva
asimuka ave kundobvisa nhumbi dzebasa dzaange
akapfeka. Akadzoka ave netray yaive nejuice and bis-
cuits ndokupawo mumwe wake.
“It’s fine Eric, we will go and have dinner with your
family” mukomana akanyemwerera ndokundogara
padyo nemusikana wake ndokufonera amai vake
ovaudza kuti aizouya neshamwari yake kumba man-
heru eMugovera.
Manheru emusi weMugovera, Dorothy aiseka

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neshamwari yake Lizzie pavange vakamirira kuti Eric

auye azomutora. Vakange vaita nguva vachisarudza
zvekupfeka, zvaienderana nemusikana anondoona
amai vemukomana wake kekutanga. Akazopedzisira
apfeka kabody top and high waist skirt of African ma-
terial.
“Lizzie, stop it you are taking this too far.” Dorothy
akazodaro achiseka neshamwari yake.
“Handisati ndamboona muroora anodzikama like
you are achienda kwavamwene ini.” Vasikana vakaseka
ndokurovana maoko.
“Remember ndiri kurova seconds ka inini, it’s same
old things.” Dorothy akadaro ndokuseka zvakare.
“Besides that, since last year Eric achiti muende
waingorambaka iwe.” Lizzie akadaro achigadzirisa
bvudzi reshamwari yake raaikama.
“Ko inga ndokwatave kuenda, imagine I did not
even tell my mother kuti ndiri kundoona amai vaEric.”
Dorothy akadaro cellphone yake ndokurira. Akapin-
dura ndokusimuka ave kuti kuna Lizzie;
“He is downstairs ndave kuenda dear, wish me
lucky…” vasikana vakaseka Dorothy ndokubuda.
Dorothy naEric vakasvika pamba pababa namai Ta-
ruvinga kuMandara Surbubs. Kwakange kwadoka asi
Dorothy akaona kuti paive neimba yakakona kwese
kwese yakakura chaizvo. Vakandosvika ndokupinda
muLounge mange makagara mhuri yese. Dorothy
akange achitarisira kuona amai vega asi akaona mhuri
yese irimo. Vakagara pasi munhu wese akamutarisa,

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with a smiling and happy face. Eric akati; “Mum and

dad, meet my girlfriend Dorothy Moyo. Dorothy my
parents Doctor and Mrs Taruvinga, and that is my
brother Tim and his wife Loyce.” Vese vakaratidza
kufara kushanyirwa naDr Dorothy C. Moyo.
Amai Taruvinga vakabva vati; “We invited you to
dinner Dorothy, I was worried Eric never brought an-
yone home for a long time now, zvevanhu
vanotambira kunze kwemusha no no in this family.”
Vese vakaseka baba vachitsigirawo mudzimai wavo.
“So how was the Medical School nhai Dorothy?” Dr
Taruvinga vakabvunza.
“It was difficult but I pulled through.” Dorothy aka-
daro akatarisa pasi.
“Yes, yes, that’s medicine, that’s how it is. Mange
munana Dr Nhunzvatunzva, Dr Manjogo and Dr Mrs
Gwenzimuzite handiti?” VaTaruvinga vakabvunza
zvakare.
“Yes ndovataive navo for Surgery and Pharmacol-
ogy.” Dorothy akadaro.
VaTaruvinga vakaseka ndokuti; “Those were my
classmates in Rhodesia, we were pioneers of the Medi-
cal School, Smith regime. Vakazosara paUZ ndave
kuvhura practice yangu, we were inseparable.”
VaTaruvinga vakabata mudzimai wavo ruoko
ndokuti; “Dai vasiri amai ava ndingadai ndiri Lecturer
paUZ so nevamwe vangu ivavo.” Mhuri yese yakaseka,
Tim ndokuti; “Are you complaining dad?”
“Iwewe hauvazive amai vako, She who must be

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obeyed.” Vese vakaseka zvakare. Pakabva papinda

mudzimai aive neapron ndokuti kuna mai Taruvinga;
“dinner is served.” Amai Taruvinga vakati kuna Doro-
thy, “this is auntie Tendai our house Chef, auntie meet
Dorothy, Eric’s wife to be.” Dorothy naTendai
vakakwazisana. Amai Taruvinga vakabva vati;
“Ok family, Dorothy you are welcome, you are now
one of us, come let’s share our first meal with you.”
Vese vakasimuka ndokuenda kuDining table, pange
pakarongedzewa the hotel style for a 6 course meal.
Baba namai vakagara vakatarisana kwaive nechair
imwe chete,vakaisa vana vavo pakati. Eric naDorothy
vachigara vese side by side vakatarisana naTim
nemudzimai wake. Baba vaitambidza munhu wese
drinks, amai vachitenderedza chikafu nekuzodaidza va-
biki kuti vazotora zvainge zvapedza kushandiswa.
Pavakapedza starter, auntie Tendai vakauya ne-
mumwe musikana wavaibatsirana naye kuzotora
zvinhu from the dining table akabva anzi namai Ta-
ruvinga, “Sisi Rachie, meet Eric’s wife to be, Dorothy
this is Rachie our cleaner. She will be responsible for
cleaning up after you and your laundry. Sisi Rachie,
Dorothy is prettier than that lawyer handiti?” Rachie
uya akangoti kuna Dorothy; “makadii?”
Mhuri yese yakatarisa amai Taruvinga ivo ndokufa
nekuseka vorondodzera nyaya yavo; “Dorothy darling,
Eric once brought me gweta mumba muno, hanzi meet
my girlfriend. Ndikati hezvo ndomudii in the Ta-
ruvinga Family, anogwetera aniko, and she was not

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even as beautiful as you are.”

Tim akati; “Mum, is that necessary?”
Mai Taruvinga vakabva vati; “Listen to me Dorothy
my daughter, you know the new Health Clinic in Chi-
tungwiza right? That is the Taruvinga Dynasty. Daddy
is a Gynaecologist, Tim is a Pharmacist, Loyce is a
Clinical Psychologist, your husband here is a Dentist,
and I am a Nutritionist and we run our place tega as the
Taruvinga family.” Mai Taruvinga vakaseka zvakare
ndokuti kuna Dorothy, “I am sure you understand me
now Dorothy mwanangu, saka Lawyer iyeye aizo-
iteiko pano? Taiita nyaya dzechii naye?”
VaTaruvinga vakabva vati; “So what’s your area of
interest Dorothy? I know soon you would want to spe-
cialize in a certain area.”
Mai Taruvinga ndovakapindura, “Gynaecology or
Pediatrics so that unoshanda nadaddy, then we will be
fine, all services and references at one place. We can
even send you to the States or to SA for that, handitika
daddy?” Amai Taruvinga vakadaro zvekuti hapana
akazotaura, mumba makambonyararwa mave
kunzikwa kurovana kwemapanga nezvipunu mundiro.
Dorothy ange ave kusemburwa nematongero aiita
amai ava mumba umu, akanyara kuoneka, ange ave
kuda kutovasiya asati apedza kudya. Mushure mekudya
vakandogara pamasofa vachinwa wine and juice,
vashandi vavo vachibvisa zvinhu paDining table.
“Welcome Dorothy, welcome, so like I was saying,
the right wing of this house ndokumba kwana Tim and

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his family, and ini nadaddy we are at the middle, so

imimi you will occupy the left wing. Its only bed-
rooms, your lounge and bathrooms there, the kitchen
and dining we all sit together here everyday. This is
who we are. So after a day’s work at our Clinic we will
have time to share and plan for tomorrow. That will be
ok with you handiti, because amaiguru vako ava likes
it.” Dorothy akaramba akanyarara.
Vamwe vese vakazviona kuti muenzi ange asisina
mufaro asi mai Taruvinga was too busy to notice, “You
see, varungu vese vane Diabetes, BP, Cancer, all nutri-
tion and diet related diseases dzinokonzerwa nemari
yakawandisa are my clients. Kuma State hospitals uko
you deal with vekushaya mari vacho, kwashi dzese un-
dernutrition yese. But as for me, vana vese vane obesity
nemadzimai avo, will be our clients, overnutrition yese.
That’s why I suggest you specialize in Pediatrics…..”
“Ndinoda kuita Neuro Surgeon amai.” Dorothy
akazodaro.
Mai Taruvinga vakaseka chaizvo ndokuti; “Ah nhai
mwanangu, why would you do that, it’s boring, its rig-
orous and it’s the most difficult and it will complicate
your life.”
Dorothy akasekawo ndokuti; “I have the brains for
it amai don’t worry about me.”
“Noo, how about kids, tinodaka vazukuru pano apa?
Will you manage to raise kids uchiita maOperation
emisoro yavanhu? After all that’s not a woman’s job.”
“I have a 7 year old son already, so need to rush for

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kids.” Dorothy akadaro as a matter of fact.

Eric akadzipwa akakosora chaizvo, Tim nemukadzi
wake vakatarisa Dorothy vachishamisika, baba vaka-
tarisa mukati megirazi ravo, amai Taruvinga
vachifreezer ruoko rwavo, glass ravo rered wine ra-
gumira pamalips pavange voda kunwa.
“You …. What?? From where?” amai Taruvinga
screamed vachishamisika.
“Ko Eric haana kukuudzai? It was teenage preg-
nancy, I had a baby at 16.”
“Eish hezvoo, hezvoo, shura!” mai Taruvinga vaka-
daro mumba ndokumbonyararwa, Dorothy was enjoy-
ing kuvadzikamisa kwaange aita.
“So you may need to adopt that child Eric ….. abve
aita semwana wenyu because kuchurch uko vanhu
vanotaurisa. Chete you are a Doctor so zviri nane
hazvo. Ummmm inga zvakaoma.” mai Taruvinga
vakadaro vasisina mufaro.
Dorothy akabva ati; “I don’t think baba vake
vanobvuma, my son has a family already, a large ex-
tended family and they all love him.”
“So if you are raising the child together, why are you
not together?” Mai Taruvinga vakabvunza vasvotwa.
“Mai Tim, what kind of a question is that? Ok
vanangu, maita taonana, Eric chiperekedza mumwe
wako.” VaTaruvinga vakazodaro. Dorothy akabva
atangira vamwe vese kusimuka, vamwe vese ndoku-
zosimukawo vomuperekedza.
Pavakangopinda mumota, Eric akabva ati; “What

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was that about?”

“Chii chacho?” Dorothy akadaro asina hanya nazvo.
“Talking to my mother like that?” Eric protested.
“Like what? Pane zvandanyepa here?” Dorothy
akaitawo nharo.
“You were not supposed, to tell her about your son.”
Eric akazodaro.
Dorothy akaseka ndokuti; “My son is never a secret,
and ndange ndichitofunga kuti vanozviziva. If you are
ashamed of my child, inini nababa vake we are not.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Eric akadaro ave
kutsamwa.
“Simple, I love my son.” Dorothy akadaro.
“Are you still in love with the father of your kid?”
Murume akada kunzwisisa.
“Wakambomuona here? What’s your problem?”
Dorothy akadaro ari serious.
“You were rude to my mother, she made extra effort
to make you fit in the family but you were just too dif-
ficult to please ” Eric akadaro akatsamwa.
“Umm shamwari, all I heard was her dictating and
planning everyone’s life. So ndivo vakaita urambane
nemusikana wawaida just because she was a lawyer?”
Dorothy haana kuda kuvanza zvaange aona mumba
maTaruvinga.
“And what is wrong with that? She meant well for
everyone. Wakazoda kuita neuro-surgeon riini?
Wakamboti wani if you do any specializing it will be
gynae, nhasi you are talking about neuro, just to irritate

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my mother handiti?” Eric akadaro.

Dorothy akaramba akanyarara, vakabva vasvika
achibva abuda mumota, “Thanks for the dinner, I will
call your mother ndovati thank you, or sent her flowers
rather.”
“Please, don’t irritate her further.” Eric akadaro asiri
kubuda mumota.
“Ko hausi kupinda here?” Dorothy akazobvunza.
“No, I am not in the mood, I have a lot of explana-
tion to do to my family, you should have waited nda-
vaudza ndega about your son. It’s not everyone who
understands that, inini ndakakunzwisisa, asi wave
kundiita benzi, what is that?”
“Ok, goodnight” Dorothy akadaro ndokundokwira
masteps oenda kuFlat kwake. Achingopinda, Lizzie
akabva ati; “Gara apa, and tell me everything even
nematsengere avo vese, how was it?”
Dorothy akakanda kaPurse kake paCouch ndokuti;
“A disaster, nhasi havarare vachinditaura.” Akabva apa
nhoroondo yese kushamwari yake.
Lizzie akabata muromo ndokuti; “Ndakazviona
zvangu kuti you are not yet ready to meet any new
people. Why don’t you look for Takunda mupedzerane
nhai Dorothy?”
“Ndinotya Lizzie, I don’t want to know kuti haa-
chandida, I don’t want to know kuti he has moved on.
I don’t want that closure. Everytime I try forget him,
ndinowana kumba akatengera Munya lots of things,
now ave kutotengerawo kana namai vangu. I only have

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sweet memories about him, and I want it to remain that

way.” Dorothy akadaro asuwa.
Lizzie akabata shamwari yake ruoko ndokuti; “Still
shamwari, just meet him, and let him break your heart,
find a reason to hate him, murambane, so that you give
room for someone else. Uchagara nefantasy yemunhu
atove nemukadzi nevana vake kusvika rini nhai Doro-
thy? Kana achipa mwana zvinhu but asingade kukuona
kuita sei ikoko?”
Dorothy akaramba akanyarara going down the
memory lane; akati nezeve zeve kunge aitaura ega;
“We were so young…. So innocent, dai maparents ake
asina kufa… maybe things would be different…..He
used to call me Chipochangu….. TK wangu, my
naughty, rowdy Taku …….

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

CHAPTER 25

P aMatanda Farm, kuwirirana kwaTakunda

namai Matanda ange atove magariro, ambuya
Mamoyo vange vokumbirira Takunda kunaM-
wari kuti dai awana basa kumwewo abva apa. Kugara
vakatarisa vaviri ava vachirarama muchivi ichi kwak-
ange kovashaisa rugare. Uye vese pavakaziva kuti am-
buya Mamoyo vanoziva zvekudanana kwavo, vakange
vasingachavanyare kana kuvahwanda. Asi ivo ambuya
Mamoyo vane dzimwe nguva dzavaitovavharira kuti
vasabatwe navaMatanda, izvi zvaishungurudza mweya
waamai ava chaizvo.
Nemumwe musi vakadaidza Takunda vakamuti;
“Taku mwanangu, wakura iwewe, uye wakapedza
Course yako, uchaitei pano? Chitsvaga basa rinoen-
derana neCourse yako ubude mupurazi muno uende
kutown kune vezera rako. Ukabatwa navaMatanda
vanokuuraya.”
“Do you really think I enjoy kuve namai Matanda,
but ndoita sei?” Takunda akadaro.
Ambuya Mamoyo vakadzungudza ndokuti; “Une
mhepo zveshuwa mwana iwe, wodii kwekuita sei? Ibva
pano undoshanda kumwe kusinei nesugar mummy
yako iyi. Tete vako havangakuwanire basa muHarare
here? Kumwe kusafunga kwako kunge une
zvakakuvhara.”
Takunda akaramba akanyarara achishaya kuti
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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

mbuya Mamoyo vaida kuti aite sei.

Vakabva vati; “Shamwari yamai Shamie, Maureen
anokwanisa kukubatsira, anozivana nevanhu chaizvo
rega tigomunzwa”
Takunda akangogutsurira ndokuramba akanyarara.
Masikati acho Maureen akabva atomufonera ndokuti;
“Hanzi naauntie Mamoyo uri kuda basa kuno uku? I
know kwaungariwane but usaudzewoka madam-boss
vako anganditsamwire kukubvisa paari.”
“Its fine, just tell me kuti ndouya rini.” Takunda aka-
daro.
Pakupera kwemwedzi uyu Takunda akaenda mu-
Lounge mababa namai Matanda mavaive vakagara,
ovataurira kuti haachada basa.Baba Matanda vakasham-
isika chaizvo sezvo ange ave mumwe wemhuri yavo asi
vakanzwisisa kuti akurawo, ave kudawo zvihombe
zvekuita zvavaitadza kumupa paFarm pavo.
Vakabva vamuti; “Honestly, I will miss you mpfana,
but I am happy for you, you need new challenges, a
better job and a family of your own. Best wishes, my
home will always be open for you. Udzoke kana
kufona at any time.”
Mai Matanda vakatsamwa zvakatozoshamisa
murume wavo, “Unoenda kupi? Kana uchida more
money unongotauraka nhai.”
“It’s not about mari amai. Nguva yakwana yekuti
ndichibva pano.”
“After zvese zvandakakuitira? Ndokusatenda ikoko
…..” mai Matanda vakadaro nehasha.

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VaMatanda vachibva vati; “Ah wakamuitireiko

mwana uyu zvandisingazive zvaanofanira kukuripa
neupenyu hwake? He has to go, oroora sei
akangounganirwa nechembere pano? Takunda mwa-
nangu, isusu as a family we benefitted more from you
than zvatakakupa.” VaMatanda vakadaro, asi Mai
Matanda vakafemereka nehasha.
Weekend iyi vaMatanda vakapa Takunda open
truck yavo akatakura zvinhu zvake zvese. Akasiya zvese
zvavakange vawedzera muroom make. Akaita mai
Matanda vekutiza nekuti vaidya moto vachimurambi-
dza kuenda.
Takunda akange awanirwa basa paGarage rema-
bhazi muguta makare, asi mazuva ese lunch hour,
Maureen aiuya kuzomutora ondomutengera lunch.
Uye kuzondomusiya kuHighfields kumba kwake sezvo
ange asina mota yake. Izvi zvakaramba zvichiitika
kusvika mamwe mazuva Maureen ave kundoswera
akavharirana naTakunda kuHighfields kumba kwa-
Takunda.
Mai Matanda vakasara vakagumbuka chaizvo, uye
vainyanya kutsamwa nekuti Takunda aisadavira fone
yake pese pavaimufonera. Nemumwe musi vakaenda
kuHarare, pavakapedza shopping yavo on a Saturday
afternoon, vakaenda kuHighfields kundoona Takunda
vachida kugadzirisa ukama hwavo. Vakawana mota
yaMaureen yakapaka muMakonese yard umu.
Vakandogogodza muroom maTakunda akavhura
akapfeka short yega, akatota muviri wese nedikita

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kunge marathon sprinter.

“Ko hamuti tipindewo mumba menyu?” Mai
Matanda vakadaro vachiedza kuzvimanikidzira
kupinda muroom maTakunda, vakanzwa kunhuhwira
kweperfume yasahwira wavo yavaiziva kubvira kare
nakare kwese.
“No, ko munoda chii pano? Handichashanda kumba
kwenyuka ini.” Takunda akadaro achivhara musuo kuti
varambe vari panze vese. Mai Matanda vakafamba
vachibvapo vachirwadziwa chaizvo nezvavakange
vaitirwa nekamukuru kechidiki kavakange varera aka,
uye shamwari yavo yemakore. Musi uyu ambuya
Mamoyo vakaudzirirwa nzeve dzikazara, vaiita se-
vaiona Maureen pana ambuya Mamoyo.
“Nhai mai Shamie, hamusi kuona kuti mwana uyu
ane dambudziko? Ndakamukurudzira kubva pano kuti
asiyane nemi andoita zvemudzimai wake nemwana
wake, manje kana mave kuti ave kudanana naMaureen
ah ndazvitadzawo ini.” Ambuya Mamoyo vakadaro.
“Ohooo ndimi nyakutomubvisa pano? Manje inini
ndaive nani ndairega achienda kundoona mwana
wake, tinoda kuona kana Maureen akamuitira zvaka-
daro. ” mai Matanda vakapopota.
“Aiwa kani muzukuru, iwe naMaureen siyai
mwana, haunzwe tsitsi kuti inherera ave kuperera
muchembere asinawo mhuri yake here? Anofanira
kutsvaga amai vemwana wake kana kuroora wezera
rake.” Mbuya vakaedza kutsiura muzukuru wavo.
“Problem yenyu mbuya Chenai munofunga kuti

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you are better than everyone else, munofunga kuti mu-

nogona kugadzirisa nyika, muri assistant waJesu handi-
tika? Ok the three of you will regret this. I am going to
hit back hard mese muchachema, watch me.” Mai
Matanda vakadaro ndokubaya baya fone yavo
vachibuda panze. Vakaita nguva vachitaura pafone
ndokudzoka vaita sekudzikamira hasha dzapera…..
Musi weSvondo iyoyo, vanhu vepaMatanda Farm
vakapembera panguva yemunamato pavakaona Father
Martin de Pores vachisvika naSr Mercy. Kuimba
nekutamba kwemusi uyu kwange kwakapetwa sezvo
munhu wese aipembera kudzoka kwevafudzi vavo.
Youth yakatindingura ngoma, hosho dzikabon-
derana, mhururu nemiridzo aive makwikwi vachiimba;
VaPriste ngavafare
Vave nekururama vaPriste vedu
Vave nekurarama, vasarudzwi venyu ngavafare
Vave nekururarama vaPriste vedu.

Itai kuti vave munyu wapasi mubasa ravo

Simbisai maPriste ose mubasa ravo
Muvadzivirewo kuora kwese
Vadavire nevavariro tsvene
Nekushinga mubasa ravo rinorema.

Mushure meMisa baba Martin de Pores vakati

ngatiitei munamato tikumbire kuchengetedzwa
kwemhuri dzedu, uye vadikanwi vedu vese vataim-
bopinda navo Misa pano vasipo nhasi. Vese vakanamata

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zvavakagutsikana kuti kubata kweMweya Mutsven

kwaive pakati pavo.

Baba Martin de Pores vakadaidza mbuya Mamoyo

vasati vatombobvisa liturgical vestment ravo ravaipfeka
pakuitisa muteuro weMisa.
“Amai, ko mwana wenyu mukomana uya ari kupi?
Mweya wangu hauzorore kusvika ndamuona” Fata
vakadaro.
“Akawana basa mutown, ndokupai fone number
dzake, ndapota baba kana zvichiita mundomuona
svondo rino.” Ambuya Mamoyo vakadaro vachinzwa
kunge mutoro wange wabviswa pavari.
“Yes yes, he has a great calling in the Charismatic
Ministry.”
Mbuya Mamoyo vakatadza kuzvibata vakaona
vaseka vakatarisana nemunhu waMwari, baba Martin
de Pores havana kufara nazvo.
“Ruregerero baba kana ndaseka shoko raMweya
Mutsvene, pane zvakawanda zviri kuitika kumuko-
mana uya.” Ambuya vakazvitsanangura.
Baba Martin de Pores vakangoti “For every knee
shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus
Christ is Lord.”
Ambuya Mamoyo vakabva vati; “Ndokunge muk-
amuwana achiri mupenyu. Asi kana vari Mwari
vataura, zvichaita sekuda kwavo.”
Vashandiri vaMwari vakabva vazoenda ave masikati
makuru.

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Musi weChitatu pasvondo rakatevera, baba Martin

de Pores vakafonera Takunda vakabvumirana kuti
vaizoonana paweekend yevhiki iyoyo. Achingobva
kutaura nababa vezvomweya, Maureen akabva afona
ndokumuti; “Ndeipi darling, baba vepano is out of
town, huya uzorara kumba I want to treat you like
never before.”
Munamato waakange aita nababa Martin de Pores
pafone wakadzoka mumusoro wake asati apindura,
achiri kufunga nekuita sarudzo, Maureen akaenderera;
“Bubble bath, with champaigne in the bath tub, dinner
in bed scattered with roses and petals, in your birthday
suit boy……”
Nekuti satani akakandirwa pano pasi kuti
atiparadzanise naMwari, Takunda akaterera mutemo
wepasi pano. Nyama yake yakadairira zvakasimba
kupinda kudaira kwange kwaita mweya wake
paakange ataura nababa Martin de Pores.
Pakachaya 1800hrs manheru aya, Takunda akange
amira pagedhe reimba yaMaureen kuMabelreign.
Akaenda achizviudza kuti ndiwo waive musi we-
kupedzisira kuita zvakadai naMaureen kana nemukadzi
upi zvake. Akavhurirwa musuo nemurume aishanda
mugarden pamba apa, akangomuti; “Madam vati
musvike muchipinda mumba.”
Takunda akandopinda mumba maakatambirwa
naMaureen akamonera drying towel chete, nyama
dzese dziya dzinonyanya kutosvora maziso dziri panze.

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Mudzimai haana kutambisa nguva, akatanga kubata

mwanakomana waMakonese achimubvisa hembe
dzese. Mbatya dzavo dzakati dungwe rongondo
semazambiya evaroora anowaridzirwa vakatakura
bhokisi akananga kuguva ravatete, dzichivatevera ku-
bathroom yekubedroom kwavo kwakange kwa-
torongedzwa kare.
Takunda akazipirwa nesweet scent yaibva mubath
tub maive nebubbles and salts, mukomana akapinda
ndokugara mumvura, nyama yake ikatapirirwa akati;
ahaa kana pano pasi pachinakidza kudai, vedenga sikuzi
apo handiuyeko.
Maureen akamutambidza kawine glass kaive
nechampaigne, akanwa kamwe chete akagutsikana,
yaive top quality, triple distilled baba.
Vakatanga kunwisana champaigne in between ro-
mantic deep kisses. Takunda akange otadza kana
kuvhura maziso nekutambarara nezvaiitika apa. Akaz-
osvinura achivhunduka nemhere yekutya yakaridzwa
naMaureen achisimuka. Akaona murume ange akabata
60cm long butchers’ knife akamira padivi petub
maaive.
Akamuziva, ndiye aive murume waMaureen, baba
vepamba apa. Maureen paakaona kuti murume wake
ange asina kutarisa iye akatora mukana kubuda mutub
ndokumhanya akashama achisiya varume vari vaviri.
Takunda akakwanisa chete kuti angobuda mutub
kuti atize, akasaidzirwa pasi ndokuumburuka pafloor,
ndokubaiwa nebanga muchipfuva. Muridzi webanga

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akada kutora banga rake asi akaritadza, paaiedza ku-

rivhomora, rakatyoka mubato ndowaakazobuda nawo,
simbi ichisara yakazorora muchipfuva chezai regondo
raAlois naMonica Makonese. Hameno kana vange
vakazorora murugare netsitsi dzaMwari mwana ari pa-
kaminama kudai.
Takunda akamboita chiveve muviri wese asati
atanga kurwadziwa, aingonzwa mhere yairidzwa
naMaureen asi asingamuone. Akaedza kusimuka
ndokuona matiles ese, nemadziro ese mubathroom
umu rave ropa rega rega. Akafamba two steps, ma-
kumbo akapera simba, ndokudonhera pasi, achi-
wedzera kutsikirira banga richinyatsondocheka tsinga
dzemwoyo wake. Akaona Maureen nemumwe munhu
waasina kuziva vave kumubata vachimupfekedza short
yake, achibva adzima.
Tete Caroline vakange votoda kurara
pavakafonerwa naambuya Mamoyo vachivaudza
zvange zvaitika kuna Takunda, vakamhanya vese
naThabani kuHarare Hospital kwaange anzi aendeswa.
Vakasvikirana naMaureen nemushandi wake waaive
naye vakange vaunza Takunda kuchipatara. Vakamira
ipapo vachidongorera nekuterera varapi vaimhanya
vachiita basa ravo pamurwere. Maureen paakangoziva
kuti nditete vaTakunda akabva anyangarika…..
Dorothy akange achangobva kuTheatre and ICU
kwaaishanda mazuva aya. Akange aita zvake overtime
achidzidziswa basa nana Sister, achiteverera varwere
vese vaakange abatsirwa nekudzidziswa kuita surgical

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procedures.
Ave kutobuda Sister vakabva vati; “Doctor Moyo
we have a serious case just come and help while we wait
for the Senior Doctor, he is on his way.” Dorothy
akaenda kwaaidaidzwa akaona tete Carol vakamira
vachinge vakatsika mazimbe anopisa, vakatarisana, tete
ndokunongedza munhu waakange adaidzirwa naSister
in Charge, vakati; “Taku is dying ….”
Dr Moyo vakasvika team yevarapi yaunganira mur-
were, vaisa all necessary life monitoring machines dzai-
taridza kuti murwere achiri mupenyu here kana kuti
asiyana nazvo zvepasi pano izvi.
Dr Moyo vakadaidzira; “Can I have artery forceps to
clamp the vein, Chromic catgut 3/0 to tie the vein, give
2 units of Blood, O negative”.
Varapi vakamhanya kutambidza chiremba zvavaida
mumwe achitora ropa nekuisa pamurwere akange
adeuka ropa chaizvo, zvavaiona vese kuti raerera.
Sister vakange vachiita zvekubaya mishonga
yechiveve as well as sunctioning the blood so that the
doctor could see which major vein was pumping too
much blood vakabva vadaidzira; “patient’s pulse is fall-
ing, oxygen saturation going down, below 40%
now….. Doctor.”
Dr Moyo pavakapedza kusona tsinga dzemurwere
nekukwanisa kumisa ropa raibudira mukati, vakanzwa
Sister voti; “there is no more pulse rate doctor…… we
are losing the patient………..”
Dr D.C. Moyo instructed the Sister; “Vital organs

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deprived of oxygen, improve ventillaion”

Pakambonyararwa mumwe nemumwe achiita basa
rake vachiongorora kuve mupenyu kwemurwere.
Sister vakabva vati; “No more pulse ….. patient is
dead ….. please doctor confirm and certify ……..”

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CHAPTER 26

V arapi vese vakanyarara vakatarisa Chiremba

wavo, Sister in charge aingocheuka cheuka
achitarisira kusvika kwaSenior Doctor, pa-
mutemo webasa vakange vaitisa Dr Moyo basa
raaisafanira kuita ari ega. Iyewo akange aita nharo kuti
aite Surgery ega nekuti vese vakange vaona kuti kana
murwere uyu aizoita five more minutes pasina chaitwa,
aizofa. So she took her chances, kwese kwaive kufa, asi
ambuya mukoti ava vange votyirawo ravo basa, kana
paine zvaizokanganisika pamurwere uyu.
Dorothy akafemedzeka akatarisa all life monitoring
machines zvichidzikira, vamwe varapi vange voto-
mirira kudzima kuti vaendese murwere kuMortuary.
Akafemedzeka kuti awane simba rekuita zvaakange
afunga, akadaidzira; “Give me the Defibrillators! Eve-
ryone move away from the bed. 1, 2, 3!” ndokunamira
iwo maDefibrillators acho pachipfuva chemurwere.
Murwere akatomhuka chipfuva chega , jerking and
shaking, responding to the shock that had been admin-
istered to him ndokudzokera pamubhedha.
Sister vakatarisa all monitors, ndokudaidzirawo,
“Again Doctor 1,2,3!” Pavakati “3!” Chiremba va-
kanamira simbi dzeupenyu pamurwere, chipfuva chake
chakatomhuka zvakare ndokudzokera pamubhedha.
Sister vakadaidzira, “Patient is back! One more time

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Doctor, 1, 2, 3! ……. Yes pulse is back, oxygen satura-

tion over 85%. Congratulations our Junior Doctor, you
saved a life!”
Dr Moyo vakabva vati; “He needs close monitoring
of vital organs and continuous ventilation. Administer
non-invasive ventilation CPAP, and sent patient to
ICU.” Chiremba vakadhonza makumbo avo ndokun-
domira kumashure kweteam yebasa ravo, vakoti vave
kupedzisa kugadzira murwere kuti achibuda umu.
Takunda Makonese akange ararama, mupi weupenyu
akange aregera kuparadzanisa nyama nemweya wake.
Dr Moyo vakabvisa nhumbi dzese dzebasa ndoku-
buda, vakasekerera vachimbundikirana natete Carol,
vakangoeredza misodzi vakatarisana ndokuparadzana
pasina mashoko.
Dr Moyo vakabva vadaidzwa vopa report kuna su-
pervisor and mentor wavo akange achangosvika, achi-
gadzirisawo nekupedzisa zvekuti murwere
achinyatsobudirira pakurwisa kwake kudzoka
kuupenyu.
Dorothy akambomira mira kusvika midnight achi-
funga kuti Takunda aizomuka, asi haana kumuka, uye
haana kuzonyepera kufazve. All monitors were show-
ing kuti mupenyu uye ari very stable, asi akange asinga
pfakanyiki kana kuvhura ziso zvako.
Musi uyu Dorothy akandorara kuHighfields kuna
amai vake, achivatsanangurira zvakange zvaitika. Aive
asina chokwadi kuti kwaizoedza baba vaMunya vari
vapenyu here, saka aida support system yaaiwana muna

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amai vake chete.

Pane kuti vatye kana kusuwa, amai Chipochashe
vakaseka ndokuti; “Adzoka kumba mukwasha wangu
tinotenda Mwari.” Dorothy haana kuvanzwisisa.
Takunda akaita Svondo rese akanyarara achirarama
nemishini muchipatara. PaSvondo repiri akange abuda
muICU, ave kufema ega asi asingakwanise kudya, uye
aingogara akarara asingavhure maziso.
Mumwe musi uri pakati peSvondo, vadzidzi veMed-
icine vaidzidziswa vachiona varwere vakange vabuda
muICU, Dorothy aivemowo naDoctor vaaishanda
navo.
Dr Manjogo vakapinda nemaStudents avo
ndokutaura naSr in Charge ndokubva vaenda pabed
pemwana akange abudawo muICU, vakatsanangura all
procedures zvakange zvaitwa pamwana uyu.
Sr in charge vaitarisa maDrip avo pana Takunda
akabva asimudza ruoko ndokukosora for the first time
in two weeks. Vese vakamutarisa, ndokufamba
vachiswedera paari. Doctor vaishanda naDorothy
vakaenda pamurwere wavo, votarisa vachifadzwa
nedevelopment iyi. Mudzidzisi Chiremba
ndokutsanangura zvaaida kuti vadzidzi vazive kana
murwere achibva muComa.
Takunda akagomera ndokuzevezera zvisina
akanzwa. Sr in Charge vakati; “Takunda, uri muhospi-
tal, Takunda, uri kundinzwa?” Vese vakanyarara vaka-
mutarisa vachida kunzwa kuti achapindura kuti chii.
Dr D.C. Moyo hana yairovera mukanwa chaimo.

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Takunda akanyemwerera ari kuhope dzake idzi

ndokutaurazve zvisina akanzwa, Sister in charge
vakaswedera padyo ndokuti; “Taura ndiri kukunzwa.”
Takunda akazonyatsoshama muromo ndokuti;
“Chi-po-changuu,…….” Akatadza kuenderera
ndokudzokera kurara.
Pavanhu vese vaivepo vakangoti hameno zvaitaurwa
kuhope dzeurwere, asi icho chipo chacho chaitsvagwa
apa chakanzwisisa. Akabata muromo wake kuti vamwe
vake vasaona kunyemwerera kwaange ave kuita.
Vakazoterera zvaitaurwa naDr Manjogo kumastudents
ave kunzwa kutsva, she was just too anxious, aida
kufonera tete Carol.
Pavakabuda vese Dorothy akacheuka moyo wave
kurwadza achiona kushaya simba kwange kwakaita
baba vemwana wake. Akadzokera achigadzirisa stetho-
scope yake kunge pane zvaaida kuita pamurwere
ndokundoti munzeve maTakunda;
“Wake up baba Munya shamwari, I know you are
strong, unomuka chete Taku iwe.” Akamubata ruoko
rwaange ambosimudza.
Akamuti zvakare; “TK ….. who is the man?!!”
akanzwa ruoko rwake rwave kubatwawo akamutarisa
akaona avhura maziso ake vakatarisana, Takunda
ndokuti; “My angel…. Chi…po…changu” akadzokera
kurara zvakare. Dorothy akaswera akafara, varwere
vese vaakabatsira musi uyu met the angel in her ….
Tete Carol avo vakange vazopiwa mbatya
dzaTakunda naMaureen, vaive necellphone yake, saka

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vakange vakwanisa kutaura naFather Martin de Pores

pavaifona vachitsvaga Takunda.
Manheru aya vakasangana pachipatara, Father
vakauya naSister Maria Goretti naSister Mercy vaive
the prayer warriors of Charismatic Renewal team in the
Diocese. Vese vakaita munamato, vakabatana maoko
Sister Maria Goretti reversing the curse yavakange vapa
Takunda, vese vachibatsirana munamato breaking the
curse. Father Martin de Pores declared a new life and a
new beginning in love and fear of the Lord for
Takunda, the Priest glorified the God of mercy and
loving kindness nekuda kweupenyu hwaTakunda.
Pavhiki yakatevera, Takunda akange oswera akasvi-
nurawo like a normal human being. Kana kumuka ach-
igara nekuita nyaya zvange zvave kuendeka.
Paakabvunzwa nevarapi nezvekukuvara kwake akati
pakange pasina chaairangarira dai vawana munhu aka-
muunza muchipatara, of which hapana aimuziva.
Nemumwe musi manheru, Dorothy akatadza ku-
rara, akamuka pakati peusiku, ndokuenda kuchipatara
kwaive naTakunda.
“Wazvinzwaka kuti ndakudaidza?” Takunda aka-
daro achisekerera akatarisa amai vemwana wake, Dor-
othy akagara pachair yaive on his bed side. Dorothy
akangonyemwerera.
“I just failed to sleep ndikafunga kuzokuona, ndisiri
busy, pasina vanhu, its 2am, and ndiri kutanga basa
na1pm nhasi masikati.”
“I was calling you in my heart, we need to talk. Or

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

rather, I have some things to tell you.” Takunda aka-

daro.
“I love you mai Munya, I never stopped loving you.
Handiti you know kuti I lost my inheritance? To that
woman who separated us? I had two other issues with
other women, older women, married women. It led me
to this situation. If you want details I can tell you, but I
am not comfortable with it at all. It’s a past I want to
forget. If I don’t tell you, am sure no one will, because
noone knows about it, unless you meet the women
themselves. They are secret affairs that I only confessed
to the Priest when I made peace with my God. I am
sorry.”
Dorothy akaramba akanyarara.
“All that time ndaikufunga kuti tiite imba yedu, but
somehow I kept away from you. Hatina kumboram-
bana Chipochangu, you are the greatest gift my father
left for me. Forgive me Dorothy.”
Dorothy akabata Takunda ruoko ndokuti; “I was
angry with you, why did you abandon me Takunda? I
had sweet memories of our love, I lingered on, but I
was becoming tired, impatient. Then you showed up
in a pool of blood.” Dorothy akademba.
“You are my wife Chipochangu, never leave me.
Please can we start again. You are the only woman I
have ever loved. Come back to me.”
Takunda kissed ruoko rwaDorothy rwaange aka-
bata. Akabva aenderera;
“I have a request mai Munya, while I am in hospital

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

kudai, can I have a thorough medical examination, all

blood tests, so that pandinobuda, I will be a healthy
husband and father to you and Munya. Kana paine
zvandinonzwa zvisingarapike, I will let you go
Chipochangu. You deserve the best.”
“I love you Takunda, I don’t want to know the de-
tails of the painful bondage you were in. I thank God
for saving your life and bringing us back together
again.” Dorothy akazodaro.
Takunda akazotanga kubvunza nezvaMunya,
vakaseka Dorothy achitaura behaviour yaAlois jnr
yakafanana neyababa vake. Akazobuda umu murwere
aneta ave kukotsira vachitaura.
Father Martin de Pores vaiswera naTakunda paHos-
pital vachimuitisa Bible Study, focusing on the Gifts of
the Holy Spirit. Paakabuda muchipatara, tete Caroline
vakaenda naye kumba kwavo, vakange varegererana
mhosva dzakare nemukwasha wake Thabani. Dorothy
naMunyaradzi vakabatsira chaizvo kuti baba veimba
yavo vakurumidze kupora.
Paakanyatsopora, akaenda kumba kwana Dorothy
ondoona ambuya vake nemwana wake. Akapfugamira
amai vaDorothy achichema nekukumbira ruregerero
nekuvatenda kuvepo kwavo vachichengeta mwana
wake.
Vakangozomuti; “Pane zvatakatsanangurirwa
naFather Martin de Pores naSister Maria Goretti nez-
veupenyu hwako. Sister vakaita zvinhu zvinotyisa
chaizvo paupenyu hwako. Saka yaisave mhosva yako.

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Uri mwana wangu Takunda, handimbokuoni

semukwasha aiwa.”
KuChurch ange onyanya kushanda naFather Martin
de Pores, kwese vaienda vese, kundoitisa Misa muma-
ruzevha, kana kuMatanda Farm vaienda vese. Kuyouth
all night prayers, Takunda aiwanikwa ari shasha kuku-
rudzira Youth kunamata achivataurira nezveupenyu
hwake, uye kunhongwa kwaakange aitwa naJesu ari
mukati mezvivi zvekutukwa kweupenyu hwake, be-
cause of the mistakes of his youthful ways.
He also received the gift of praying in tongues, he
had the anointing of prayer. Anytime, anywhere, any-
how mabvi ake never hesitated to touch the ground
and worship Jehovah El Elyon, The Most High God.
Pavaifamba vachishumira, Father Martin de Pores
vaimutungamidza in devotion and interceding.
Kana Dorothy akatanga aine doubt pakusanduka
kwaTakunda, akange asingachazezi kubatwa musoro
achinamatirwa naTK. Mazuva ekutanga zvaimusetsa
achiti kutamba, kusvika musi wavakazoenda vese kuall
night prayer akazomuona in action, the Holy Spirit us-
ing him in a mighty way zvakaisawo amai mwana pa-
mabvi avo.
Paupenyu hwaTakunda, amai Chipochashe, vain-
goti ko handiti “the word of God is alive and active,
sharper than any double edged sword. It cuts all the
way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where
joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires
and thoughts of the heart”. Hebrews 4:12. Ko chiiko

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

chingavanzike pamberi paMwari, Mwari ndivo vaiziva

zvikonzero nezvinangwa pamusoro pazvese zvakange
zvaitika nezvazvaiitirwa.
Takunda akaita mwedzi mitatu asingaende kubasa
achirarama nemari yaDr Dorothy naambuya vake. Dr
Chipochangu vakange vamuti zvekumbosimudza
matyre emabhazi neemagonyeti zvaisaenderana neu-
tano hwake. Zvekubibidzurana nemaGear box zvaizo-
dimbura tsinga yemoyo wake yaakange asona,
Takunda gladly followed the Doctor’s orders.
Pamwedzi wechina abuda muchipatara, Father Mar-
tin de Pores vakaona kuti Takunda akange asimba
chaizvo, vakatanga kunamatira kuti awane basa. He
was a dad and husband-to-be, vaiziva kuti aifanira kuve
provider kumudzimai wake nemwana wake.
Nemumwe musi baba Martin de Pores vachan-
gopedza munamato naTakunda, vakabva vamuti;
“Pane organisation yakatanga manje manje inonzi
Catholic Aids Action, inopa vanhu chikafu in rural ar-
eas. So vane maTrucks and a fleet of cars dzinofamba
in those areas. Vanoda Logistics Manager, send in your
application. I will put in a good word for you to the
Director Father Zaugg, he is Swiss and one of us. Van-
odawo munhu ari muchurch to work with.” Takunda
akafara chaizvo and claimed and received the job in Je-
sus’ name.
After the interviews, Takunda akabva awana basa as
the Logistics Manager of Catholic Aids Action, iye, na-

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vamwe 5 vaivewo neDifferent positions in the Organ-

isation vakabva vaendeswa kuSwirtzerland
kwemwedzi miviri kwavakandoita orientation and
training vasati vatanga basa.
Paakadzoka, achitangawo basa full time, akasvika
achibudisa maroja ese mumba yekuHighfields, vaka-
tora nguva yavo naDorothy kutenga furniture ye-
mumba umu. Akaita some renovations, painting,
nekuisawo durawall pamba yababa vake. Akadaidza
vana baba fata nevamwe vashoma vaainamata navo,
tete Carol, Dorothy namai vake paakapedza zvese izvi
vakaita kaHouse warming party kavo vega.
Vari pakati pekufara, kudya nekunwa, Takunda
akavanyaradza vese ndokuti; “Munya has something to
say, please listen to my son hama dzangu.”
Alois Munyaradzi akaenda paive pakagara amai vake
ndokuti; “Mummy hanzi nadaddy, will you marry me?
Ambuya hanzi nadaddy vanochata rini?”
Dorothy akatambira engagement ring yaakapiwa
nemwana wake.
Vanhu vese vakaombera vachifara, tete Carol akari-
dza mhururu yaibva pasi pemoyo wake. Takunda
akasimuka ndokundopfugama pamberi paamai
Chipochashe, ivo vakasimuka ndokubata mukwasha
wavo maoko ese giving him the blessings of a loving,
happy, satisfied parent……

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CHAPTER 27

M ushure mekundoroora, Takunda naDorothy

vakatanga kugadzirira muchato wavo, vaigara
vese kuimba yekwaMakonese kuHighfield,
Munyaradzi aienda kwese kwaambuya vake kana
kuvabereki vake. Nemumwe musi we Svondo,
Takunda nemhuri yake vachibva kuchurch,
akafonerwa naDetective vakange vaita nyaya yake
paakabirwa naLudisia Punjabi.
“Mukadzi uya akakuvhara mari yako takamuwana
wena. Ane nyaya dzakawanda dzaakaita, akazobatwa
nevamwe an Indian family yaakamboshandira
avanyebera kuve stranded. But as it is, it’s a syndicate,
iye anoti haatozive the big bosses, anopiwa assignments
of targeted researched families, otora pfuma yese, oisa
in a bank account in Jorburg, she gets paid like that. So
there is no hope kuti you can recover anything ” De-
tective vakatsanangura, vakapedzisa vachiti; “Aripo
paCentral Police Station kana uchida kuzomuona.”
Takunda akakurumidza kuti; “If there is no hope
yekuti ndingawane anything then I let it go. But if it’s
necessary for me to testify against her kuti macharges
ake awande I will gladly do that. Mozondiudzawo.”
Takunda akabva akaisa fone pasi.
Dorothy akabva amuti; “Wadii wangoenda maybe
angadzorere something, zvese zvongorova here nhai?”
“No, I don’t want to see her, just let it go please.”
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Takunda akadaro maziso ari muroad.

Dorothy akabva ati; “I was just thinking kuti maybe
angadzosa something tigovakawo imba yedu faster,
somewhere in the Low density…” Takunda akatarisa
mudzimai wake nekona yeziso ndokuti;
“I will make sure you get your dream mansion
Chipochangu, soon, but remember, imba yambuya
vaMunya first, then yedu isusu later. Just be patient,
give me time.” VaMakonese vakatsanangurira
mudzimai wavo.
Dorothy akambonyarara ndokuzoti; “Saka zvaka-
biwa zvongorova here?”
VaMakonese vakadzungudza musoro ndokuti;
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new crea-
ture: old things have passed away, and look, new things
have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17’. I trust God for new
things, I don’t want to take back things that the evil one
once tempered with.”
Takunda akamboseka ndokubata Chipochashe ru-
oko achiti; “Ko iwe, the day I met some guys, part of
that Indian lady syndicate in Vic Falls, they quoted
Psalm 127:2 ‘It is vain for you to rise early, come home
late, and work so hard for your food. Yes He can pro-
vide for those whom He loves even when they sleep’
“Can you imagine, sweetie, mbavha kundidaro and
I believed it. But now I have a deeper understanding of
His word, I can say the same word over my life now. I
trust God for restoration, He will give me double the

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 TRAIN UP A CHILD

wealth that my dad had ….. only if He sees it neces-

sary.”
Takunda akambonyarara achinge ane zvaaifunga
ndokuzoti; “Sometimes I wake up during the night and
join the angels written in Revelations 4: 9-11,
ndichitenda Mwari nekukuchengeta kwavakakuita for
me. Dai ndakazodzoka watorwa nerimwe boorangoma
ndaiita sei?”
Dorothy akafa nekuseka akatarisa Takunda; “You
are not serious…. Iwewe wakayerera nemuIndia nda-
katarisa wani?”
“Baba ndovanobvumidzwa kupenga vachidzoka
handitika amai Makonese, imimi amai munomira
panzvimbo…..” Takunda akadaro ave kupaka mota
pamba pavo, akazobuda mumota ave kutiza angongo-
dzwa musoro negogo yaDoctor amai Makonese.
Vakawana baba namai Mashonganiso vakavamirira
pamba pavo, vakakwazisana vachifara chaizvo, amai
Mashonganiso vachisekerera ziso riri pana Munyaradzi
mwana wavakarera. Vakapinda mumba vese ndoku-
gara pasi, mai Makonese ndokupa vaenzi vavo twekun-
wira nwira.
VaMashonganiso vakabva vazoti; “Shefu ndine
nyaya, ndisati ndataura ndinoti mundiregererewo pane
zvakaitika kare ikoko.”
Vese Takunda naDorothy vakatereresa kuti vanzwe
kuti yaive nyaya yei.
“Paye pamakatengesa macombi ese, 2 akasara nda-

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kakunyeperai kuti ange asati apera kubhadharwa, ndi-

kakusainisai agreement of sale and change of owner-
ship. Ruregerero shefu, ndaitsvagawo kurarama.”
Takunda kambopukuta dikita range rosinira ku-
meso kwake nekushamisika.
“NdomaCombi andakandotanga nawo business
randinaro nhasi iri, and ndakabudirira chaizvo, saka
kana kutenda Mwari kwangu kuri kwechokwadi,
ndauya kuzodzorera pfuma yekwaMakonese,
ndichitenda baba venyu vakandidzidzisa business,
nemukana wamakandipawo nyangwe maisaziva ma-
zuva iwayo. Ndave nemaCombi 6, saka ndiri kud-
zorera maviri out of the 4 new ones andakatenga.
Ndeenyu shefu TK.”
VaMashonganiso vakabva vanyarara. Takunda
akambosimuka ndokubuda achindorohwa nemhepo,
mudzimai wake akamutevera vakamboita nguva varipo
vachitaurirana. Vakadzoka ndokubva ati;
“Ndinotenda kuvimbika kwenyu, uye kuona kubata
kwaMwari muupenyu hwenyu……” Takunda akazo-
daro.
“No no no shefu, ini ndini ndinofanira kutenda,
maive mwana mudiki. Ndinotenda kunzwisisa
kwenyu. We are family sezvataive Mudhara achiripo.”
Varume vakasimuka ndokubatana maoko.
Vakazoronga kuti maCombi acho azouya pamba pa-
Makonese apa.
Pakati peSvondo iri, Father Martin de Pores vaiita
Bible Study pachurch, vaikwanisa vaiuya after work,

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kuzodzidza zvakawanda zvakavanzika mushoko raM-

wari. Takunda ndiye aitungamira minamato
yekutanga vasati vatanga Bible studying. Musi uyu
vakaenda mhuri yese, mai Munya, mbuya vaMunya
uye tete Caroline nemhuri yavowo.
Father Martin de Pores vaive nedzidziso yaiti;

BREAKING CURSES

WHAT IS A CURSE?

Let us look at what is a curse. I will define cursing

using basic principles, try to explain the mind set be-
hind cursing - what drives us to it and explain how you
can apply this understanding to break curses. Under-
standing what a curse is helps us in breaking the power
of curses.
Many people fail to discern the oppressing impact
on others of their curses. Not only that, Jesus said that
there is great power and authority in all the words we
speak. Therefore words spoken in anger as well as our
mean gossip can act as if they were curses.
Please realize that counter measures must be taken
to break curses because curses have real power and do
real damage. Christians should thank God for being
our Defender and Protector and claim this protection
daily. A more active approach is necessary to break
curses if we discern we are being oppressed by a curse.
Our Lord Jesus is more than a Saviour, He is also

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our Deliverer. Many of God’s people are living in cap-

tivity, because a lack of knowledge of their true identity
in Christ.
"You will open the eyes of the blind. You will free
the captives from prison, releasing those who sit in dark
dungeons (Isaiah 42:7)". "Through you I am saying to
the prisoners of darkness, ’Come out, into the light’! I
am giving you your freedom! (Isaiah49:9)".
Say to those who are afraid, “Be strong, and do not
fear, for your God is comingto destroy your enemies.
He is coming to save you.” (Isaiah 35:4).

Be aware of the Lord’s prayer: …and lead us not into

temptation, but deliver us from evil. Jesus Christ is not
only your Saviour but also your Deliverer. And once
delivered: …that we, being delivered from the hand of
our enemies, might serve him without fear, In holiness
and righteousness beforeHim, all the days of our life.
(Luke 1:74-75).
A curse may be defined by the negative impact it has
if it is not recognized and broken
A curse may have a negative, destructive or evil im-
pact on another's life. However, it also has negative
impact on the one who curses. You need to learn to
defend against the impact of a curses directed against
you. But also, don't yourself curse others. You may be
shooting yourself in the foot. Yes, curses can boomer-
ang back - a case of 'return to sender.' Apart from that
the unseen result of cursing another is that you become

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oppressed by your own curse and more vulnerable to

the curses of others. (The principle is that God is not
your defender if you take over defending yourself by
attacking others. Judgement is God's.)
A curse may take different forms. Many of these can
be unconscious. In any case all forms of cursing would
be considered sinful. Not all are verbal. I believe deep
negative 'feelings' against another can act as curses. A
curse may involve witchcraft ( a hex) to tap into de-
monic power,

1. However, it also may involve a fixed attitude

of hatred toward a person. The thoughts and
intents of our heart do impact others.
2. Even ‘prayers’ can act as curses. Controlling or
'witchcraft" prayers in which we attempt to
impose our will on God or another can act like
a curse; bring oppression.
3. Prayers made in unbelief, for example involve
prayers that focus on the illness or problem
(praying the problem), can act like curses. Do
not focus your imagination on the problem ra-
ther speak God's word based on listening
prayer and godly promises as lead by the Holy
Spirit.
4. Strong words angrily expressed wishing harm
upon a person, with or without an oath, act as
curses.

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5. Malicious gossip, discussing negative about an-

other with evil intent, can act like a curse
bringing heaviness and trouble.
6. Verbal abuse, which may involve name calling,
with or without swearing, acts like a curse.
7. Even professional labels, diagnostic labels, at-
taching a diagnosis upon a yourself or another
person can act like a curse. For example, a
medical doctor says that you have cancer thus
predicting that sickness or harm will befall
you. Out of fear and confidence in the profes-
sional's authority you receive the message and
give in to the predicted and feared out-
come. Faith in God and God's healing power
must be interjected into the news of any diag-
nosis.

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES INVOLVED

IN CURSING
We are made in God's Image. Here is what the cre-
ation account says about curses:

1. Made in God's image suggests that we have

creative power. We give life to things from
our human spirit.
2. Spirit - God's breath giving us life - is ex-
pressed in our breath and through our words.

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3. Therefore, there is power and authority in our

words.
4. Adam's first assignment was to name the ani-
mals. We wrongly use this authority when we
assign negative labels to people. When we
give them bad names.

Jesus speaks about curses (and the misuse of our

words against others). Jesus says

1. That we are accountable for the words we

speak.
2. That by our words we are justified or con-
demned.
3. That we are to bless and curse not.
4. That we are to pray for those who curse us.
5. That calling down fire upon a village is not
motivated by God's Spirit.

THE POWER BEHIND THE CURSE

CURSES RELEASE DEMONS.

One theory is that curses derive their power from

demons. A demon is released by the curse. A demon
can be given authority to act both by the careless neg-
ative words we utter and by hostile evil words we utter

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in hate and frustration.

Once released the demonic has permission to do
what it was told to do (until it is completed).
If the person against whom the curse is uttered is
well protected (hidden in Christ, signed with the cross),
then the demon may fuflill the assignment against an-
other - even against the one who sent it out. Thus a
curse may boomerang against the curser. My sugges-
tion is that you daily ask for complete protection, ask-
ing to be hidden in Christ, covered with the blood of
the New Covenant, surrounded with God's presence as
a shield.
Slander, accusation, name calling, malicious gossip,
negative words spoken against a person may well em-
power evil to oppress either the one cursed or the
curser.
The other theory or perspective is that the human
spirit by itself may generate sufficient evil power - by
meditating on negative, hateful, hostile thoughts - to
create evil destructive murderous energy. This per-
spective take seriously the image of God as meaning
co-creation and charges us to be careful with what we
are creating in our heart, mind and imagination and
what is expressed in our words.
Either way the power behind the curse must be pro-
tected against. Sometimes the curse must be actively
broken.
When more than protection is needed - if there are
powerful curses coming at you - then I would suggest

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that you actively cut them off / destroy them as sug-

gested by Psalm 118: 11 and 12. Speak the words out
loud. In addition you may ask Jesus to step between
you and the person sending the curse. Let Jesus be your
shield, picture it is so and thank God that it is so.

WHY CURSE? WHAT MOTIVATES

CURSING?
Anger, hostility, animosity, envy, jealousy, fear,
need for control, a sense of inadequacy, helplessnes and
the need for power - any of these can build up the hate-
ful energy released in a curse. Brooding upon negative,
hateful, judgmental thoughts; stoking these negative
emotions, builds up an emotional charge that can be
released with murderous intent and destructive impact
with a curse.

BREAKING OF A CURSE
Jesus would ask: "Do you want to be healed?" So step
#1 is to answer that question. "Jesus I do want this curse
to be broken. I do need to be set free from this curse."
Who does it? Ask Jesus to take over the action and
we would ask Him to break this curse. So step #2 is to
declare: "Jesus you are Lord of this process. You are my
Healer, my Saviour and my Deliverer. I don't just need
help. I need you to take over and break this curse.

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Thank you."
Ask forgiveness for any way we have believed this
curse and thereby given it power.

PRAYER TO BE DELIVERED FROM

PAST CURSES
1. O delivering arm of the LORD, bring me out
from the pit of the dead in the name of Jesus.
2. You powers monitoring my life and stealing
from me, restore what you’ve stolen and die in
the name of Jesus.
3. By the redemptive blood of Jesus, I cut off
every soul tie with ancestral powers of my
place of birth in Jesus’ name.
4. You champion of the devil occupying my seat,
clear out by fire in the name of Jesus.
5. O LORD, dispatch unto me your angel of
power, in the name of Jesus.
6. I speak destruction unto the roots and fruits of
the anti-Christ in my life in the name of Jesus.
7. I clear my goods from the warehouse of the
strongman in the name of Jesus Christ.
8. O LORD, show me what is hidden concerning
my life in the name of Jesus.
9. Holy Spirit, activate my spirit, soul and body
for revival in Jesus’ name.

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10. O LORD, please do not transfer my divine as-

signment to another in the mighty name of Je-
sus.
11. If my divine assignment has already been with-
drawn, O LORD, have mercy on me and give
me one more chances in the name of Jesus.
12. O LORD, open my spiritual understanding to-
day in the name of Jesus.
13. I thank You for Your eternal love dear Father.

And the Makonese family lived in love and protec-

tion of the Lord Jesus, happily ever after ……

END OF SERIES

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