By Fanuel Chinowaita
MUTARE – Hartlane Christian School held its Valediction and Speech Night in Mutare last week, honouring high-achieving learners and urging families to remain alert to growing social challenges that continue to affect young people in Zimbabwe.
The event, held at Living Waters Churches Auditorium in the central business district, brought together students, teachers, parents and invited guests. The ceremony included academic awards, Christian leadership citations and special recognitions across different levels.
Speaking during the programme, school Director Mrs Nherera said the institution was founded on a belief that Christian education was necessary for a generation described as vulnerable to moral decline.
“We are living in a society where drugs are targeting our teenage children, where teenage pregnancies are rising, and where morals appear to be decaying,” she said. “This is why our vision is not only academic excellence, but strong character grounded in Christian values.”
Nherera also spoke about the school’s journey since its establishment, describing it as a personal calling.
“My husband and I tried to run away from teaching after graduation and went into farming,” she said. “But just like Jonah, we eventually found ourselves right back where God intended us to be.”
Teachers and the Principal were publicly acknowledged for what parents described as exceptional commitment.
Parent Mrs Sadia Seckam thanked staff for prioritising both classroom learning and moral shaping.
“This school is raising disciplined and God-fearing children,” she said. “We are grateful for teachers who go beyond academics to guide our children’s hearts.”
Keynote speaker Moffat Machingura, a bestselling author and motivational teacher, urged learners to focus on purpose and resist negative influences.
“When a teenager is passionate about their future and about their God-given purpose, the distractions of the world lose their power,” he said. “Purpose keeps young people from falling into the traps surrounding them today.”
Machingura noted that strengthening Christian foundations among young people was now “a matter of urgent national importance”.
Parents who attended said the school had become a trusted nurturing space in a challenging environment.
“We are leaving today encouraged that our children are safe here,” said one parent. “This school shapes futures and character, not just grades.”
Located in Mutare, Hartlane Christian School describes its mission as equipping learners with academic skills while building moral resilience.
Nherera said the institution would continue to “teach, guide and pray for young people” as part of its guiding philosophy.
“Our task is not only to prepare students for examinations,” she said. “Our mission is to prepare them for life.”