Speaker: Mr. Dzvengwe
Introduction
On Day 4 of the MUMC gathering, Mr. Dzvengwe delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the importance of empowering the boy child. He emphasized that the future of society depends on how well today’s boys are nurtured, guided, and equipped to become responsible men.
He defined empowerment as instilling and equipping boys with the values, skills, faith, and courage needed to become responsible men.
“Empower” means kupa masimba, instilling confidence and capability in the next generation.
As fathers and Christian men, we have a responsibility to invest in boys so that they can achieve even greater things than we have accomplished.
“It is our duty sana baba to empower them zvizere so that they can excel beyond what we have done.”
The presentation was divided into three key areas: the challenges facing the boy child, the biblical perspective, and practical ways of empowering boys.
Part 1: Challenges Facing the Boy Child
Drug and Substance Abuse
One of the greatest threats facing young boys today is the increasing prevalence of drugs and substance abuse. Many young people are being exposed to harmful influences that can derail their future.
Parents and church leaders must remain vigilant and provide guidance before boys are trapped in destructive habits.
Peer Pressure
Peer pressure continues to influence many young boys negatively.
Mr. Dzvengwe encouraged parents to teach contentment.
“Let’s teach our children to be content.”
When boys learn to appreciate what they have and understand their identity in Christ, they are less likely to be swayed by unhealthy influences.
Moral Decline
Society has undergone significant changes over the years.
In the past, elders within the community had the authority to correct and discipline children. Today, many young people have become increasingly rebellious, and correction is often resisted.
However, parents and church leaders still have a duty to guide children.
“Some children do what they do without knowing that it is wrong. Let’s look for a polite way yekutsiura.”
Discipline should be firm, loving, and constructive.
Lack of Male Role Models
Many boys grow up without strong father figures in their lives.
In some homes, fathers are absent physically or emotionally, leaving young boys without guidance and mentorship.
Mr. Dzvengwe challenged MUMC members to step into this gap.
“If we do not shape the boy child, who will mould them for us?”
As Christian men and Vabvuwi, we have a responsibility to help guide and educate boys who may lack positive male influences.
Social Media Influence
While technology provides opportunities for learning, social media can also expose boys to unhealthy lifestyles, values, and behaviors.
Parents and mentors need to help boys navigate the digital world wisely and responsibly.
Lack of Confidence
Many young men struggle with self-confidence and often wait for opportunities instead of creating them.
There is a growing need to encourage boys to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams, and develop the courage to establish their own legacy rather than depending entirely on others for employment and direction.
Part 2: What Does the Bible Say?
Mr. Dzvengwe highlighted several Scriptures that provide guidance on raising and empowering children.
Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
This verse reminds parents and guardians that spiritual and moral training begins at a young age.
Deuteronomy 6:6–7
God commands His people to teach His principles diligently to their children through everyday life experiences and conversations.
1 Corinthians 11:1
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
This scripture emphasizes the importance of leading by example.
Mr. Dzvengwe noted that children often learn more from what they observe than from what they are told.
“Vana vedu learn more from copying us than what we teach them.”
Everything we do should be done with commitment and confidence so that our children understand what responsible Christian living looks like.
Part 3: Practical Ways of Empowering the Boy Child
Mentorship and Guidance
One practical strategy is pairing boys with mature Christian men who can offer advice, support, and direction.
Mentorship helps boys navigate life’s challenges while learning from godly examples.
There is also a need to establish mentorship groups that focus on issues affecting the boy child.
Creating Opportunities for Interaction
Boys have many questions and a strong desire to learn, but often they do not know where to begin.
Parents, church leaders, and mentors must intentionally spend time with them, listen to them, and create opportunities for meaningful conversations.
Teaching Golden Values
The boy child should be grounded in essential values such as:
- Integrity
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Purity
These values form the foundation of responsible adulthood and godly leadership.
Teaching Humility and Service
Mr. Dzvengwe shared a profound principle:
“Ukanzwisisa huranda usiri muranda, paunozoita muranda it will be a walkover.”
When boys learn humility, service, and discipline early in life, they are better prepared for future responsibilities and leadership.
Entrepreneurship and Skills Development
With employment opportunities becoming increasingly limited, boys must be taught to create opportunities for themselves.
“Teach them entrepreneurship.”
Young people should be encouraged to develop practical skills alongside academic education.
A child should understand that life rewards diligence and hard work.
“Mwana ngaadzidziswe kuti hupenyu inhava yebenzi.”
Education and practical skills should go hand in hand.
Avoid Over-Spoiling the Boy Child
Parents were encouraged not to do everything for their sons.
Boys should learn responsibility by performing tasks themselves rather than depending entirely on maids, gardeners, or other household workers.
Responsibility develops character and independence.
Financial Literacy
Boys should be taught how money is earned, managed, saved, and invested.
Understanding financial stewardship at an early age prepares them to become responsible providers and leaders in the future.
Career Guidance
Parents should take time to understand their children’s passions and interests.
“Know what your child’s passion is.”
When a child’s aspirations are worthwhile, families should support and nurture those dreams. Where adjustments are necessary, guidance should be provided with wisdom and encouragement.
Creating Safe Spaces
There is a need for open conversations with boys.
Many issues require listening before judgment.
Young people should feel safe discussing their struggles, fears, questions, and concerns without fear of condemnation.
A listening ear often opens the door to meaningful guidance.
Involvement in Church Activities
The church provides a valuable platform for growth and development.
By involving boys in church programs and responsibilities, they gain:
- A sense of purpose.
- Leadership skills.
- Confidence.
- Spiritual maturity.
Participation helps them discover their gifts while strengthening their relationship with God.
Community Outreach Exposure
Boys should accompany adults during outreach programs and evangelistic activities.
“Panonoparidzwa they get exposed.”
Such experiences expose them to different lifestyles and challenges while teaching resilience, compassion, and practical ministry.
Experiencing both comfort and hardship helps prepare them for the realities of life.
Learning Through Experience
Mr. Dzvengwe reminded the gathering that every life experience carries value.
“In life there is no useless experience.”
Difficult experiences often build resilience, perseverance, and character that become essential later in life.
The ability to say:
“Ndamborarama mugwengwa musina mvura but I have to soldier on”
creates strength and determination for future challenges.
Leadership Development and Continuity
Boys should be exposed to church leadership structures and committees.
They should learn about various church responsibilities, including administrative and leadership roles.
This exposure builds confidence, creates a sense of ownership, and prepares the next generation of church leaders.
The more children are involved in church life, the more opportunities they have to encounter God and strengthen their prayer lives.
Conclusion
Empowering the boy child is not optional—it is a responsibility entrusted to parents, mentors, church leaders, and society as a whole.
If we desire responsible generations tomorrow, we must intentionally invest in boys today through mentorship, biblical teaching, skills development, discipline, entrepreneurship, leadership opportunities, and spiritual formation.
Above all, every achievement, skill, and blessing must point back to God.
“Above all, kudenga kuna Mwari. Ngatidzidzisei vana kuti mari yatsvagwa, ma skills avanawo, zvese zvinobva kuna Mwari.”
As MUMC, we are called to raise boys who are spiritually grounded, morally upright, hardworking, confident, and fully aware that their purpose and success come from God. Such young men will become responsible fathers, leaders, and role models who will build strong families, strong churches, and strong generations for the future.