Local author Kudakwashe Muganu recently published his second book titled Who does not want to quit school?, which addresses the critical issue of education in the country.
Muganu was inspired to write this book due to the alarming high dropout rates in Zimbabwe.
“Young people’s desire to attend school is diminishing,” he said.
“They no longer appreciate the value of education and are instead drawn to the allure of quick money.
“Consequently, many children end up abusing drugs or alcohol, being teenage parents, engaging in gang-related activities, or participating in other harmful behaviours.
“This results in a significant waste of childhood due to unproductive pursuits with detrimental consequences.”
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Muganu emphasises that the book is relevant to everyone, as it covers various aspects of life.
“Learning is a life-long process. The moment we cease to learn is the beginning of our decline,” he said.
“Today, people acquire knowledge through online platforms, newspapers, and magazines. Formal schooling is not the sole avenue for education.
“For instance, a spouse aspiring to become a good cook to foster a happy family can be considered a student.
“By seeking out cookbooks, DVDs, online tutorials, or mentorship, they actively engage in learning.”
While acknowledging the challenges associated with school, Muganu highlights its numerous benefits.
“Education enhances critical thinking, improves reasoning, and broadens one’s worldview. Essentially, our external perception is a reflection of our internal knowledge,” he said.
Muganu admits that finding time to write amidst a busy schedule was a challenge.
“I view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. To overcome this, I adopted a strategy of writing during the night, recognising the importance of effective time management,” he said.
The author has developed resilience to handle negative criticism and views constructive feedback as an opportunity for improvement.
Muganu’s first book titled The Power of Wisdom, focused on helping people navigate the challenges of post-Covid-19 life.
He was motivated to write it due to the widespread confusion and uncertainty following the pandemic.
In recognition of his literary contributions, Muganu was awarded the Zimbabwe Achievers Award for Author of the Year 2023.