NUMBERS are more than just figures.
They tell stories, stories that are distinct and unmistakable.
As such the recent revelations about cases of Sexually Transmitted Infections that are on the increase are disturbing.
But more worrying is the number of children and young adults affected.
The highest number of affected people is students in universities, colleges and children in high schools.
These figures tell a horrific story.
They are an indicator of moral decadence, a total breakdown of our moral values.
Have we forgotten our children in the battle for survival?
Who is to blame for this fiasco?
As the media have we played our role in enlightening our young or we continue to serve agendas that have totally forgotten that we have children that need guidance?
We have a future that we must shape.
We have dedicated acres and acres of space to issues some that do not even help one iota to our development agenda.
A nation is its people, the people’s abilities, the people’s achievements and above all its young.
The moment we neglect our young we are doomed.
And there is no greater indictment against us than these released figures of sexually transmitted diseases riddling our children.
We are to blame.
There are no excuses, our children are our responsibility and we must shoulder the blame for their failure and shortcomings.
As a nation we must engage and ensure that we address this problem that threatens to derail the successes we are achieving.
It is common knowledge that STIs have become synonymous with HIV infection.
It is time we allocate resources to our students, we might be facing a serious liquidity crunch but we must ensure that our children are protected and safe.
As we rekindle the Zimbabwean spirit and restore confidence in ourselves and build a Zimbabwean ethos we must not leave our children behind.
They are the future, all we are fighting for and building will come to naught if inherited by a youth that has lost its way.
It is not just hardships that have led to these alarming figures but loss and degradation of our cultural values.
It is time that our youths become part and parcel of the development agenda, actively participating and valuing themselves.
The last decade and a half has been a difficult time for everyone.
Many of us have lost their cultural and spiritual bearings over the last years, we must restore a sense of purpose and self-respect.
All young people need guidance, direction and support from the older generations and it is through explaining our values and ideologies to them that they may be nurtured into real patriots who believe in their own country.
Our tradition and heritage as Zimbabweans should never be compromised. Any values that promote and instill Hunhu/Ubuntu should be entrenched in the hearts of Zimbabweans.
Times might be difficult but that is no excuse for our students to sell their bodies.
They must be part and parcel of the entrepreneurial endeavours to earn a decent living.
We will not accept claims that we have failed our children.
We all must interact to find the best way to alleviate the hardships we are all facing.
This unfortunate circumstance must not be used to score cheap political goals, we all must put our heads together to come up with a sustainable solution.