I am in Gweru. And it looks like everything is changed totally from the environment to the people. Especially the Midlands State University students. It is summertime. Blazing hot! You look to your left. You see young ladies –some in hot shorts, some in hot skirts, some in short dresses and some in those tight-fitting summer clothes.You swerve your head to look to the right and you see halterneck tops and dresses. It is hot and the only thing one needs is fresh air and a bit of body freedom from the scorching sun..

Then it clicks in my mind, does dressing really matter? Before, I was as confused as any other student about how to reconcile religious norms with my wardrobe. Religions differ: some churches in Zimbabwe don’t approve of trousers and some do. Some don’t approve of short-sleeve dresses or blouses. Why am I writing about this? It is because students around campus used to laugh at each other because of dressing. Some were said to be full of the SRB (which is the Strong Rural Background), and some, who claim to be up-to-date with fashion (the so-called salads), were said to be Attention Seekers.

Some students were now behaving like dogs let off their leashes just trying to fit in not knowing it is harmful to their reputation or, should I say, religious values. Most churches in Gweru have been trying to settle this issue and it seems to have really worked. Last week there was the all-night prayer by Heartfelt Ministries followed by the whole weekend of bliss by ZAOGA for students to grow in spirit together and accept each other despite religious differences.

A clap of applause to churches in Gweru — the likes of ZAOGA ,United Methodist Church, UFIC and ZCC for encouraging youth prayer gatherings, most of them on campus, for any who is willing.

On behalf of the students of the Midlands State, I would like to say thank you for the job well done. One can now attend a youth meeting or service without feeling out of place or uncomfortable.