‘Time is Expensive’: International Speakers urge Nkulumane High Learners to Avoid Drugs and Make Right Choices

Loraine Phiri

Learners at Nkulumane High School were urged to avoid drug abuse and make responsible life choices during a motivational tour led by Kingdom Empowerment and Man of War, aimed at guiding young people at a critical stage of their lives.

The initiative brought together motivational speakers, community leaders and international guests who shared personal testimonies and encouraged learners to prioritise education, discipline and faith as foundations for character and purpose.

One of the guest speakers, Alvino January, a former drug addict who spent time in prison in South Africa, gave a candid account of how poor decisions during his school years led to 13 years of addiction and incarceration.

“My problems started when I was still in school uniform like you,” January told the learners. “What began as cigarettes progressed to dagga and then to hard-core drugs. Eventually my life spiralled out of control and I ended up in prison because I did not listen to my parents and teachers.”

He contrasted his experiences with those of former classmates who focused on their education and are now professionals.
“Some of the people I was in class with are doctors, lawyers and business owners, and what do I have? Nothing but a criminal record,” he said, noting that a criminal record makes it difficult to secure employment, particularly in South Africa.

January urged students to learn from the mistakes of others and to value time and opportunity.
“I lost 13 years of my life trying to impress friends. Time is expensive and you can never recover lost time. Your background does not matter what separates successful and unsuccessful people is the choices they make,” he said.

He credited faith with transforming his life, saying God gave him the strength to overcome addiction.
“As we start 2026, make up your mind and take your life seriously. Tomorrow is not promised, and you cannot do anything without God,” January said. “I gave God a chance and He restored my life. Today I am travelling the world motivating young people to make the right choices. Use your time wisely — when it is time to study, focus and practise.”

Ward 22 councillor Bruce Moyo also addressed the learners, emphasising discipline, leadership and faith.

“When I look at you, I see leaders,” said Cllr Moyo, the youngest councillor in Bulawayo. “The discipline I received at school shaped the person I am today and enables me to make an impact.”.

He encouraged learners to believe in their dreams and to play an active role in transforming their community.

“Spiritual grounding is key to leadership. In all you do, start with God,” he said. “Nkulumane is blessed and favoured. Tap into that environment and be inspired to make a difference.”

American-based motivational speaker Dr Carolyn Jackson Grace told learners that greatness exists within everyone, regardless of circumstances.

“You can do great things with your life despite whatever is happening around you,” she said. “Wrong decisions, wrong environments and the wrong company can cost you everything. The choices you make from this stage forward truly matter.”

She highlighted the importance of consistency and resilience, adding that academic excellence alone does not determine success.
“You don’t have to be the smartest student to succeed. You just have to keep showing up. Failure does not mean you should quit,” she said.

Dr Jackson Grace also emphasised the role of faith in providing direction and purpose.
“Everyone has a ‘why’ a purpose for which they were created,” she said. “God has a plan for your life, and if you ask Him for guidance, He will direct and order your steps.”

Speaking on behalf of the student body, the Nkulumane High School head girl thanked the organisers and guests for the engagement.
“The session was insightful and motivating. We are encouraged to apply what we have learned and to take our lives and studies seriously,” she said.

The organisers said the outreach forms part of a broader faith-based youth empowerment campaign aimed at promoting positive choices, discipline and spiritual growth among learners.