Dr Mesheck Munyaradzi.What He is Saying is Give Peace a Chance!
Doctor of Philosophy graduate, Dr Mesheck Munyaradzi’s dream is to establish an internationally recognised NGO that focuses on creating peace, and reconciling families, societies and nations.
Munyaradzi, who is a Teacher, said his envisaged organisation would also cater for the needy, especially orphans, widows, the elderly and the physically challenged.
His doctoral research was titled: “A Strategy to Building More Peaceful Schools in KwaZulu-Natal through Effective Management: An investigation of Peace Building Teams”. The aim was to investigate ways of building more peaceful schools in KwaZulu-Natal and to investigate the role of management in peace building efforts.
He said the study focus was on an intervention strategy in the form of peace-building teams, and to test their efficacy in creating peaceful schools.
People most likely to benefit from the research are learners, educators, school management bodies, parents, communities and the country as a whole.
‘If the youth are encouraged early enough to embrace non-violence as a way of life, this would positively impact on the socio-economic crises that many nations are currently battling with,’ said Munyaradzi.
Receiving his masters degree cum laude was a highlight of his studies and the motivation for his doctoral degree, which he completed in three years.
Balancing being a full-time Teacher, an Acting Principal and completing his PhD studies meant a lot of sacrifices.
‘At first it was difficult for my wife and children but to God be the Glory they quickly became supportive and we handled the load together. I have lived a life that focused on little else except my studies for the past six years,’ said Munyaradzi.
He thanked his wife, son and daughter, and also acknowledged his supervisor, Dr Sylvia Kaye; Dr Webster Zambara; family friend Ms Cynthia Govender, and his academic friends, educators and learners.
‘My supervisor offered encouragement and constructive criticism all the time. Family member Dr Zambara consistently urged me to forge onward.’